TRAVEL retail experience in Bohol will get a boost as the second Go Lokal! store in the region will open at the Bohol-Panglao International Airport in May.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 7 Director Asteria Caberte said the agency has obtained the approval of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to open a Go Lokal! outlet inside the province’s newest airport.
Go Lokal! is joining other premium stores in expanding its footprint in Panglao Island to capture its growing tourism market.
Duty Free, a stated-owned tax-free retail chain, earlier announced that it is opening its first outlet in the island inside the airport.
According to Caberte, the outlet in Bohol will be privately managed similar to the setup in Cebu, which is in partnership with exporter Janeth Chua.
The Go Lokal! store in Cebu is located at the new wing of the Ayala Center Cebu.
DTI 7 said it wants to take advantage of foreign and local tourists visiting Bohol for the success of the Go Lokal! store there.
In 2018, Bohol recorded some 646,082 foreign tourists and 850,047 local tourists.
Go Lokal! is a retail concept store showcasing quality and innovative Philippine products crafted, designed and produced by the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
In earlier interviews, Caberte said mounting a store where MSMEs could exhibit and sell their products is a step in the right direction, as it helps them tap new markets.
It bridges the gap of clients like tourists seeking premium and export products and manufacturers wanting to sell their products to a wider market.
Caberte said opening of a Go Lokal! store is timely, as the appetite of local consumers for export quality products has regained momentum.
Go Lokal! carries everyday products made from indigenous materials that are modern in design, world-class in packaging and are competitively priced: from processed food, home decor, arts and crafts, health and wellness products, fashion apparel, accessories and eco-friendly products.
These products undergo extensive product development with product specialists from the Design Center of the Philippines to make them suitable for the retail, export and souvenir markets. (KOC)