The completion of the proposed reclamation project in Panglao is one of the solutions to the shortage of hotel rooms in the island. The project proponent of the Oasis Leisure Island Development Inc. (OLIDI) said this was one of the reasons why it embarked on the venture. “There is no doubt that there is still a shortage of rooms in the island which is the main reason why it cannot compete with other destinations in hosting big events,” OLIDI said in a statement. The project proponent explained that the existing hotels and resorts in Panglao is not yet enough to meet the demands of major events especially international conventions. While the government normally does not release figures on the exact number of rooms available in Panglao and in the province, there is no denying that this is still way below the number normally demanded by organizers of major events.

 In fact, there have been reports when organizers looked elsewhere after learning that the number of available rooms is not sufficient for their requirements. “Like any business entrepreneur, we saw this as an opportunity for investment because the potential is there,” OLIDI added. Bohol is perhaps the only province in the country that offers a unique package to tourists including convention participants. Aside from the world-renown Chocolate Hills, Bohol has the tarsier, the Balicasag dive spot, the white beaches of Panglao, Loboc river cruise and centuries-old churches that other provinces find hard to match. In spite of this, however, many international and even national events are held in other places because the existing number of hotels and resorts cannot meet the required number of rooms for big events. OLIDI said that once the reclamation project is completed, Panglao has better chances of competing with other places due to its unique and wider attractions. Noting that among the remaining oppositors to the reclamation project are some resort owners in Panglao, OLIDI said they should be working together and not against each other.

“There is room for everybody and we actually have better chances of doing business if more players come in,” the proponent added.  For as long as an establishment is competitive, OLIDI says it has no reason to be afraid regardless of who comes in. OLIDI also pointed out that the entry of new players in fact relieves the existing establishments of the stress of expanding to meet the increasing number of arrivals. It acknowledged that existing resorts already have an edge over the new players so they have nothing to fear. “We are actually doing them a favor at our expense,” the statement added. At the same time, OLIDI said the expected construction of more rooms make it more feasible for the proposed construction of an international airport in Panglao. “The more rooms available, the more tourists coming in and the better for the Panglao airport,” the statement added. OLIDI said it is only waiting for the conduct of the environmental study while expressing confidence that it will be vindicated once the results are out.