Bohol enacts Sustainable Tourism 

Development Code of 2025

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado has signed into law the Bohol Sustainable Tourism Development Code of 2025, a measure aimed at managing tourism growth while protecting the province’s environment, cultural heritage and local communities.

The new law updates Bohol’s tourism policies by adopting a sustainability-based framework aligned with the province’s development goals and its recognition as the country’s first United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Global Geopark.

The measure was authored by Board Member and lawyer Jiselle Rae Aumentado Villamor, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Tourism.

“As the author and sponsor of this ordinance, I am deeply honored to witness this vision become a law,” said Villamor. “This code ensures that tourism in Bohol remains inclusive, responsible, and rooted in our duty to protect what makes our province truly exceptional: our people, our culture, and our natural heritage.”

Aumentado described the new Tourism Code as the start of a “new chapter” for Bohol as a premier tourism destination.

He said the updated code responds to the evolving needs of the province’s tourism sector.

“It diversifies our tourism offerings, addresses long-standing gaps, and ensures that growth remains adaptive, resilient and beneficial to all Boholanos,” Aumentado said.

The law establishes a Tourism Development Fund, allocating 50% of revenues for site maintenance and environmental protection and 20% for island barangays.

It also introduces the Ultimate Boholano Identity (UBI) Seal of Excellence to promote fair pricing, service quality and cultural authenticity among tourism establishments.

The code mandates a Boholano First Policy that gives preference to local tourism workers and authorizes the Provincial Tourism Development Council to set carrying capacities and implement a standardized Tourism Price Guide. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

The Bohol Sustainable Tourism Development Code of 2025 is signed at the New Capitol Building in Tagbilaran City on Jan. 20, witnessed by provincial officials, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and tourism and environmental stakeholders. (PiMO photo)