By I. Inojales | 03:45 PM May 17, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado is pursuing stronger collaboration with national agencies to further expand the province’s tourism industry, including a proposal to implement a “Visa Upon Arrival” scheme for foreign tourists visiting Bohol.
In a Facebook post on May 13, Aumentado said he met with Bernardita Angara-Mathay, secretary of the Department of Tourism, together with Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, to discuss measures aimed at making travel to Bohol more convenient and attractive to international visitors.
Among the proposals discussed was the possible implementation of a visa-upon-arrival arrangement in Bohol to simplify entry procedures for tourists.
“Atong gihangyo si DOT Sec. Mathay na mahimong VISA upon arrival ang Bohol para mas sayon sa mga tourista pagbisita nato. Kini aron mas daghang turista ang maattract ug madasig nga moanhi sa probinsya tungod kay makapadali ug makapasayon kini sa ilang proseso sa pagbisita sa Bohol,” Aumentado said.
Opportunities
The governor said the initiative is expected to help attract more foreign travelers and create additional opportunities for Bohol’s tourism industry, local economy, and livelihoods.
The proposal came on the heels of the successful arrival of Bohol’s first direct chartered flight from Japan on May 2, which brought 163 Japanese tourists from Narita International Airport to Bohol–Panglao International Airport via Cebu Pacific.
The chartered flight was organized by JTB Asia Pacific Corporation and was made possible through the support of tourism stakeholders following the governor’s business mission to Japan last year.
During the welcome reception for the Japanese tourists, Aumentado disclosed that the provincial government has been coordinating with Aboitiz InfraCapital, the Department of Tourism, and the Department of Foreign Affairs to explore additional international chartered flights and improve arrival procedures for visitors from neighboring Asian countries.
He expressed optimism that stronger international connectivity would continue to fuel growth in Bohol’s tourism sector despite economic challenges.
“Nalipay kita sa kalamboan sa atong turismo sa Bohol nga bisan pa man sa kakulian sa ekonomiya apan padayon nga ang Probinsya sa Bohol usa sa mga gipili nga destinasyon sa atong mga turista mapa-local man o internasyonal busa aktibo gihapon ang atong turismo,” the governor said.
