Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) Airports has teamed up with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the Department of Tourism Central Visayas Office, and the Provincial Government of Bohol to support a Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Immersive Tour in Bohol from 21 to 24 April. This initiative aimed to highlight Bohol's cultural and culinary heritage by engaging key tourism stakeholders, including chefs, key opinion leaders, and travel trade representatives.
The tour provided participants with hands-on experiences, such as harvesting ingredients at Bellevue Farm, learning asin tibuok production in Alburquerque, and crafting traditional tablea chocolate in Lasang Farm. These activities are designed to strengthen tourism pathways that benefit local communities by connecting travellers to the people and traditions that define Bohol.
Ten Destination Management Companies participated in the tour, experiencing the activities firsthand. They are expected to develop curated tourism packages that integrate these community-based experiences. Michelin-recognised chefs and lifestyle influencers also documented the tour, bringing wider attention to Bohol as a culinary and cultural destination.
Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, TPB Chief Operating Officer, emphasised the importance of understanding destinations beyond surface-level experiences. "Tourism is not only about destinations, but about relationships—between people and place, between culture and environment," she said.
Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado highlighted the significance of initiatives that empower communities and showcase Bohol's uniqueness. The tour included visits to heritage sites like the Tarsier Sanctuary and the Chocolate Hills, reinforcing sustainability's importance.
This collaboration demonstrates how coordinated efforts can unlock new opportunities for destinations, supporting job creation and encouraging inclusive growth. With the Bohol-Panglao International Airport facilitating access, such initiatives ensure tourism growth is shared, empowering communities to shape their offerings to the world
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