Airplanes, seacrafts woes affect Bohol tourist arrivals

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — The limited facilities of the Tagbilaran Airport, delayed flights, and the erratic trips of fastcrafts have affected tourism in Bohol, which now lags behind Cebu and Negros Oriental in terms of tourist arrivals despite the province’s tourist attractions, promotion and marketing.

Partial report of the Department of Tourism-Region 7 shows that of the total 1.2 million tourist arrivals in Central Visayas for the first four months of this year, Cebu has 844,794, Negros Oriental has 153,346, Bohol has 143,388 and Siquijor has 13,643.

The record posted an increase by 15.52 percent compared to the same period last year, according to DOT-7.

The reasons were obvious. Cebu has more rooms, resorts, hotels and ports. It has an international airport that offers direct flights from other countries and caters to around 30 flights a day, while Tagbilaran Airport could only accommodate eight flights a day.

Provincial Administrator Alfonso Damalerio II said the tourism industry stakeholders in Bohol had raised some concerns during the National Tourism Congress held at the Bohol Tropics recently.

There was a time when a fastcraft company had a problem with the Philippine Ports Authority, while another one had to repair its vessels and the trips had to be cancelled.

The tourism industry stakeholders in Bohol also noted the new policy of the International Civil Aeronautics Organization (ICAO), which only allows one airplane to park at the airport apron, considering the size and standard of Tagbilaran Airport.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) used to allow two aircrafts at the Tagbilaran Airport until the new policy of ICAO, they said, adding that some tourists noted Cebu and Negros Oriental have more accessible and more efficient transport system.

The presentation and analysis about tourism marketing and promotion of the different provinces in the country also showed that the local government units (LGUs) are now competing stiffly in tourism promotions.

“This is a challenge to us, especially to our stakeholders. That is why, we encourage LGUs in Bohol to develop attractions and destinations for the tourists to fascinate them more and encourage them to stay longer here,” added Damalerio. (FREEMAN)