As Bohol tourism stakeholders collaborate to launch the first-ever and biggest-selling campaign, dubbed as Balik sa Bohol: Bohol Online Sale, which will run from February 21 to March 31, 2021, now is the best time to start planning a visit to the island for those itching to travel once more and enjoy breathtaking beaches, scenic hills, majestic rivers, and spectacular dive sites or savor healthy food in an organic farm.
What makes Bohol the ultimate destination is the amazing blend of nature and culture, luxury and serenity, history and modernity – combined with the experience of cool recreational activities and warm, friendly people. It remains a safe destination to visit with health and safety protocols in place, even before reopening its doors to leisure travelers on December 15, 2020.
SYNERGIZING FOR TOURISM
The readiness to handle tourists in the new norm was tried and tested after successfully hosting the country’s biggest government-organized travel trade event and first hybrid Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) in September 2020. Three months after, the Philippine Tourism Destination Inventory and MICE+E Bohol Familiarization Trip was also held in Bohol.
The two events, which attracted national and even international attention under the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, were organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and the Department of Tourism (DOT). Prior inspections were done on accommodation establishments, food and beverage facilities, transport, travel, and tour operators as well as sites and attractions to assess their readiness and to ensure compliance with various protocols; thereby, regain tourists’ confidence to return to Bohol.
The above-mentioned events have also proven that synergy among stakeholders is the key to recovery. Since tourism is one of the key economic drivers in the province, the evolving crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted heavily on the sector, with revenue losses amounting to PHP15 billion and adversely affecting 211,000 Boholanos.
BALIK SA BOHOL: BOHOL ONLINE SALE
“Balik sa Bohol” is an original Boholano composition often sung by local musicians aboard a floating restaurant or at the departure area of ports enticing visitors to return. The catchy lyrics and upbeat rhythm usually linger in the mind even after tourists have left Bohol. Today, it is the anthem to beckon the gradual return of tourism activities.
In order to lure tourists back, massive price drops (to as much as 70%) in rooms, food, tours, and related services will be offered by resorts, hotels, and tour operators during the Balik sa Bohol: Bohol Online Sale, organized by the private sector and fully supported by the DOT, TPB, and the Provincial Government of Bohol.
Balik sa Bohol Online Sale kicks off on February 21 until March 14, 2021. Visit the website, www.traveloco.ph/balikbohol to score amazing deals.
Participating brands are Amarela Resort, Amorita Resort, Be Grand Resort Bohol, Bohol Bee Farm, The Bellevue Resort, Best Western Plus The Ivywall Panglao Resort, Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, Bohol Beach Club, Chocolate Hills Adventure Park, The Acacia Glamping, Donatela Resort and Sanctuary, Loboc River Resort, Mithi Resort and Spa, South Palms Resorts Panglao, Angels’ Wings Tours, and Travel, Baclayon Travel & Tours, Bohol Holidays Travel & Tours Inc., Coordinates Tours, and Travel, and Travel Village while the platform is powered by Atlantis and is co-sponsored by Cebu Pacific Air.
RESORT DIRECTORY FOR YOUR REFERENCE
For more information on the Balik sa Bohol: Bohol Online Sale, you may contact Ms. Margie Munsayac at margie.munsayac@bluewater.com.ph.
A former educator and now working as a freelance writer. Simply living her own version of life’s passion – music, mobile photography, story telling, road trips and food trailing! 🙂