Bohol, the Philippines’ first and only UNESCO Global Geopark, continues to strengthen its tourism development initiatives by integrating sustainable practices, innovative digital solutions, and community-based programs.

This was after the Provincial Government of Bohol, led by Governor Aris Aumentado, through the Provincial Tourism Council (PTC) Meeting held on February 12, 2026, at the Provincial Administrator’s Office.

The meeting was presided over by Atty. Lucas Nunag, PTC Co-Chairman; Provincial Administrator Aster Caberte; Hon. Jiselle Rae Aumentado-Villamor, Board Member, Second District; Ms. Joanne Pinat, Officer-in-Charge of the Provincial Tourism Office; Maria Fe Dominise, Head, Bohol Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office; Jovencia Ganub, Head, Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office; and government and private sector representatives from the Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts, and Restaurants; Transport Services; Tourism Officers Association; Tour Guides Association; media; and dive operators.

During the meeting, the council discussed key agenda items focused on strengthening tourism management and development in the province. These included a digital platform for visitors at tourism sites, updates on ASEAN-related activities and engagements, the schedule and direction for the formulation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Tourism Code, and the province’s marketing and promotion priorities for 2026.

The council also discussed the conduct of familiarization trips for Destination Management Companies (DMCs), sectoral reports covering announcements and updates from tourism stakeholders, and other matters related to tourism operations, data management, and policy concerns.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the presentation of the proposed Digital visitor management system, a customizable digital platform designed to improve visitor experience, address carrying capacity concerns, and streamline tourism services in sites.

The proposed system supports the Strategic Governance Roadmap’s emphasis on innovation and evidence-based governance by enabling root-cause analysis of tourism issues, real-time monitoring of visitor flow, and proactive responses to service disruptions while encouraging collaboration with local communities.

The digital platform is expected to contribute to the sustainability of the tourism sector by balancing environmental protection and tourism growth through systematic monitoring of carrying capacity and responsible resource management. It also aims to revitalize the local economy by providing tourism spending pattern data, strengthening linkages between local merchants and tourism operators, and supporting the digital transformation of tourism-related services.

Improved revenue tracking and secured tax collection mechanisms were likewise discussed as part of the system’s goal of enhancing transparency and preventing revenue leakage, consistent with the province’s commitment to accountable and transparent governance.

Provincial Administrator Caberte emphasized the importance of collective participation among tourism stakeholders, noting that accreditation from the Provincial Government can serve as an incentive for tourism players, strengthening both exposure and promotion.

Updates on ASEAN-related activities were also presented, highlighting upcoming committee meetings, tourism engagements, and continued recognition of community-based tourism and local products. The council also discussed the schedule for the formulation of the IRR of the Tourism Code, emphasizing the important role of local government units and local chief executives in ensuring inclusive and responsive tourism development planning, consistent with the province’s long-term governance and development priorities.

Marketing priorities for 2026 were outlined, including Bohol’s participation in major tourism events such as the World Travel Market, Philippine Travel Mart, World Travel Expo, and the Sandugo Tourism and Travel Expo, aimed at strengthening both international and domestic tourism promotion while supporting local enterprises and community-based tourism initiatives.

The meeting further covered proposed familiarization trips for Destination Management Companies, sectoral updates, and data collection initiatives among accommodation establishments to support tourism planning and policy development.

Discussions also highlighted responsible and sustainable tourism practices, sports tourism initiatives, and collaborative efforts to ensure that tourism growth continues to generate positive impacts for local communities and the province’s economy, in alignment with the Capitol’s Strategic Governance Roadmap that promotes transparency, sustainability, innovation, and inclusive economic growth across Bohol. (𝐏𝐈𝐌𝐎/𝐌𝐅𝐌)