By PR | 02:25 PM September 07, 2024
Experience Bohol Island Geopark (BIG) was the province’s call for tourists and travelers as it took the stage on Day 2 of the 35th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) on September 7 at the SMX Convention Center.
“Take off beaten trails, connect with locals, be one with nature,” Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado said, of the invitation to experience Bohol.
The governor took pride in the province’s rich natural and cultural heritage as he boasted of over a million visitor arrivals in 2023 and increasing domestic and international flights.
Moreover, Aumentado underscored the province’s efforts to balance progress with sustainability by upholding environmental and cultural heritage safeguards aligned with its sustainable tourism agenda and its designation as the country’s first and only global geopark.
He also recognized the Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Visayas through incoming Regional Director Judy Gabato and Asec. Judilyn Quiachon for featuring Bohol as a major destination in the heart of the country for the Central Visayas booth.
The Bohol Alliance of Travel and Tour Operators (BATTO) led by its president Lourdes Sultan facilitated the product presentation.
New Bohol packages such as culinary tours, wildlife tours, nature and adventure trails, and heritage-based tourism products enticed the audience.
Highlighted during the premier travel event was the raffia, an indigenous material made from buri palm, incorporated in the booth design depicting marine biodiversity.
It was also in the spotlight during a mini-fashion show that paraded the designs of Shanon Pamaong.
The Bohol stage concluded with an impromptu dance to Balik sa Bohol led by provincial officials including Aumentado, Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, Board Members Jamie Aumentado Villamor and Lucille Lagunay, and Mayors Joseph Rañola and William Jao of Jagna and Tubigon, respectively.
Tourism and travel industry partners also took part in the travel expo, such as the Provincial Tourism Council, LGUs of Loboc, Panglao, Anda, and Tubigon, along with the Parklane Bohol Resort and Spa, Loboc River Cruise, H Resort—The Coral Cliff, and Tubigon Raffia Gallery.
Bohol Beach Club, Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort Panglao, The Bellevue Resort, Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, Oceanica Resort Panglao, Amorita Resort, and Danao Adventure Park also set up booths during the PTM. (PIMO/LMS)
Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado invites tourists and travelers to Experience Bohol Island Geopark during the product presentation at the 35th Philippine Travel Mart on September 7 at the SMX Convention Center.
A model shows off a Love the Philippines sign during the mini raffia fashion show during the Bohol stage of the 35th Philippine Travel Mart on September 7 at the SMX Convention Center.
