Bohol Tourism Revival: New Opportunities for Local Communities and Travelers

Published on November 22, 2025

Bohol is an amazing place in the Philippines. We understand the hardships caused by triple threats to the environment and as a result of the consecutive typhoons. The province is famous for the Chocolate Hills, and the cute Tarsiers but mostly for the fantastic beaches. The area is seeing an increase in visitors as the area continues to recover its tourism from the pandemic.

Bohol experienced two panoramic views of nature and the beach at the same time and let the visitors down with an enormous increase in prices. The area experienced a downturn in winter and extreme weather. The area is increasing optimism for the province and a top tourism location for Southeast Asia.

A Gradual Tourism Recovery: International Visitors Return to Panglao

Tourism in Bohol suffered a significant slowdown following Typhoons “Tino” (Kalmaegi) and “Uwan” (Fung-wong), which disrupted operations and led to temporary closures of several key attractions and markets. However, the province is beginning to witness the return of international tourists, including the renewed presence of Korean travelers in Panglao, an indication of the sector’s recovery.

Dr. Doloreich Dumaluan, a resort owner and director of the Panglao Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry, believes that November marks the start of a more promising tourist season. “We are seeing tourists crowding the beaches, and the return of international visitors is a hopeful sign,” he said. This resurgence comes at a time when Bohol’s hospitality sector is preparing for the high season, which typically begins in November and peaks from December to March.

Bohol’s Lean Season and the Importance of Strategic Planning

The tourism industry in Bohol, like many destinations, follows a seasonal cycle. The months from July to October are traditionally lean months, during which many resort owners focus on renovations, repairs, and preparing for the next wave of visitors. Dumaluan emphasized that although this period sees fewer bookings, it is essential for maintaining the quality of facilities and preparing for the peak season ahead.

“The lean season allows us to fix things, renew facilities, and get ready for when the tourists arrive in December,” Dumaluan explained. With the influx of international tourists expected soon, businesses are hopeful that their efforts to upgrade facilities and services will pay off.

The Growing Need for Competitive Pricing and Service Standards

Despite the gradual recovery, tourism stakeholders in Bohol are raising concerns about the increasing perception that the province is “overpriced” and “overrated.” Some visitors have reported high and inconsistent pricing, particularly in areas like food, accommodation, and activities. This issue has the potential to deter return visits and impact recommendations, which are crucial for the long-term success of the destination.

Local tourism officials and business groups are calling for stronger regulation and the establishment of fair pricing standards to maintain Bohol’s competitiveness. Provincial Board Member Jiselle Rae Villamor, chair of the committee on tourism, expressed concern about the drop in visitor numbers. She pointed out that high inflation, rising airfare costs, and geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific region have made destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia more appealing, as these countries offer cheaper travel packages with better flight connectivity.

To combat these challenges, Villamor proposes that Bohol take more coordinated action to maintain its appeal. She suggested that the provincial government and the private sector should collaborate on marketing strategies and work towards creating a more affordable and competitive tourism offering.

Diversifying Bohol’s Tourism Products: Expanding Beyond Beaches and Hills

One of the strategies being discussed to ensure Bohol’s tourism sector remains robust is diversifying its tourism offerings. While the province is globally recognized for its beaches, the Chocolate Hills, and tarsiers, tourism officials are advocating for the expansion of inland and upland experiences to attract a wider range of travelers.

Gelena Asis Dimpas, the Department of Tourism’s assistant regional director, emphasized the importance of broadening Bohol’s tourism portfolio. “We need to focus on agritourism, heritage trails, forest wellness activities, and faith-based routes,” she said. By offering alternative experiences, the province can attract tourists who are seeking something different and create more opportunities for local communities to benefit from tourism.

Expanding inland tourism will help reduce overcrowding in the more popular beach areas and encourage longer stays in the province. For example, agritourism initiatives could include farm tours, nature walks, and cultural immersions that connect visitors to Bohol’s rich agricultural heritage. Meanwhile, heritage trails could introduce tourists to Bohol’s history, showcasing the province’s colonial past and its indigenous communities.

The Economic Impact of Tourism on Local Communities

Tourism is a vital pillar of Bohol’s economy, providing livelihoods for thousands of local workers, including resort staff, tour guides, farmers, and fishers. The decline in tourist arrivals has had a ripple effect on these groups, with some resort workers placed on rotating unpaid leave due to low bookings, while others face reduced working hours. This situation highlights the interconnectedness of tourism and local businesses.

“Tourism is not just about beaches or hills; it’s about livelihoods, dignity, and hope for every Boholano family,” Villamor said. She stressed the importance of preserving Bohol’s tourism sector to ensure that the benefits reach all corners of the community, from service workers to local suppliers. The economic impact of tourism is crucial for sustaining the province’s development and reducing poverty.

Looking to the Future: Strategic Recovery and Long-Term Growth

The provincial government and local businesses are working together to craft a comprehensive strategy for the recovery of the tourism sector. Villamor’s call for a Bohol Tourism Summit, which would bring together national agencies, airlines, resort owners, transport groups, and community representatives, is a step toward creating a unified approach to revitalizing tourism.

With targeted efforts in marketing, pricing regulation, and diversification of tourism offerings, Bohol is poised to bounce back stronger than ever. The strategic focus on balancing high-end tourism with more affordable options and expanding tourism activities beyond the usual hotspots will ensure the province’s competitiveness in the long term.

Bohol’s Resilience and Bright Future

There are more positive indicators on the recovery of the tourism sector in Bohol now as compared to the previous month in the aftermath of the calamities and typhoons . With the marketing of Bohol as one of the top travel destinations in the Philippines, diversifying the experience to be offered commercially and creating collaboration for engagement and regulation of the market to be used are a road to development. The construction of infrastructure, enhancement of the quality of service and the engagement of local communities to sustain the tourism sector would provide the stakeholders resiliency and sustainability for years to come.