I HAVE just returned from a much-needed few days of vacation in Bohol, and while the experience was comprehensively enjoyable, it has left me with a few impressions of the state of tourism in the Philippines that might not be considered exactly complimentary. As tourism is considered an important economic driver here, it might be useful for tourism stakeholders to view the criticism as constructive rather than simply being offended by it, since it is being offered with helpful intent.
But first, a few spoonfuls of sugar to help the bitter medicine go down. Having been to most of the marquee tourist spots in the Philippines, I would say that Bohol is probably my favorite. It is a gorgeous island with a bigger variety of things to see and do than most places, and Boholanos are friendly, accommodating people. And Bohol has some specific attributes that give it a clear advantage over better-known destinations such as Boracay and El Nido, which I will explain below.
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