With the private company looking for ways to further develop Bohol’s tourism products, markets, and connectivity, as well as strengthen the overall experience of tourists.
The Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC), which operates the Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) has engaged with the provincial and municipal government units.
In its discussion with the Provincial Government of Bohol and the Bohol Tourism Council, together with tourism industry representatives, the parties explored opportunities to strengthen tourism products, improve destination visibility, develop markets, and enhance connectivity in support of the province’s tourism priorities.
Aboitiz InfraCapital also presented its “Bohol Moving Forward” framework, which outlined a 90-day plan and longer-term strategies focused on market development, sales missions, participation in trade expos, development of tourism products, and sustained destination marketing.
The framework is also intended to support a more coordinated approach to strengthening Bohol’s tourism markets and creating opportunities for the province’s tourism industry.
Moreover, they also covered opportunities to strengthen Bohol’s domestic and international connectivity, alongside more targeted destination promotion, tourism-product development, and efforts to make Bohol’s tourism offerings more accessible through stronger online visibility and booking opportunities.
Bohol is also engaging key international tourism markets, including South Korea, China, and Taiwan, while working to strengthen and diversify its tourism offerings.
Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado said, “We are looking at where we can further strengthen Bohol’s tourism sector, from developing our tourism products to improving the province’s visibility as a destination. Working closely with the private sector and our tourism stakeholders allows us to identify opportunities and move forward with initiatives that respond to the needs of our province and our visitors.”
Meanwhile, for AIC Airports, the collaboration builds on the role of BPIA as a key gateway supporting Bohol’s connectivity and tourism priorities.
“Bohol has a clear tourism agenda, and our role is to work alongside the Provincial Government and the tourism industry to support those priorities through connectivity and the airport,” said AIC First Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs Christopher Camba.
He added, “We are looking at where BPIA can help support the province’s plans, from strengthening air access to key domestic destinations to working with our partners on opportunities for international connectivity.”
For her part, AIC Airports Head of Tourism and Destination Marketing Blessie Cruz said: “For us, it is important that connectivity discussions are grounded in what the destination needs. By working with the Province, the Bohol Tourism Council, tourism organizations, and airline partners, we can better align opportunities in air connectivity with the experiences and tourism products that Bohol wants to offer.”
Meanwhile, AIC is also working with the Municipality of Panglao to strengthen the overall tourist experience in Panglao.
This will complement improvements in the airport, which were achieved since the AIC, through Aboitiz Bohol Airport Corporation (ABAC)), took over operations such as improvements to passenger areas, airport systems, equipment, and other facilities to enhance airport operations and the passenger experience.
Thus, they are looking to create a more coordinated experience for visitors from their arrival in Panglao through to their departure.
The discussion covered opportunities to strengthen Panglao’s tourism environment and enhance the visitor journey through closer coordination among the airport, local government, tourism stakeholders, businesses, and the community.
“The airport is often a visitor’s first point of contact with a destination, so we have an opportunity to make that experience a positive one from the start. We want to work closely with Panglao to understand the needs of the destination and identify ways the airport can support the experience beyond the terminal,” said Camba.
“The airport is an important part of that journey, and we want to complement Panglao’s efforts by understanding what the destination needs and identifying where we can work together to make the overall experience more positive,” Cruz emphasized.
As for Mayor Arcay, hr welcomed the opportunity to further strengthen collaboration between the municipality and the airport, recognizing the role that government, businesses, residents, and other stakeholders can play in creating a positive experience for visitors.
He also highlighted the value of building on Panglao’s existing tourism strengths while continuing to enhance the destination for both visitors and the local community.
Bohol is known for its beaches, heritage, Chocolate Hills, and the country’s first and only UNESCO Global Geopark, with Panglao serving as one of its key tourism destinations.
