The Department of Tourism on Monday revealed that a major investor has picked the Province of Bohol to put up island resorts and residences.

Over the weekend, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremony of global luxury property JW Marriott Panglao Island Resort and Residences at the scenic Panglao Island along with local executives, an indication that investors still choose the province to be the place of their investments.

"On behalf of the Department of Tourism, I congratulate the beautiful island province of Bohol, JW Marriott, and Apple One for this milestone in our tourism portfolio in the gem that is the island province of Bohol. The breaking ground of JW Marriott in Bohol signals global confidence in the Philippines' continuing resurgence and emergence in the global tourism market," the tourism chief said in her address.

It was in October this year when AppleOne CEO Ray Manigsaca announced that the AppleOne Group its strategic agreements with Marriott International to introduce the JW Marriott Residences brand to the Philippines, poised to offer a unique lifestyle that combines modern luxury and the sophisticated spirit of the JW Marriott brand

Designed by the award-winning Architect Blink Design Group, she said the JW Marriott Residences will feature approximately 70 units, ranging from one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and villas. It will have private amenities, including a pool and lounge.

On the other hand, Frasco stressed that the vision of the Marcos administration is not just for the country to recover after the devastating effects of the pandemic but to transform and elevate the quality of tourism offerings for the Philippines as well as to push for investments to come to the country.

"With JW Marriott establishing its Resort and Residences here, this spells more economic opportunities for our fellow Filipinos, increased livelihood, and the continuing contribution of tourism to our overall economic growth," she added.

"These investments in the Philippines will also signal to the rest of the world that the country is ready to take its place as Asia's next tourism powerhouse," she added.

She also assured local stakeholders that the current administration will continue to strengthen the foundation for tourism by investing in infrastructure, connectivity, and digitalization, and introducing innovation to the country's overall tourism portfolio.

"We join the people of Bohol in celebration of this milestone for the island, and we continue to express our confidence in Bohol's potential as a continuing pillar for sustainable ecotourism," she concluded.

Tourist Rest Area inaugurated

Also, Frasco formally inaugurated and turned over the first completed Tourist Rest Area in the Province of Bohol last 2 December 2023.

The first-ever TRA in Bohol will cater to tourists passing through the town of Dauis, which serves as a gateway to multiple tourist destinations in the province such as the famed Alona Beach in Panglao, Virgin Island Sandbar, Balicasag Island, and the historic Baclayon Church.

Dauis, which is one of the two municipalities comprising Panglao Island, is also home to numerous tourism offerings including the Hinagdanan Cave, Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Bikini Beach, Bingag Beach, and San Isidro Beach.

"Here in Bohol, we view this gem of an island to be a source of national pride because you have, by your work, and by your example, established a sustainable eco-tourism destination where the public and private sector work hand in hand. And as a result of this initiative, you are now globally renowned as the Philippines' very first UNESCO Global Geopark," she said.