BTO to Boholano tourists:

pre-book to get into sites

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb 19 (PIA) – Boholanos touring local sites may not secure an itinerary from a Department of Tourism-accredited tour agent, but they still need to book their appointments.

Bohol Tourism Officer Josephine Cabarrus bared this as, as a guide for locals to help destination operators apportion the number of guests served in a site at a certain time.

This is to follow the new rule on the destination’s carrying capacity as well as implement social distancing measures against coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

This too as local travel for Boholanos with in Bohol is now open, and in fact, is offering handsome discounts for hotels, tours, food and other key tourism services in establishments joining the Balik sa Bohol Online Sale which runs Feb 21 to March 14.

Integral to all of these is the Bohol bubble tourism concept, where the whole group travels as a single unit and keeps within their travel company to minimize contact with others.

While Bohol as identified bubble tourism sites where non Boholano tourists can come, Bohol Bubble tourism sites have obtained their own Certificates of Authority to Operate from the Department of Tourism, and the Ultimate Bohol Experience seal from the Provincial Government or specific permits from local government units.

These permits are forms of assurance that the destination strictly complies with the health and safety protocols which the government issues to the few tourism establishments to prevent the spread of the virus.

What is crucial is that when we open the economy, we also consider the safety of Boholanos and the tourists as well, as regards COVID, Bohol Governor Arthur Yap stressed.

During the travel ban period which Bohol imposed to inbound tourists and passengers in March last year, this also allowed local tourism authorities to check on the sustainability and green technology systems in tourism destinations, to make one’s experience an ultimate savoring of Bohol.

Tourists going to resorts and tourism sites with the UBE seal are assured that they are in an establishment that has good environmental practices in sewage and solid waste management, follows its determined carrying capacity and has applied renewable sources of energy.

Along this, when in the past, tourists were seen jammed in some sites, this would not happen anymore because in compliance with the carrying capacity provision of the UBE seal, the destination would only accommodate a certain number of guests, and then allow time for disinfection, explains Cabarrus, during the recent Kapihan sa PIA.

As such, even Boholanos also need to book their time in the stops, especially if these are identified in the Bohol bubble, so they can be allowed access.

Unlike non-Boholano guests whose bookings in the sites are arranged by DOT accredited tour agents as per existing guidelines in an executive order, local tourists need not present their tour itineraries when they come to destinations.

However, they have to get a pre-arranged and confirmed booking on the site, so they could be accommodated considering social distancing. (rahchiu/PIA-7/Bohol)

BOLSTERING TOURISM CARRYING CAPACITY. Like the Lamanok Island in Anda, entry to tourists in Bohol sites would be regulated as the new normal’s local tourism protocols. Imposing sustainable tourism mechanisms in observing the place’s carrying capacity, putting up of sewerage treatments and using or renewable resources, sustains the site’s operations as wll as deal to tourists the Ultimate Bohol Experience. (rahchiu/PIA-7/Bohol)

LOW ENVIRONMENT IMPACT. Now paddling its way slowly into more environmentally sustainable tourism, Bohol sites adopt strict carrying capacity protocols limiting the access of tourists to areas to reduce degradation and human impact to the environment. With this, even local tourists need to prebook their times in destinations to grab open slots. (rahchiu/PIA_7/Bohol)