The Philippines’ world-renowned Loboc Children’s Choir (LCC) will take center stage as Bohol launches its year-round tourism campaign at the Glorietta Mall, Makati City on Dec. 8 to 10, 2014.
Dubbed as “Visit Bohol 2015,” the campaign is aimed at re-launching Bohol as a major tourism destination. Monthly activities will be lined up for next year, including the launching of two international music festivals, international triathlon event, dive festival, new eco-tourism products and the much-awaited geo-science tours.
Next year also marks the grand homecoming of Boholanos all over the world called Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan, a triennial event which also coincides with the Sandugo Festival held every July.
In a statement, Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto said that “Visit Bohol 2015” is his province’s way of supporting “Visit the Philippines Year 2015” (VPY) rolled out by the Department of Tourism.
“We are very grateful to Secretary Jimenez of the DOT and its marketing arm, the Tourism Promotions Board, for their full support in the tourism recovery program of Bohol. This year has been an exciting year for Bohol and we are seeing a much revitalized tourism industry,” he said.
Aside from the Loboc Children’s Choir, The Voice Philippines talent Darryl Shy and soprano Dren Ramos will serenade mall goers. The award-winning children’s choral will perform daily at 6pm-7pm for free.
“This is our way of thanking everybody for the support they have given to Bohol in one way or another, especially during our most difficult time after last year’s earthquake. Now that we have risen above our challenges, we are inviting everyone to come to Bohol and enjoy the beauty and serenity of our province,” Chatto said.
As much as 60 percent discount in accommodation, tours and other travel essentials in Bohol will be up for grab in the three-day event. AirAsia, the world’s best low-cost airline, will also offer its lowest possible rates for tourists visiting Bohol. It flies three times daily to Bohol.
In addition to the free musical numbers and travel deals, the event will also showcase popular Boholano products.
Considered as the eco-cultural tourism capital of the Philippines, Bohol has been known for its fascinating Chocolate Hills, the pristine and white sand beaches in Panglao, and the well-loved Tarsier, considered the smallest and oldest primate in the world, as well as the relaxingly romantic Loboc River Cruise.
In promoting the province as the newest must-go tourist destination, the travel fair will also introduce other interesting spots in Bohol such as the powdery white sand beaches of Anda, the Lamanok Mystical Island which is home to captivating caves where ancient Boholanos bury their loved ones in jars, as well as Asia’s largest mangrove forest, Banacon.
The Bohol Travel Fair signals the first event gathering all stakeholders from the tourism sector in Bohol for a massive campaign to entice tourists to visit. It is part of the Bohol Tourism Action Plan developed through the collaboration of the United States Agency for International Development through its Advancing Philippine Competitiveness Project (USAID-COMPETE), the Department of Tourism (DOT), the United Nations-World Tourism Organization (UN-WTO), and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), as well as local tourism stakeholders.
