Municipal tourism officers strengthened tourism development strategies, geopark initiatives, and biodiversity conservation efforts during the Second Municipal Tourism Officers’ Forum 2026 held at Reyna’s The Haven and Gardens on June 4.
The forum gathered municipal tourism officers and tourism stakeholders from across Bohol to discuss programs aimed at sustaining the province’s tourism industry, one of its primary economic drivers, while advancing sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
In her welcome address, Bohol Provincial Tourism Office representative Ava Cagampang underscored the importance of collaboration among local government units (LGUs) in strengthening tourism programs and ensuring the continued growth of the sector.
A major agenda item was the presentation of the proposed Countryside Tour Circuits for Bohol’s 2nd District. The proposal seeks to develop three tourism circuits involving all 14 municipalities in the district to enhance countryside tourism and diversify visitor experiences. The initiative will be presented to local chief executives for support and implementation.
The forum also featured updates on the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark and its upcoming UNESCO revalidation mission. Geopark office representative Mary Lou Regis emphasized the critical role of every LGU in achieving a successful revalidation, noting that all municipalities contribute to the geological, cultural, and natural heritage narrative of Bohol.
Regis encouraged LGUs to strengthen geo-education programs, promote sustainable tourism practices, support climate action and resilience initiatives, preserve cultural heritage, empower local communities, and improve monitoring and reporting of geopark-related activities. She also discussed the use of Information, Education, and Communication materials and addressed frequently asked questions regarding the geopark.
The discussions also reinforced the Strategic Change Agenda of Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, which promotes sustainable tourism development anchored on environmental protection, climate resilience, cultural preservation, and inclusive economic growth.
Tourism officials echoed Gov. Aumentado’s continuing reminder that economic progress must always be balanced with environmental conservation to ensure that Bohol’s natural assets remain protected for future generations. The governor has also consistently advocated for expanding tourism opportunities beyond the province’s traditional destinations, encouraging municipalities to develop unique attractions and experiences that allow visitors to discover and experience Bohol beyond the brochures.
Representatives from the province’s three congressional districts likewise presented tourism development priorities. First District LGUs outlined their proposed 2027 Programs, Projects and Activities (PPAs), which include tourism infrastructure, destination promotion, and service enhancement initiatives.
Meanwhile, Third District representatives presented priority tourism training needs, major attraction sites proposed for inclusion in the Bohol Eastern Paradise Tour Packages, and the Casino-Free Bohol Manifesto of Support, which advocates the preservation of Bohol’s cultural values, community welfare, and sustainable tourism development.
During the forum, tourism officials also reminded LGUs to submit pending tourism reports to facilitate the consolidation and documentation of tourism-related activities across the province.
The forum concluded with a presentation on Biodiversity Conservation Awareness and Sustainable Development by Dr. Reizl P. Jose, who highlighted the role of biodiversity in maintaining environmental sustainability, preserving cultural heritage, enhancing tourism experiences, and supporting community livelihoods.
Jose discussed biodiversity conservation challenges, current environmental threats, and the importance of research and environmental education in promoting conservation awareness. She also presented her work on bat research and storytelling, demonstrating how scientific findings can be transformed into engaging educational and tourism materials.
She encouraged tourism stakeholders to adopt research-based storytelling and biodiversity-centered tourism initiatives, emphasizing that conservation and sustainable tourism must go hand in hand to ensure the long-term viability of Bohol’s tourism industry.
Tourism officials said the forum serves as an important platform for coordinating tourism programs among LGUs, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that tourism development remains sustainable, inclusive, and responsive to emerging challenges, thereby helping sustain the sector as a key contributor to Bohol’s economy. (Geopark/MLR)
PHOTO | Bohol Island Geopark – FB Page
