Resort owner calls for tourism carrying capacity cap for Bohol

A RESORT owner in Bohol has called for a study that will determine the province’s carrying capacity for tourists, particularly the island of Panglao. Dr. Doloreich A. Dumaluan, owner of Dumaluan Beach Resort and a former mayor of Panglao, said setting a cap would ensure sustainability so as “not to kill the hen that lays the golden eggs.” Mr. Dumaluan said all concerned government agencies and stakeholders should work together on the study “to determine the extent of which the benefits from tourism can be maintained, while sustaining the quality of the island’s social, economic and environmental aspects.” A carrying capacity will be set by the government for Boracay Island, which has been closed for six months for rehabilitation. Panglao is expected to see an increase in tourist arrivals with the opening of the new Bohol international airport on the island. The Department of Transportation said about two million tourists annually are expected to use the airport, which is expected to begin operations by October. — The Freeman