Business · Philippines Bureau
Bohol official questions collection of tour guide fees at Balicasag Island
A provincial board member in Bohol has called for an investigation into environmental fees collected from accredited tour guides at the popular Balicasag Island destination. The inquiry seeks to establish uniform and transparent fee policies across the province's tourism sites.
LSN Philippines ·
TAGBILARAN CITY — Lawyer Jiselle Rae Aumentado Villamor, a member of the Bohol Provincial Board, has requested a formal inquiry into the collection of environmental and entrance fees from Department of Tourism-accredited tour guides who bring visitors to Balicasag Island in Panglao town.
Villamor's move highlights concerns about the lack of standardized fee collection practices at the island destination, which remains one of Bohol's premier tourism attractions. The inquiry aims to clarify current policies and establish consistent guidelines for fee collection across all of the province's major tourism destinations.
Balicasag Island, known for its marine sanctuary and diving opportunities, draws thousands of domestic and international visitors annually. The presence of unclear fee structures for tour guides has raised questions about transparency and the equitable distribution of revenue from tourism activities.
The provincial board is expected to examine existing agreements with the Department of Tourism, local government units in Panglao, and accredited tour operators to determine appropriate fee mechanisms. Officials hope the investigation will result in clearer policies that balance revenue collection with the interests of tourism service providers and visitors.