PATTAYA, Thailand – Budget airline AirAsia Philippines has been redirecting its Kalibo and Caticlan flights to other local destinations following the six-month closure of Boracay.

With Boracay now closed to tourists, AirAsia Philippines CEO Dexter Comendador believes that it’s about time for another island, Bohol, to get the spotlight.

“I think it’s a blessing for Bohol na nagsara ‘yung Boracay, in the sense that it gives them a lead time na makilala as an alternative to Boracay,” he said.

Comendador, a veteran pilot who assumed leadership in AirAsia Philippines only last year, said Bohol has a “complete set of attractions” and is not limited to white sandy beaches.

• READ: Why Bohol is your perfect summer getaway

He added that local government officials can learn a lot from Bohol, saying it is “a very good example of how tourism works.”

“Mas gusto ko ang Bohol kaysa Boracay,” he admitted. “Ang may gusto lang sa Boracay ay ‘yung mga anak ko kasi party-party.”

“Every time governors talk to me and invite me na lumipad sa probinsya nila… I always tell them, gayahin niyo ‘yung ginawa ng Bohol,” added Comendador, noting the province’s major infrastructure projects.

Comendador went on to stress that Bohol should seize the opportunity to lure more tourists before Boracay reopens in October.

• READ: The day Boracay thought would never come

“Magbubukas ang Panglao [airport] ng August, hopefully. Si Boracay, mga October pa, so mas maraming chances na kunin [muna ang ibang mga turista],” he said.

“Ito na ang moment niya to shine.”

Comendador is planning to turn Bohol as one of the low-cost carrier hubs of AirAsia Philippines to open the island to foreign travelers.

The airline is also an official partner of “Behold Bohol,” a tourism campaign of the province.