TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Tagbilaran City hosted the 1st Market Tourism Development Workshop, becoming the first local government unit in Central Visayas to take part in the program organized by the Department of Tourism Central Visayas (DOT-7).
The two-day workshop was held at the Belian Hotel and brought together representatives from the City Tourism Office, key departments of the Tagbilaran City Government, and section heads from the Central Public Market. The initiative aims to strengthen market tourism and position the city's public market as a unique tourist destination.
Mayor Yap Supports Market Tourism Initiative
Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap participated in the workshop and highlighted the importance of creating new tourism opportunities to help boost the local economy, especially amid rising fuel costs.
She described the workshop as an important step toward revitalizing tourism in the city and expressed her vision of making Tagbilaran a model for market tourism that other municipalities in Bohol and cities across the country can follow.
Mayor Yap also reaffirmed the city government's commitment to promoting an authentic local experience that reflects the culture and identity of Tagbilaran while attracting both local and international visitors.
Experts Share Tourism and Heritage Insights
The opening day featured several presentations from tourism and cultural experts.
The Department of Tourism Central Visayas provided an update on the region's tourism industry, while Chef Richard Hao of the University of San Jose-Recoletos introduced the concept of market tourism.
Participants also learned about the history of the Tagbilaran City Market through a presentation by cultural heritage practitioner Athena Garcia Vitor. Heritage tourism advocate EnP Ruel Rigor discussed cultural resource mapping and the importance of preserving local heritage.
Public Market Seen as Future Tourist Attraction
The workshop also includes interactive sessions focused on mapping market products and services, identifying market challenges and practical solutions, improving sanitation practices, and showcasing local food and culinary traditions.
Through the initiative, Tagbilaran City aims to transform its public market into one of Bohol's key tourist attractions by combining local culture, history, food, and everyday community life. The project is expected to help preserve the city's heritage while creating new opportunities for tourism and economic growth.
