Bohol's tourism picking up pieces after quake

On the island of Bohol in Central Philippines, tourism is big business. There, tourists both foreign and Filipino flock to centuries-old churches, take in the view of hills that turn chocolate-like in the summer months, and eat at floating restaurants while serenaded by locals.

Public jitters caused by the deadly 7.2-magnitude earthquake that rocked the island Tuesday, however, caused a couple of cancellations as the island reeled from sustained damages and lives lost.

But tourism and business officials are not worried. They said tourist arrivals to Bohol will only be curbed in the short-term, as the government and private sector moves to inject confidence into the island's tourism once again.  

“The earthquake may only very temporarily curb tourism, but as testament of the resiliency of our friends in Central Visayas, they are taking action that business as usual will be the tone set,” Federation of Tourism in the Philippines (FTIP) president Aileen Clemente told GMA News Online.

Clemente admitted that “some cancellations have occurred,” but was quick to add that it was due to the initative of resorts and tour operators in Bohol to offer clients re-booking for a latter date.

“They did make suggestions to their clients to defer their plans if they can, which is a good and proactive mode. The problem is more of infrastructure, lack of water etc. but not a lot of resorts have been affected. And, yes, a few destinations,” she said.

The Department of Tourism's office in Central Visayas stated that most hotels, resorts, and other business establishments in Bohol have resumed operations.

More to offer

Heritage sites—mostly centuries-old Roman Catholic churches showcasing architecture from the Philippine Baroque Period (1600 to early 1900)—and the viewing deck for world-renowned Chocolate Hills, a National Geological Monument, were totally wrecked during the quake.

“Tourism is the biggest industry of Bohol. What we're doing is first, assure public that Bohol still has a lot to offer,”  Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. president Emmanuel Tumanda.

According to August Escobia, head of effective development communication of the Office of the Governor in Bohol, they still have diving, cave spelunking, and island hopping facilities as well as tarsier-viewing grounds which they can offer tourits while restoration efforts are underway.

“Yesterday, [Tourism] Sec. [Ramon] Jimenez was here, to meet with national historical institute there were plans of restoring [heritage sites] kung pwede pa,” Escobia told GMA News Online.

Some 23 churches were affected, of which three were reduced to rubble—the Maribuoc, Loboc, and Loon churches.

“Only obstacle in tourism are roads, which were rendered impassable due to earthquake but these are being taken care of,” Tumanda said.

The Office of the Governor of Bohol said the island incurred at least P800-million worth of damage to roads, bridges, and buildings based on initial estimates Friday.

Visiting 'the ruins'

Despite the damage, officials are quick to offer a resolution. Why not view heritage sites as ruins, while the government is funding restoration?

“Ruins can be tourist attractions, it just depends on packaging and marketing,” Tumanda said.

Clemente agreed: “Actually, tourists know these are historical properties and anything that happens to these areas are part of history. As we, transition the guides will be discussing to them what has recently happened.”

She in fact shared that “some sites that have been closed are set to be open in two weeks time.”

Escobia of the Bohol Governors' office concurred, saying: “in fact, people are already coming in to see the ruins.” — VC, GMA News