Bohol officially welcomes the inaugural direct flight from Japan on Saturday, May 2, with 164 Japanese tourists arriving at the Bohol–Panglao International Airport aboard a Cebu Pacific flight from Narita International Airport. —Photo courtesy of Gov. Aris Aumentado
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — A chartered direct flight from Japan arrived in Bohol on Saturday, bringing 164 tourists and signaling renewed momentum for the province’s international tourism drive.
The flight from Narita International Airport landed at the Bohol-Panglao International Airport via Cebu Pacific Flight 5J8811.
Welcoming the passengers were Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado and Consul-General of Japan in Cebu Yudai Ueno, along with local tourism stakeholders, as the aircraft received a ceremonial water cannon salute upon arrival.
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Bohol officially welcomed the inaugural direct flight from Japan on Saturday, May 2, with 164 Japanese tourists arriving at the Bohol–Panglao International Airport aboard a Cebu Pacific flight from Narita International Airport. —Photo courtesy of Gov. Aris Aumentado
Aumentado said the milestone followed a successful tourism business mission in Japan, which helped pave the way for the chartered direct flight.
He expressed optimism that regular direct flights between Japan and Bohol could soon be realized through continued collaboration with JTB Asia Pacific Philippines Corporation.
Tourism officials noted that Japan has long been one of Bohol’s key international markets. Based on pre-pandemic data from the Department of Tourism, Japanese visitors consistently ranked among the province’s top foreign arrivals, contributing tens of thousands of tourists annually.
In 2019, Bohol recorded over 70,000 Japanese visitors, placing Japan among its leading inbound markets.
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While arrivals declined sharply during the pandemic, gradual recovery has been observed since borders reopened, with renewed efforts now focused on restoring and expanding direct connectivity.
Stakeholders said the arrival of the charter flight is expected to help accelerate that recovery, bringing in higher-value tourists and boosting local businesses, from accommodations and transport services to food and tour operations.
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Aumentado said improved air connectivity would make it easier for Japanese tourists to visit the island.
“More international arrivals mean greater opportunities for our tourism industry,” Aumentado said, emphasizing that each visitor contributes to jobs and livelihoods across the province.
He added that the development underscores Bohol’s continued appeal as a premier destination despite global economic challenges, with the provincial government committed to promoting sustainable tourism while attracting more international markets.
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Aumentado expressed hope that the successful charter flight would pave the way for more flights in the near future, further strengthening Bohol’s position in the global tourism map. INQ /mr
AloJapan.com