Favorite destination? Balik sa Bohol

By Leo Udtohan 

Provincial and local officials lead by Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado at the huge replica of "urna" (wooden house shrine for religious icons) during the Philippine Travel Mart held at SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Sept. 29-October 2, 2022. Contributed photos

After two-year hiatus, the Philippine Tour Operators Association Inc. (Philtoa) returned the longest-running interactive tourism expo, Philippine Travel Mart (PTM). 

At least 60 exhibitors from Bohol province joined the PTM held at SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City. 

For its 33rd edition, the PTM’s theme is “Safe Travels.”  

"Of course, it's safe to travel to Bohol," said Panglao tourism officer Anthony Ceniza who is currently in Manila for the PTM. 

The last time I attended the PTM was in 2001-2005, when Bohol was hailed as number one tourist destination in the country. Familiar faces on past PTMs were Panglao former mayors Benedicto Alcala, Doloreich Dumaluan and Nila Montero, Panglao's First Lady Ma'am Annie Arcay, Rico Guigue, Arthur Bagcat, Roldan Cuevas, Ritchyl Dumaluan-Vallente, Clarita Jorserada and Chai Cruz. 

Attending tourism fairs is a good way for a tour provider to find customers. 

One of this year's exhibitors is Jojo Baritua, 54, proprietor of Pamilacan Island Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours. He said it took him one week to prepare promotional materials such as flyers and brochures. 

He considered it a big factor to join the  three-day event after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic. 

"I'm able to rekindle previous travel agents, connect to network of travel agents and meet new friends. We are able to inform them that Bohol is once again open to tourists," said Baritua in a phone interview. 

Travel Mart, considered the longest-running interactive tourism expo,  has at least 200 exhibitions from local and international participants showcasing exclusive domestic and international travel packages.

The last time Baritua joined the PTM was in 2014. 

His business, which was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, was just back last May this year. 

Although they were several attempts to open the province last year, the shockwaves of COVID-19 still reduced daily visitor numbers to the province. The comeback has been slow, and often painful. 

Baritua said he was hopeful that this year's travel mart could help the economic recovery. 

During the Central Visayas tourism product presentation on Friday, Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado led the official launching of "Balik sa Bohol" Marketing Campaign with the launching of its new campaign video. 

Jojo Baritua of Pamilacan Island Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours, Shieda Lim of Travel Treats Tour Services, Evelyn Banluto of Seaman's World Travel and Tours, Joyce Buhion of Topaz Travel and Tours, and Alma Castanares of One Fine Travel and Tours. Contributed photo

 

 

 

Other officials who joined the opening of the PTM were Reps. Edgar Chatto, Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado and Alexie Besas-Tutor, board members Jamie Villamor, Tita Baja and Nathaniel Binlod, Carmen Mayor Che Toribio- Delos Reyes, Provincial Tourism Council chairperson Atty. Doi Nunag, provincial administrator Aster Caberte, Benjie Oliva, Lourdes Sultan, Bohol Tourism Officer Josephine Remolador- Cabarrus, and other stakeholders. 

Aumentado said the provincial government brings Bohol closer to travelers as its tourism is now steadily recovering from the restrictions imposed for almost two years. 

For the first half of this year alone, the province recorded a 52 percent growth in the number of tourists arriving in the province. 

Aumentado said he has to ensure that Bohol can offer new kinds of experiences that will surely make their visit a memorable one.

"Bohol is more than just the beaches of Panglao Island, Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, the historic churches, or the tarsier viewing. We can offer you a lot. As part of our development agenda under our new administration, we want to diversify our tourism offerings. We want to make sure that tourists experience Bohol from many perspectives," Aumentado said. 

He said as eco-tourism destination, the provincial government will also introduce new ones such as sustainable tourism, smart tourism, cultural tourism, and halal tourism. It will also strengthen sports tourism capacity as it plans to hold more sporting events in the province.

"In order to fulfill all of these, we have to guarantee our peace and order situation. We will improve our existing infrastructures and construct new ones. We will strictly enforce safety procedures in every step of the tourism industry," he said.

Villamor, vice chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Committee on Tourism, called Boholanos and Filipinos to proudly showcase and promote our culture, identity, arts and attractions. 

"As we envision to accelerate the economic growth of our province and of the country and empower local communities, we are moving forward to working on the strengthening of our tourism industry," said Villamor. 

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