Travel: DOT backs “Balik sa Bohol” for tourism industry revival

Sponsor

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Department of Tourism (DOT), in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Bohol, announced its online travel fair, Balik sa Bohol: Bohol Online Sale, which will run from February 21 to March 14, 2021. The island-wide travel sale will offer discounts of up to 70% off on accommodations, dining, and tour services.

The Balik sa Bohol: Bohol Online Sale aims to further promote domestic tourism among the public and encourage them to see Bohol’s natural and cultural wonders. To avail of Balik sa Bohol: Bohol Online Sale deals, visit traveloco.ph/balikbohol.

“With the upcoming Balik sa Bohol: Bohol Online Sale, we look forward to more people travelling to Bohol to see and experience the beauty and wonders of the province,” DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

Sponsor

She added, “We, at the DOT, along with provincial and local leaders in Bohol, are committed to protecting the health and safety of locals and tourists alike. Regaining the trust and confidence of Filipinos to travel again is essential to the revival of the tourism industry.”

SAFETY PROTOCOLS, DISCOUNTED RT-PCR TRAVELERS NEED TO KNOW

Health and safety protocols have been put in place by the provincial government so tourists can make the most out of their time in the province.

Before visiting Bohol, travelers must have a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test taken 72 hours before the date of travel,^[1] pre-booked accommodations at DOT-accredited or Ultimate Bohol Experience (UBE) certified establishments, travel itinerary including confirmed tour bookings through DOT-accredited tour operators (if going on tour), and registration in the Province of Bohol website at tourism.bohol.gov.ph for the issuance of personal QR codes that will serve as the tourists’ electronic IDs. Bohol allows the use of saliva RT-PCR tests in place of nasal and throat swabs as of February 2, 2021^[2].

Tourists coming from Metro Manila are encouraged to apply for the subsidized RT-PCR test at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) or at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) for as low as PHP900 and PHP750, respectively. To avail of this 50% discount, visit the site at www.tpb.gov.ph/rtpcrphtravel.

To check out up-to-date information regarding destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, one may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

Things to do in Bohol

With the travel sale, more people have a chance to see the gorgeous sights and experience fun-filled activities in Bohol. Among these is the Alona beach, a stunning 1.5 km stretch of white-sand beach, famous for being a must-visit spot for those who love snorkeling, scuba diving or even those who just like to relax and watch the sunset. Travelers can also island-hop to Balicasag and Virgin Islands to explore Bohol’s marine life.

When one speaks of Bohol, the Chocolate Hills cannot be left out. These 1,776 individual hills spread across six towns have attracted tourists from many generations for their uniqueness and vastness. The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, a place dedicated to saving the lives of endangered tarsiers, is also open for those who want to learn more about these small nocturnal primates.

ATV rentals, zipline, cable car rides, stand-up paddle boarding tours, and water bike rides are also available for those who are in for a little adventure.

Featured partners at the Online Travel Fair

Participating establishments and tour agencies for the Balik sa Bohol: Bohol Online Sale include the following: