Due to Apec in Manila: Flight cancellations affect tourism in Bohol province

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines – Cancellation of flights from here to other places, particularly Manila, and vice versa have affected tourist arrivals in the province due to the holding of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in the country’s capital metropolis.

The office here of the Civil Aeronautics Authority of the Philippines had reportedly cancelled a number of daily flights, especially to Manila and back, to give way to APEC meeting hosted by the Philippines.

Provincial Tourism Officer Josephine Cabarrus yesterday confirmed this to The Freeman while she led a welcoming rites for tourists who arrived in an international cruise ship in this city.

Cabarrus said the flight cancellations were temporary only, but necessary as the country and its people should give utmost respect and ample time for the holding of the APEC.

Visitors can still visit Bohol via boat or fastcraft from Cebu or other boats from other places, she said.

THe M/S Silver Shadow cruise ship, of the Silver Sea Lines, with 350 passengers, made a port call in this city, showing that Bohol Province is becoming the favorite international cruise ship destination in the country.

More than 300 foreign visitors on board of the international cruise ship took their respective tourist buses to roam around Bohol’s tourist attractions, including the Chocolate Hills, the Loboc River cruise and the Tarsier visit.

An Ilonggo carpenter, of the M/S Silver Shadow, told The Freeman that 70 percent of the ship’s 280 crew were Filipinos.

He said the ship, which came from Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, will leave Bohol toward Boracay and then Palawan before sailing off to other countries.

According to  tour operator Lourdes Sultan, another international cruse ship is expected before the year ends.

Then by early next year, M/S Europa 2 of Hapag-Lloyd Cruise company in Europe, which visited Bohol last year, will also arrive here, a source of the Philippine Ports Authority said.

Other international cruise ships, such as the Hellenic and Minerva companies and L’Austal, docked here, bringing hundreds of foreigners to savor Bohol’s tourism spots. (FREEMAN)