AUMENTADO
CEBU CITY – The province of Bohol is intensifying its regulation of tour packages to give hassle-free visitor experiences while protecting legitimate operators and the province’s natural assets.
Transparent and fair pricing are among the measures that the province is taking to protect its tourism.
Tourism, environmental, and community stakeholders outlined ongoing efforts to curb unregistered tour operations and standardize prices across major destinations.
Joanne Pinat, officer–in-charge of the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office (BPTO), said regulating tour packages is essential to maintaining industry integrity and safeguarding visitors.
"We have tariffs and visible pricing that can be found in our tourism pages, tourism platforms links, and all accredited service providers, operators, transport service providers, tour guides," Pinat said.
She added that the provincial government, led by Gov. Aris Aumentado, continues to address sectoral issues through direct coordination and practice sustainable tourism outlined in the Strategic Change Agenda.
"We have constant engagement with tour operators, tour guides, transport sector so we can discuss issues and we call the attention of the tourism suppliers," Pinat added.
In Panglao, operators and community groups previously disseminated transport tariffs to prevent unfair competition, especially in congested areas such as Alona Beach.
The local government unit reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring compliance and coordinating with provincial offices and tourism stakeholders.
"Rest assured nga ang mga commuters sa Panglao, naay taripa nga gisunod," said Roque Cubar, OIC MENRO and municipal accountant.
Accredited operators emphasized that transparent pricing ensures tourists get the quality they pay for, from transportation to guided itineraries.
Tour operator Mary Rose Edubas said package rates vary based on group size, budget, itinerary, meals, souvenirs, and transport needs.
Edubas, proprietor and general Manager of Ramyer Travel and Tours, said that some guests perceive food prices as high only.
"There are eateries who offer affordable food. It’s just that some guests are not familiar and they are not guided,” Edubas added.
Edubas advised tourists to choose accredited operators so that issues can be swiftly addressed.