THE Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) is looking for a private partner to develop and manage the Balicasag Island Dive Resort (BIDR) joint venture (JV) project in Panglao, Bohol.

The public-private partnership project (PPP) seeks to boost sustainable tourism on Balicasag Island, a marine reserve and tourist zone in Bohol.

The BIDR is a diving destination and accommodation facility operated by Tieza since 1989.

The BIDR project will be undertaken in accordance with the Tieza joint venture guidelines, according to the state-run PPP Center press statement.

The private partner will be selected through a competitive selection process based on the existing JV guidelines.

The scope of the project includes the development and management of BIDR in order to upgrade the facilities of the asset, improve efficiency in operations and create significant contribution to a thriving and sustainable tourism in the area.

“Specifically, the project may include rehabilitation and expansion of the accommodation capacity of the project facilities, operation and maintenance of the project facilities, provision of additional water sports activities and/or island tours and other resort infrastructures and management strategies,” the PPP Center said.

The project has a concession period of 25 years.

The project will help improve one of the best dive sites in the country while protecting and preserving its environment and ecosystem and encouraging tourism development that will also benefit the communities in the area by generating jobs.

The Balicasag Island is a mushroom-shaped coral island that has five diving sites to offer namely, Black Forest, Cathedral or Royal Garden, Divers Heaven, Rico’s Wall and Rudy’s Rock.

The depth of the diving sites range from three to 45 meters, which allows snorkeling to some of its areas. It caters to various types of corals, fishes, turtles, among other sea creatures.

Interested firms have until Jan. 10, 2020 to submit eligibility documents. (CSL)