Improving Ecotourism Plans and Visitor Experiences
BOHOL - Under the leadership of Governor Aris Aumentado, the Provincial Government of Bohol participated in discussions on updated Ecotourism Management Plans for the Talibon Group of Islands Protected Landscape and the Central Cebu Protected Landscape. The meeting brought together representatives from government agencies and partner institutions to review ongoing initiatives and identify ways to improve ecotourism development across the region. Recommendations included strengthening digital marketing and online booking services, improving visitor experiences, and building closer partnerships with tour operators to help community-based destinations reach more travelers.
Connecting Tourism Development With Environmental Protection
The meeting also marked the turnover of the REC-7 chairmanship from the Department of Tourism to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. This transition highlights the importance of coordinating tourism development with environmental conservation, particularly in destinations where natural resources are central to local livelihoods and visitor activities. By bringing these priorities together, regional partners can work toward tourism programs that encourage responsible travel while maintaining the ecological value of protected areas.
Sharing Bohol’s Ecotourism Practices With Other Regions
The CALABARZON Regional Ecotourism Committee also joined the gathering as part of its benchmarking visit to Bohol. Its itinerary included visits to the Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape and the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark Information Center, providing opportunities to learn from the province’s conservation and tourism initiatives. Through these exchanges and partnerships, Bohol’s Strategic Governance Roadmap continues to support the protection of natural heritage, strengthen community-based tourism, and create more opportunities for residents across the Bohol UNESCO Global Geopark.
