Bohol tourism code highlights respect for environment, culture, communities
TAGBILARAN CITY—Bohol has officially adopted its first comprehensive tourism policy framework after the provincial board passed on third and final reading the Bohol Sustainable Tourism Development Code of 2025 on Tuesday.
Authored by Board Member Jamie Aumentado Villamor, chair of the board’s committee on tourism, the landmark ordinance establishes a province-wide, sustainability-driven approach to tourism governance, development, regulation, and promotion.
“This is not simply a tourism ordinance. It is a statement of who we are as Boholanos—and what kind of future we choose to protect,” Villamor said in her sponsorship speech. “We do not merely pass another ordinance. We define the future of Bohol.”
She stressed that the code underscores a central principle: progress without responsibility is not development. She said tourism growth in Bohol must be sustainable, inclusive, and anchored on respect for the environment, culture, and local communities.
“The Code affirms that tourism must grow with purpose—balancing economic progress, environmental protection, and the preservation of our culture and identity,” Villamor said. “Our natural wonders are not merely attractions, but heritage held in trust.”
Integrated framework
The Bohol Sustainable Tourism Development Code of 2025 provides an integrated framework that institutionalizes responsible tourism practices while ensuring environmental protection, cultural preservation, community empowerment, and long-term economic benefits for Boholanos.
The ordinance was crafted amid increasing tourism pressures brought by Bohol’s globally recognized natural and cultural assets and its status as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) Global Geopark, which demand stronger governance to address environmental risks, overcrowding, visitor safety, fair pricing and inclusive growth.
Among its key provisions, the code strengthens the role of the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office and reorganizes the Provincial Tourism Council into the Provincial Tourism Development Council, expanding its mandate to include the formulation of a tourism price guide for activities not regulated by national agencies, following consultations.
It also mandates the preparation of a provincial tourism development plan, a six-year road map aligned with national tourism policies and Unesco geopark principles.
The code authorizes the provincial government to collect tourism-generated revenues and clearly defines their allocation to ensure transparency and community impact. Under the ordinance, 50 percent of revenues will go to a tourism development fund for site development and sustainability programs, while 20 percent is earmarked for island barangays to support water systems, livelihoods, health services, and basic needs.
It also institutionalizes a “Boholano First” policy, prioritizing Boholanos in tourism employment, tour operations, guiding services, and local sourcing, while encouraging resident discounts and privileges.
Quality assurance
To reinforce local identity and quality standards, the Code introduces the Ultimate Boholano Identity (UBI) Standards and the UBI Seal of Excellence, a voluntary quality assurance system recognizing tourism establishments that uphold cultural authenticity, environmental sustainability, safety, fair pricing, and ethical practices.
Accredited establishments will receive incentives, such as marketing support, promotional priority, grant eligibility, and access to capacity-building programs. Provincial officials clarified that the UBI system does not impose additional regulatory requirements but serves as a recognition and incentive mechanism for businesses that embody the Boholano tourism brand.
The ordinance further strengthens interlocal government coordination by encouraging cities and municipalities to designate tourism officers and establish local tourism councils. It also provides for the creation of destination management clusters—such as Panglao, the Chocolate Hills, and Loboc-Loay—to improve cooperation among local governments in managing tourism circuits.
Following its enactment, the provincial government will draft the implementing rules and regulations within six months, conduct province-wide information drives, and integrate the Code into local and provincial tourism planning.
Villamor said the ordinance ensures that tourism benefits are inclusive, equitable, and long-term.
“This Code strengthens governance, empowers communities, and ensures that tourism in Bohol remains resilient—not only for today, but for generations yet to come,” Villamor said.
