Bohol tourist arrivals drop 22% in first half of year

TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL, Philippines — The tourism industry in Bohol province—a major nature destination in Central Visayas—is facing a sharp slowdown, with tourist arrivals plunging nearly 22 percent in the first half of 2026.

The slump has spilled over into the second half of the year with travel agencies reporting a dearth of bookings, leading some resorts to cut jobs as occupancy remained low.

The province recorded 637,288 tourist arrivals from January to June, a 21.98-percent decline from the same period in 2025, according to the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office.

Article continues after this advertisement

The figures included 349,651 domestic tourists, 287,294 foreign visitors, and 343 overseas Filipinos, tourism officer Joanne Pinat said.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

READ: Bohol governor: Fair tourism prices, better service amid viral fish dish

The sharp drop in arrivals is immediately felt on the ground.

“There is no booking,” said travel agency owner Flor Lawangon, who said she had only two group tours booked for September, unusual for the low season.

Pinat said business had begun slowing down in April but worsened in June.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Clients said Bohol is expensive,” Lawangon said.

Top visitors

Travel operators have also been forced to compete on transportation costs even as fuel prices continue to increase, she added.

Article continues after this advertisement

The slowdown has spilled over into the employment sector. A resort employee, who requested anonymity, said some establishments had started reducing their workforce because of low occupancy and fewer guests.

Some resorts reportedly began retrenching workers in August, while remaining employees in some establishments were placed on a “double day-off” arrangement, meaning they have two days off each week, as management sought to reduce costs.

The employee said the decline in visitors was directly affecting the livelihood of resort workers.

Despite the overall decline, South Korea remained Bohol’s largest foreign tourism market, generating 87,870 visitors during the six-month period.

China was second with 38,190 visitors, followed by the United States with 16,139.

Other leading foreign markets were France with 12,435 visitors; Taiwan, 8,925; Germany, 7,423; Australia, 6,364; the United Kingdom, 5,828; Russia, 4,753; and Canada, 4,366.

Tourism stakeholders have pointed to the rising cost of goods and services, including fuel, as among the factors affecting travel budgets.

The issue has also raised questions about Bohol’s tourism pricing, particularly after a viral post about a P1,650 pompano dish served at a resort in Panglao triggered a wider online debate over the cost of food, accommodation, transportation and tours in the province.

Catigbian Mayor Benjie Oliva has called for a closer examination of recurring complaints about high prices in the province, cautioning against simply branding Bohol as an expensive destination without first determining the causes and those responsible.

Oliva said it was understandable for prices to be higher at hotels and high-end restaurants, but noted that Bohol also has local eateries and public markets offering more affordable options.

He also urged Boholanos not to undermine the province because of its problems, but instead help protect, improve and promote Bohol so visitors leave with positive experiences and reasons to return.

Board Member Nathaniel Binlod, in a privilege speech before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, said complaints involved the prices of food items, such as fish and coconut, as well as fares charged by vans-for-hire, tricycles and “habal-habal.”

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

“Before we generalize and say ‘Bohol is gold,’ let us first ask: Why is it expensive? What caused it? Is it widespread? And who is responsible?” Binlod said. /cb