THE Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Bohol remain a top tourist attraction in the province. (Photo via Calvin Cordova)
CEBU CITY – The province of Bohol recorded an increase in tourist arrivals in 2025.
Joanne Pinat, head of the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office (BPTO), said a partial report showed that the province welcomed 1,427,362 tourists in 2025, 4.18 percent higher compared to 2024.
Domestic tourists accounted for 58.99 percent of total arrivals, 3.3 percent lower than 2024. The BPTO attributed the decline to shifting travel patterns.
Citing data from the Department of Tourism from January to October, BPTO said more Filipinos traveled abroad than foreign visitors entering the country during the same period.
The spike in tourist arrivals in the province was attributed to the foreign market with a 14.75 percent increase.
Bohol’s top foreign source markets remain South Korea, China, the United States, Taiwan, and France. The BPTO added that Spain, Australia, and Russia registered the highest growth rates.
Growth in European arrivals was attributed to Bohol’s active participation in international travel fairs and tourism missions.
“Despite challenges affecting the tourism sector, including national concerns, regional competition, and environmental pressures, Bohol continues to demonstrate resilience and remains globally competitive as a tourism destination,” Pinat said.
Among the country’s 82 provinces, Bohol has been recognized by tourism industry stakeholders and international experts as the Best Tourism Destination Province in the Philippines.
The Chocolate Hills Complex remained the most visited tourist site, while Quinale Beach ranked second, reflecting successful efforts to disperse tourism activities beyond
Panglao Island and promote development in other areas of the province.
In the accommodation sector, the number of tourism establishments increased to 1,034 from 976 in 2024.
The percentage of accredited establishments rose from 20 percent to 25 percent, indicating stronger compliance with quality and service standards.
A major milestone in 2025 was the approval of the Provincial Sustainable Tourism Code of Bohol, which provides a comprehensive framework for tourism governance, including environmental safeguards, carrying capacity management, accreditation, and community benefit mechanisms.