Foreign travel boosts Bohol
tourism to 1.4M arrivals in 2025

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)—The province recorded 1,427,362 tourist arrivals in 2025, posting 4.18% growth compared with 2024.

Bohol Provincial Tourism Office (BPTO) Officer-in-Charge Joanne Pinat said the increase was achieved despite challenges such as national concerns, regional competition, and environmental pressures.

She noted that Bohol continues to show resilience and remains globally competitive as a tourism destination.

Domestic travelers accounted for 58.99% of total arrivals, but the segment declined 3.3% from 2024.

BPTO attributed this to shifting travel patterns, citing Department of Tourism data from January to October that showed more Filipinos traveled abroad than foreign visitors entered the country during the same period.

The foreign market grew 14.75%, reflecting sustained international confidence in Bohol.

The top source markets were South Korea, China, the United States, Taiwan, and France, while Spain, Australia, and Russia posted the highest growth rates.

The diversification highlights Bohol’s expanding global reach despite reduced direct flights from Korea.

Officials credited the rise in European arrivals to the province’s active participation in international travel fairs and tourism missions.

Bohol’s designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark has further strengthened its profile as a premium and sustainable destination.

A major outcome of these efforts is the expected start of charter flights from Japan in May, targeting high-value and culturally aligned markets consistent with the province’s Geopark positioning.

Recognized tourism leader

Among the country’s 82 provinces, Bohol has been cited by tourism stakeholders and international experts as the Best Tourism Destination Province in the Philippines.

“Bisan unsa pa kadaghang recognition nga nadawat nato, ang mga hagit sa turismo magpadayon. Ang pagdumala sa turismo responsibilidad sa tanan. Ang Bohol dili lang usa ka destinasyon, kundili usa ka modelo sa malungtarong kalamboan,” Pinat said.

(No matter how many recognitions we receive, tourism challenges will continue. Managing tourism is everyone's responsibility. Bohol is not just a destination but a model of sustainable development.)

Bohol’s reputation as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) venue was reinforced by its selection to host high-level international events, including ASEAN meetings this year, affirming that the province’s security, infrastructure, and services meet regional standards.

The Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen remained the most visited tourist site, while Quinale Beach in Anda ranked second, reflecting efforts to spread tourism beyond Panglao Island and promote development in other towns.

The accommodation sector also expanded with 1,034 establishments registered in 2025, up from 976 in 2024. The share of accredited establishments rose from 20% to 25%, indicating improved compliance with quality and service standards.

2026 outlook

For 2026, BPTO said Bohol will focus on tourism product development, strengthening geotourism circuits, gastronomy, culture, heritage, and arts trails, and expanding regenerative and community-based tourism. Efforts will also include market diversification through influencer engagement and expanded MICE activities.

The BPTO said partnerships with government and private stakeholders will continue to guide tourism development initiatives in the province. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

The Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen remained the most visited tourist site, reflecting efforts to spread tourism beyond Panglao Island and promote development in other towns. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)