By I. Inojales | 09:54 PM February 09, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — Bohol’s tourism industry grew by 4.18 percent in 2025, fueled mainly by rising foreign arrivals and strengthened sustainability policies, reinforcing the province’s status as the country’s first and only United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) Global Geopark and Regenerative Island.
The Bohol Provincial Tourism Office (BPTO) reported 1,427,362 tourist arrivals last year. Officer-in-charge Joanne Pinat presented the figures during the provincial government’s flag ceremony on Feb. 9 at the New Provincial Capitol.
Domestic travelers accounted for 58.99 percent of total arrivals but declined by 3.3 percent year-on-year, a trend attributed to shifting travel patterns as more Filipinos opted to travel overseas, based on Department of Tourism data. In contrast, foreign arrivals surged by 14.75 percent, led by visitors from South Korea, China, the United States, Taiwan, and France. Spain, Australia, and Russia recorded the fastest growth, reflecting broader market diversification.
BPTO said European arrivals were boosted by Bohol’s participation in international travel fairs and tourism missions, with its Unesco Global Geopark designation further strengthening its appeal as a high-value, sustainable destination.
Building on this momentum, Pinat said charter flights from Japan are expected to begin in May, targeting high-spending and culturally aligned markets.
Bohol has been recognized by tourism stakeholders and international experts as the Philippines’ Best Tourism Destination Province among 82 provinces. Despite these accolades, Pinat stressed that tourism challenges persist and that managing tourism remains a shared responsibility, noting that Bohol aims to be not just a destination but a model of sustainable development.
The province’s selection as host of major international events, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) meetings this year, also highlighted its growing reputation as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) destination, with officials citing compliance with regional standards on security, infrastructure, and services.
Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills Complex remained the most visited site in 2025, followed by Quinale Beach, as the provincial government continued efforts to disperse tourism beyond Panglao Island. The number of registered tourism establishments rose to 1,034 from 976 in 2024, while accredited establishments increased from 20 percent to 25 percent.
A key milestone last year was the enactment of the Provincial Sustainable Tourism Code of Bohol, which sets guidelines on environmental protection, carrying capacity, accreditation, and community benefits. The ordinance was passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan following extensive stakeholder consultations.
As part of Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado’s Strategic Change Agenda, Bohol is preparing for the revalidation of its Unesco Global Geopark status.
Tourism officials said priorities for 2026 include tourism product development, expanded geotourism circuits, and stronger gastronomy, culture, heritage, and community-based tourism initiatives. With reports from PIMO
