As Bohol reopens its tourism industry, undoubtedly one of its main economic drivers, Bohol tourism stakeholders have collaborated 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 14, 2021. Noq 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.
Tourist Requirements to Visit Bohol
- Negative RT-PCR Test Result – taken not more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Saliva RT-PCR Test Results from the Philippine Red Cross are also acknowledged.
- Confirmed accommodation bookings, issued with a Certificate of Authority to Operate from the Department of Tourism and Mayor’s Permit to Operate (for Panglao hotels and resorts)
- Travel Itinerary, Roundtrip Transportation Ticket and Valid ID.
- Registration in Bohol website. Visitors are required to pre-register at Bohol Province’s tourism portal www.tourism.bohol.gov.ph for the issuance of their individual QR code.
- Registration in Municipality of Panglao website for the issuance of Letter of Acceptance. Visit www.panglaolgu.gov.ph
- Registration in Traze app. The app will be used by all Philippine airports and seaports. Visitors are advised to download the app prior to their travel dates.
*Panglao Island and the Municipality of Anda are the only areas which are currently officially open to accept tourists but according to Bohol Governor Arthur Yap, the concept of “bubble tourism” will allow visitors to drop by attractions along the way even if their municipalities aren’t officially open yet (e.g. Loboc River, Chocolate Hills, etc.). These itineraries have to be booked through accredited travel and tour operators listed on the Bohol tourism portal.
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 of up to 70% off 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 Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, and the Provincial Government of Bohol.
Participating Establishments
Participating brands in the sale are (HOTELS AND RESORTS) 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, (TOUR OPERATORS) Angels’ Wings Tours and Travel, Baclayon Travel and Tours, Bohol Holidays Travel and Tours, Inc., Coordinates Tours and Travel, and Travel Village, while the platform is powered by Atlantis. The event is co-sponsored by Cebu Pacific Air.
Bookmark the Online Sale website now and don’t miss out on the greatest deals ever! https://traveloco.ph/balikbohol
Synergy for Tourism Recovery
The readiness to handle tourists in the new norm was tried and tested after Bohol successfully hosted the country’s biggest government-organized travel trade event and first hybrid Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) in September 2020. Three months later, 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 attendtion 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 towards 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 P15 billion and adversely affecting 211,000 Boholanos.