Across Bohol, Siargao, Baguio, and the Cordillera, TPB Philippines is building a new blueprint for what it means to travel with purpose.
The most meaningful journeys are the ones that leave a trace not just on the traveler, but on the places and people encountered along the way. This is the philosophy reshaping local travel, and nowhere is it more visible than in the Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Program driven by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines.
In the first half of 2026, TPB Philippines successfully launched four immersive CBT tours across Bohol, Siargao, Baguio, and the broader Cordillera region. Each tour was designed around four distinct narratives: gastronomy, sustainability, cultural heritage, and indigenous identity. Yet all of them shared a single belief that communities aren’t merely the backdrop of travel, but are instead, integral parts of the destination itself.
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How TPB Goes Beyond The Standard Travel Checklist
Bohol has long been celebrated for its landscapes, but the CBT Immersive Tour held in April 2026 asked a different question entirely. What does this place actually taste like? The program centered on the island’s evolving gastronomic culture, combining farm-to-table storytelling, sustainable food practices, and the food traditions that have shaped local identity for generations.
Participants moved through visits and cultural exchanges that brought them into direct contact with the producers, farmers, and cooks who form the backbone of Bohol’s food ecosystem. What the experience did was transform what would’ve otherwise been an ordinary meal into a conversation about heritage, livelihood, and what it really means to be mindful of what’s on our plate.
TPB Philippines also showcased how, beyond its beaches, Siargao holds a community story that’s just as compelling as its surf. The CBT Immersive Tour held in May 2026 looked past the island’s well-known tourism identity to highlight local entrepreneurship, environmental stewardship, and the grassroots initiatives that have shaped Siargao’s character over the years. During the experience, participants met with communities who are finding their own ways to navigate the opportunities and pressures that come with growth. With insights of locals who care deeply about preserving what makes Siargao worth visiting, visitors got to understand a more personal side of the island, creating memories that stayed with them long after the tour ended.
Meanwhile, the Baguio and Cordillera editions of the CBT program in May 2026 covered distinct but connected ground. TPB Philippines partnered with SoFA Design Institute to create an immersive experience that bridges indigenous creative traditions with contemporary design education, with the goal of integrating facets of community-based tourism into SoFA’s future curriculum. Students and alumni engaged directly with local artisans, cultural workers, and community leaders, gaining hands-on exposure to both traditional and contemporary creative practices.
Additionally, the Golf and Cultural Tour in Baguio brought together an unexpected combination of golf tourism at Camp John Hay, chef-driven dining, and visits to local weavers whose craft carries centuries of Cordilleran tradition.
What This Shift In Travel Priorities Represents
There’s certainly a shift happening in how the world’s most discerning travelers define luxury. Purpose and genuine connection are replacing itineraries built around exclusivity for its own sake. TPB Philippines’ Community-Based Tourism Program isn’t just aligned with this shift, but actively building its infrastructure. By positioning local communities as authors of the tourism experience, the program ensures that travel spending moves in ways that strengthen livelihoods, protect cultural heritage, and support sustainable development.
Go Deeper On Your Next Journey Through The Philippines
Discover how your next journey can create lasting impact. Explore the Philippines through immersive community-based experiences that celebrate culture, empower local communities, and redefine sustainable luxury travel.
Follow TPB Philippines on Instagram and Facebook. Visit the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines and Love the Philippines to start planning.
Photos courtesy of TPB Philippines (unless specified)
Frequently Asked Questions
TPB Philippines’ Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Program invites travelers to engage with Philippine destinations through immersive experiences that support local livelihoods, preserve cultural heritage, and promote sustainable development.
The program is led by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines.
So far, the 2026 editions have covered four destinations: Bohol, Siargao, Baguio, and the Cordillera region.
Each tour offers a different focus. Bohol centered on food and gastronomy, Siargao highlighted local entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship, Baguio combined golf with cultural and culinary experiences, and the Cordillera tour focused on indigenous culture and traditional craftsmanship.
Visit the official Love the Philippines website or follow TPB Philippines on Instagram at @philippines.tpb and on Facebook at facebook.com/philippines.tpb.
