A small resort within Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, a protected area and a UNESCO Global Geopark, has become a national issue exposing the disconnect between preserving national treasures and the complications of local adherence to governance.
Captain’s Peak Resort, which caused a public outcry after it was featured by vlogger Renmark Nisnisan, is now temporarily closed while under investigation on why it is able to build and operate in the unique geological formation. Other resorts within Chocolate Hills are also facing investigation.
BATTO is taking steps to ensure that developments are conducted in harmony with environmental and cultural preservation; Tigbao Hanging Bridge in Bohol, pictured
Before the resort was closed, it ignored the temporary closure order of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in September 2023, and in January this year for not having the environmental compliance certification. It has land ownership documents and has complied with other requirements of the local government.
Lourdes Sultan, president, Bohol Alliance of Travel and Tour Operators (BATTO), commented that Captain’s Peak resort is small and patronised by local Boholanos, and is “not a place where the regular tourists, foreign or domestic, go”.
BATTO’s position amid the furore, Sultan noted, is that it “gets to take a look into similar developments putting emphasis on conservation and sustainability”. She also remarked that “local government units and national government agencies need to be consistent in implementing laws and regulations”.
“We have a bigger responsibility not just bringing quality tourism service but also to ensure that tourism developments that we allow are consistent (with) our vision,” stressed Sultan, adding that BATTO will prioritise sustainability over big developments.
The Department of Tourism, in a statement on March 13, said it “agrees with the Bohol Provincial Government’s position that developments within the Chocolate Hills area are not consistent with its long-term sustainability and should be disallowed”.
“While development is essential for growth and progress, it must be conducted in harmony with environmental and cultural preservation. We urge all parties involved, including government agencies, private sector entities, and local communities, to work together towards sustainable and responsible tourism practices that uphold the integrity of our natural heritage.”
C9 Hotelworks managing director, Bill Barnett, who knows the Philippines like the back of his hands, opined: “Corruption remains a key issue in local municipalities across the country and there is no recognition by the Manila government of a country-wide tourism master plan.
“While the private sector is racing ahead building new hotels, the point is there is no preservation of the areas that will bring tourists to the destinations, so eventually this issue must be addressed at a national level.”
How the issue is being handled and resolved will impact the future of rustic Bohol, currently top on the list for tourists and investors alike, as international tourism shifts to local experiences and authentic places to visit.
A small resort within Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, a protected area and a UNESCO Global Geopark, has become a national issue exposing the disconnect between preserving national treasures and the complications of local adherence to governance.
Captain’s Peak Resort, which caused a public outcry after it was featured by vlogger Renmark Nisnisan, is now temporarily closed while under investigation on why it is able to build and operate in the unique geological formation. Other resorts within Chocolate Hills are also facing investigation.
Before the resort was closed, it ignored the temporary closure order of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in September 2023, and in January this year for not having the environmental compliance certification. It has land ownership documents and has complied with other requirements of the local government.
Lourdes Sultan, president, Bohol Alliance of Travel and Tour Operators (BATTO), commented that Captain’s Peak resort is small and patronised by local Boholanos, and is “not a place where the regular tourists, foreign or domestic, go”.
BATTO’s position amid the furore, Sultan noted, is that it “gets to take a look into similar developments putting emphasis on conservation and sustainability”. She also remarked that “local government units and national government agencies need to be consistent in implementing laws and regulations”.
“We have a bigger responsibility not just bringing quality tourism service but also to ensure that tourism developments that we allow are consistent (with) our vision,” stressed Sultan, adding that BATTO will prioritise sustainability over big developments.
The Department of Tourism, in a statement on March 13, said it “agrees with the Bohol Provincial Government’s position that developments within the Chocolate Hills area are not consistent with its long-term sustainability and should be disallowed”.
“While development is essential for growth and progress, it must be conducted in harmony with environmental and cultural preservation. We urge all parties involved, including government agencies, private sector entities, and local communities, to work together towards sustainable and responsible tourism practices that uphold the integrity of our natural heritage.”
C9 Hotelworks managing director, Bill Barnett, who knows the Philippines like the back of his hands, opined: “Corruption remains a key issue in local municipalities across the country and there is no recognition by the Manila government of a country-wide tourism master plan.
“While the private sector is racing ahead building new hotels, the point is there is no preservation of the areas that will bring tourists to the destinations, so eventually this issue must be addressed at a national level.”
How the issue is being handled and resolved will impact the future of rustic Bohol, currently top on the list for tourists and investors alike, as international tourism shifts to local experiences and authentic places to visit.