Bohol bids to take its place among the best in the world tourism stage at the Internationale Turismo Borse (ITB) Berlin in Germany this coming March 5-7.

Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado will be leading the province’s delegation at the world’s largest travel and tourism trade fair to be held at Messe Berlin.

Aumentado will be joined by provincial administrator Asteria Caberte and Joanne Pinat, Bohol Provincial Tourism Office officer-in-charge.

In accepting the invitation of the Department of Tourism (DOT), the province is strategically positioning itself in the global tourism arena, Caberte said.

She explained that not only will the province leverage its designation as the first and only UNESCO Global Geopark, it will also rally tourism stakeholders and value chain links towards world class standards.

Bohol will showcase the internationally renowned Loboc Children’s Choir at ITB Berlin together with Kalumon Performing Ensemble, human beatbox Neil Llanes, flair bartender Dennis Barilla, singer CJ Kaamino and percussionist Marcelo Labtic.

“We are very thankful to private sector sponsors and industry players for sponsoring the cost of travel for the Loboc Children’s Choir,” Caberte added.

Four of Bohol’s best: Amorita Resort, The Bellevue Resort, Bohol Beach Club and Modala Beach Resort form part of the country’s delegation that includes hotels and resorts, destination management companies and tour operators, and government agencies.

Alongside Bohol are the local governments of Negros Occidental Province and Sipalay City, Siquijor Province and Camiguin Province.

The DOT and Tourism Promotions Board together with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and Philippine Retirement Authority will lead the country’s delegation in this year’s global travel fair that is themed “Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism”.

The three-day business-to-business and product display event boasts of over 10,000 exhibitors and 160,000 visitors annually.

Last year, the country’s involvement in the travel convention netted P251 million in bookings according to Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco. (PIMO/LMS)