To further boost the tourism potential in Central Visayas, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is now poised to maximize the magnetic charm of the Cebu-Bohol tandem.
DOT undersecretary for tourism planning and promotions Eduardo Jarque Jr. said that tourism stakeholders in Cebu and Bohol should maximize the provinces’ potential to lure a considerable number of foreign travelers, and Cebu-Bohol tour package should be intensified further.
"Not every attraction is a destination but the Cebu-Bohol package has all the components to make it both an attraction and a destination," said Jarque.
Cebu as a shopping and entertainment destination among foreigners could complement Bohol’s edge as a haven for eco-tours, while the two attractions are top beach resort destinations in the Philippines.
Jarque mentioned that Cebu and Bohol’s tourism landscapes have improved to be more dynamic, as accessibility to these provinces to the international market has grown, with the entry of more chartered flights coming from Russia, China, and other Asian countries.
This effort could downplay the impression that Cebu and Bohol are now competing as tourism destinations, while Bohol has become a stand-alone tourism haven.
He added that the scheduled opening of the Panglao International Airport in 2010 could further boost the tourism edge of Bohol, including Cebu, if the destination tandem will be intensified further.
Aside from the in-placed support infrastructure components that will make Cebu and Bohol the top-notch destinations of choice to foreign travelers, Jarque said the readiness of Cebuanos and Boholanos to accommodate or accept the influx of more foreign tourists is a very important component that will further push up the promotion of the two destinations to the foreign market.
"Never have I seen the private sector and the community has been so responsive to tourism," he said, expressing his appreciation of the Cebu Provincial Government–led Suroy-Suroy Sugbo that has brought huge interest among foreigners and locals to visit the countryside.
"Cebu and Bohol have the formula where tourists are treated as guests and this will certainly sustain the industry," he said.
Bohol, which is known for its acclaimed eco-tourism advantage, the new concept discovered which is called "carabao spa" will be an added attraction where over 100 carabaos immerse themselves in a pool of water and mud after a day’s hard labor.