The province became a hit at the just concluded 2016 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) held at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

Bohol bannered well its top potential destinations as well as top resorts which were all rated high by buyers from all over the ASEAN region.

This was confirmed by no less than DOT Sec. Ramon Jimenez, Jr. who personally visited the Bohol pavilion during the Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) last Thursday.

Gov. Edgar Chatto and Rep. Rene Relampagos, who is the chairman of the House committee on tourism led the Bohol delegation to the travel event where Bohol was a major highlight together also with Palawan.

The Bohol delegation came in full force with the government and private sectors joining hands to ensure the promotion of  Bohol as a prime destination in the country.

Among the private sector participants were Be Grand Resort, Bellevue Resort, Bluewater Resort (Panglao), Bohol Beach Club, Panglao Island Nature Resort & Spa and South Palms Resort. The private sector was backed up by the provincial government, city government as well as the local government units of Anda and Danao.

The ATF hosted by the Philippines was participated by Brunei, Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The regional forum discussed innovations, trends and developments in the tourism industry and facilitate joint policy formulations to accelerate the growth of the region’s tourism and promote ASEAN as a multi-faceted single destination.

One of the highlights of the forum was the three-day TRAVEX (travel exchange)which is the longest running annual ASEAN leisure travel trade event, showcasing the largest contingent of ASEAN sellers. Travex serves as a platform for the selling and buying of regional and individual tourism products of ASEAN member countries.

Bohol occupied a 10-booth area pavilion inside the Philippine pavilion where one-to-one pre-scheduled business meetings explored, negotiated and inked deals with buyers from abroad. The ATF TRAVEX converged some 1,600 delegates which include more than 450 international buyers and 150 international media.

Meanwhile, a media briefing last Wednesday afternoon had DOT Undersecretary Art Boncato and Tourism Promotions Board COO Domingo Enerio as guests together  with Bohol Gov. Edgar M. Chatto and Palawan Gov. Alvarez, both provinces are the major featured destinations for the Philippines.