The continued increase in the volume of tourists arriving in the province everyday is evident on the number of  boat trips to and from Tagbilaran City.

Some 15 trips are bringing tourists from Cebu City to this capital city starting as early as 6:00 in the morning and the last trip at 7:40pm.

OceanJet leads the competition in the fast craft operation plying the Cebu-Tagbilaran route with nine trips daily, while 2Go (SuperCat) and Weesam Express has three trips each daily.

The influx of tourists originates from Cebu being the regional hub with Mactan International Airport as the entry point of tourists from various Asian countries.

The volume of these tourists getting through Mactan Airport come to Bohol for their day tour popularly known as the “Countryside Tour,” which runs the usual route to the Chocolate Hills with lunch either in Loboc or Loay river cruise. These tourists booked at the various resorts in Mactan usually arrive at 10a.m. and will take the return trip to Cebu after 4:00pm. This day tour is bringing a big pie of the market of the three shipping companies.

Observers said that these shipping firms are doing brisk business in bringing tourists to and from Cebu.

Meanwhile, the new terminal building at the City Port will be completed next month, according to Engr. Epelito Arao-arao of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). The P54 million two-storey terminal building will provide comfort and convenience to the riding public considering that it can accommodate 700 passengers.