World Ecotourism Conference to be held in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippines is to host the 5th World Ecotourism Conference later this month in Cebu, a senior government official said today.

Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said that the conference, to be held on Feb. 20-22, will discuss the impacts of ecotourism activities linked to the seas such as whale and shark watching, snorkeling, scuba diving, and recreational fishing.

It also tackles the socio-economic aspects of the industry such as development of destinations, management of marine ecotourism spots, marketing, and the elimination of poverty through sustainability, he said.

Representatives from governments, industries, civil society, and academies from all over the world are expected to discuss development and sustainability of industries linked to marine and coastal ecotourism.

The event is co-organized by the Department of Tourism and DISCOVERYMICE of Malaysia and endorsed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization.