AIC airports, Bohol, align on tourism, connectivity priorities

Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC) is working with the Provincial Government of Bohol and the Bohol Tourism Council to support Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado’s efforts to strengthen the province’s tourism industry and identify opportunities to further develop Bohol’s tourism products, markets and connectivity.

This was the focus of a recent meeting between AIC first vice president and head of Corporate Affairs Christopher Camba, AIC Airports head of Tourism and Destination Marketing Blessie Cruz, and provincial government and tourism industry representatives. The discussion covered opportunities to strengthen tourism products, improve destination visibility, develop markets, and enhance connectivity in support of the province’s tourism priorities.

90-day plan

Aboitiz InfraCapital also presented its “Bohol Moving Forward” framework, outlining a 90-day plan and longer-term strategies focused on market development, sales missions, participation in trade expos, development of tourism products, and sustained destination marketing.

The framework is intended to support a more coordinated approach to strengthening Bohol’s tourism markets and creating opportunities for the province’s tourism industry.

The discussion also covered opportunities to strengthen Bohol’s domestic and international connectivity, alongside more targeted destination promotion, tourism-product development, and efforts to make Bohol’s tourism offerings more accessible through stronger online visibility and booking opportunities.

Key international tourism markets

Bohol continues to engage key international tourism markets, including South Korea, China and Taiwan, while working to strengthen and diversify its tourism offerings. These efforts bring together government, tourism operators, businesses, the airport, and other industry stakeholders around a shared approach to destination development.

The meeting brought together Provincial Tourism Council co-chair Atty. Lucas Nunag, Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts, and Restaurants president Doer Escoto, and Bohol Alliance of Travel and Tour Operators president Lourdes Sultan, alongside Provincial Administrator Aster Caberte, chief of staff Atty. Filipina Piollo, Bohol Provincial Tourism Office head Joanne Pinat, and Provincial Legal Office head Atty. Handel Lagunay.

“We are looking at where we can further strengthen Bohol’s tourism sector, from developing our tourism products to improving the province’s visibility as a destination,” said Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado. “Working closely with the private sector and our tourism stakeholders allows us to identify opportunities and move forward with initiatives that respond to the needs of our province and our visitors.”

BPIA as key gateway to Bohol

For AIC Airports, the collaboration builds on the role of Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA), operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital Bohol Airport Corporation, as a key gateway supporting Bohol’s connectivity and tourism priorities.

“Bohol has a clear tourism agenda, and our role is to work alongside the Provincial Government and the tourism industry to support those priorities through connectivity and the airport,” Camba said. “We are looking at where BPIA can help support the province’s plans, from strengthening air access to key domestic destinations to working with our partners on opportunities for international connectivity.”

“For us, it is important that connectivity discussions are grounded in what the destination needs,” said Cruz. “By working with the Province, the Bohol Tourism Council, tourism organizations, and airline partners, we can better align opportunities in air connectivity with the experiences and tourism products that Bohol wants to offer.”