By Jeandie O. Galolo
Sunday, December 1, 2013
RESORT owners in Bohol complain that the constant power outages in the province are “massively” cutting down the number of tourists visiting the area.
Amun Ini Beach Resort and Spa director Federico Carmona and Anda White Beach resort owner Mary Grace Dewijn said in separate interviews with Sun.Star Cebu that they have had several cancellations of bookings in the past weeks over the unstable power supply in the province.
Amun Ini is a four-hectare property while Anda White Beach is a half-hectare property in the municipality of Anda in Bohol.
Dewijn said their usual number of tourists, around 300 to 500 in a month, was cut down in half due to power issues.
Fuel expense
Carmona and Dewijn said they have been relying mainly on generator sets which are very costly to operate. They are spending P5,000 to P10,000 for gasoline a day to fuel the generators.
“The generator that we have is not intended for long-time use but we have no other choice,” said Dewijn.
She said she has to cater to the needs of the tourists who are still staying in Anda White Beach. Most of the guests are “high-spending” Europeans who have been staying in the area for a week.
Anda White Beach Resort turns on their generator from 5 p.m. to 10:30 a.m. daily.
Carmona is calling on the government to help address the power situation in the province.
“It is hurting us. This is causing financial setback on our part,” said Carmona.
He is urging for a power plant to be centrally located in Bohol as the province is only relying on power plants based in Region 8, which have been affected by super typhoon Yolanda.
“Now that Region 8 is affected, we in Bohol are also affected,” Carmona said.
Department of Tourism Central Visayas Director Rowena Montecillo said in a separate interview that DOT is closely coordinating with the Department of Energy to speed up the restoration of power in Bohol.
Aside from power, Carmona also cited the need for an improved infrastructure, airport, water supply and ferry services.
“If Bohol really wants to be a destination (for tourism), the government should invest,” he said.
The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) already issued an invitation last month to bid for the proposed P4.8-billion new airport in Panglao, Bohol.
The resort owners have also addressed the negative publicity the Philippines has been receiving nowadays due to the devastation brought by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake and super typhoon Yolanda.
Accreditation
Dweijn said that while some parts of the Philippines were severely affected, Bohol should be spared from negative publicity as it is hurting the tourism industry of the province.
She said their accreditation with the Department of Tourism has helped promote Anda White Beach resort as a safe place to travel.
Only two of the 26 resorts and accommodation establishments in the area are DOT accredited.
Anda Mayor Metodio Amper said he is urging resort and accommodation owners to have their accreditation with DOT as it is eyeing on making Anda as the “best” tourist destination in Bohol.
Anda is located at the eastern part of Bohol. The mayor said it remains a safe place to travel as it was not badly hit by the recent earthquake and typhoon. source
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