The Sandugo sa Bohol fever reached its peak with the 3rd Tourism and Travel Expo, which took place at the Island City Mall Activity Center from August 2. Judilyn Quiachon, Assistant Secretary for Regional Monitoring Services of the Department of Tourism (DOT), praised the expo as a collaborative showcase of Bohol’s finest tourism offerings. She highlighted that the event not only displayed the province’s attractions but also reaffirmed the collective commitment to strengthening and enhancing the local tourism sector.
Quiachon also noted that “Bohol is now the third most favored destination among Koreans,” pointing out a remarkable 200% increase in flights at the Bohol Panglao International Airport compared to the same period last year.
Board Member Jiselle Rae Aumentado Villamor, Vice Chair of the Committee on Tourism and Chair of the Committee on Environment of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, represented Acting Governor Tita Baja during the opening program. Villamor emphasized the need to protect Bohol’s environment and natural resources, stressing the importance of balancing environmental preservation with economic development. She pointed out that this balance is in line with Bohol’s status as the first and only UNESCO Global Geopark in the Philippines.
Doer Escoto, President of the Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts, and Restaurants, highlighted the significant progress Bohol’s tourism industry has made in recent years. He stressed the importance of resilience, innovation, and collaboration in maintaining the industry’s strength and adaptability, ensuring that Bohol remains a top destination for travelers.
Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap emphasized the collective commitment to promoting and enhancing the tourism sector, describing it as a cornerstone of the province’s economic growth.
Organized by the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office, the expo featured exceptional deals from various tourism industry players. Participating local government units (LGUs) included Danao, Anda, Tubigon, Lila, and Alburquerque. Exhibitors included Parklane Bohol Resort and Spa, Best Western Plus – The Ivywall Resort Panglao, Oceanica Resort, South Farm, North Zen Villas (Panglao), Solea Coast Resort Panglao, H Resort – The Coral Cliff, Abraham Resort, Fox and The Firefly Cottages, SUP Tours Philippines, Danao Adventure Park (under LGU Danao), Tourism Anda (under LGU Anda), Tubigon Raffia Gallery (under LGU Tubigon), Loboc River Resort, Donatela Resort and Sanctuary, Graham ATV & Bugcar Rental, Rioverde Floating Resto, Kinaiyahan Forest Park, LV Travel and Tours and Transport Services, Dagohoy World Travel, Bohol Alliance of Travel and Tour Operators (BATTO), and Cocoberry.
Flower arrangement and styling were provided by Bohol Flowers and Concept – PINASuprise by Arvin Tahil.
The event was made possible through partnerships with the Department of Tourism Philippines, the Provincial Government of Bohol, the City of Tagbilaran, Bohol Island Geopark, Bohol Integrated Development Foundation Inc. (BIDEF), Alturas Group of Companies, Island City Mall, and Converge ICT Solutions Inc.
Joanne Pinat, Officer in Charge of the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office (BPTO), expressed her gratitude to the tourism leaders and partners who supported the expo.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Villamor, Quiachon, Yap, Escoto, along with Board Member Lucille Lagunay, Miss Bohol 2024 Carl Joellie Tentativa, Mario Cirujales of the Alturas Group, and JP Maslog representing Congresswoman Vanessa Aumentado. The event also featured performances by the Lumad Panglaoanon Cultural Troupe and the Quiachon Sisters, adding vibrancy to the occasion.
This Tourism and Travel Expo was a significant part of the larger and more dynamic Sandugo sa Bohol celebration. The revitalized ‘Sandugo’ brand has been elevated through the implementation of “whole-of-society” and “whole-of-community” approaches, aligned with Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado’s Strategic Change Agenda.
