Bohol launches new tourism motto, says it has recovered from 2013 quake

The Province of Bohol on Thursday launched its new tourism motto as it also declared that the province has "fully recovered" from the 2013 earthquake that killed 222 people and devastated many of its colonial churches.

The new motto, "Behold...Bohol," is accompanied by developments such as the opening of the new international airport in Panglao next year as well as continued support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

USAID, in cooperation with the Department of Tourism and the World Tourism Organization, helped the province develop the Bohol Tourism Recovery Program (BTRP), under which the "Behold...Bohol" branding was created.

"The US government strongly believes that tourism development has a holistic impact in addressing poverty and preserving the environment through sustainable jobs," USAID Deputy Mission Director Christopher Foley said at the campaign's launch.

"With strong cooperation of local communities and private tourism stakeholders in Bohol, [the Advancing Philippine Competitiveness or USAID COMPETE project] did not only help bring Bohol back on its feet but also helped boost tourism further with the integration of exciting tourism packages," Foley said.

At the launch, Bohol also renewed its agreement with its airline partner AirAsia, which will increase its flights between Manila and Bohol from three times a day to four times daily.

Bohol has long been one of the most popular tourism destinations in the Philippines. Its attractions include its beaches, its Spanish-era churches, the Chocolate Hills, and its tarsiers.  — BM, GMA News