Tourism sector seeks solutions to roadblocks

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s tourism industry is seeking solutions to roadblocks that hamper its ability to contribute to the country’s economic growth without damaging the environment.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Philippines launched the Third Ecotourism Community of Practice (ECOP) in the face of threats of unsustainable and unequitable practices in the industry.

“The organization convened the conference to help ensure that the tourism industry’s growth provides an experience that encourages repeat visits, is equitable for local communities, and does not trespass on environmental boundaries,” WWF-Philippines said in a statement.

The conference tackled the case studies of El Nido and Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) both in Palawan, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Marine Park, Donsol town in Sorsogon, and Peñablanca town in Cagayan province.

Roderick Moralde, who heads the town’s association of licensed tour guides, worries that El Nido might follow Boracay’s road to ruin.

“El Nido has taken off, but if we fly too high and too fast, we’ll burn our wings and risk paying the price of unmonitored and uncoordinated development. The question is not whether to refuse change, but how to manage it. What we need is careful, balanced development,” Moralde said.

Other identified roadblocks include profit sharing, lack of knowledge in sustainable practices, uneven or lack of strategic development plans, and outdated national and local government regulations.

The government’s National Development Plan for Tourism seeks to establish the Philippines as Asia’s must-experience destination, while building an environmentally and socially responsible tourism that delivers more equitable income and employment opportunities.

It outlines the three pillars of sustainable tourism, natural asset protection, enhanced visitor experience, and direct community benefit.

Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries worldwide.

WWF-Philippines vice chair and chief executive officer Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan said the benefits of responsible tourism are tangible, and in several cases, can be perceived immediately. In contrast, it may take years before the negative impacts of neglect are felt, he said.

“You have to convene the Ecotourism Community of Practice so that the country’s developers and front-liners can help one another identify solutions and opportunities, plus learn from mistakes and success stories,” Tan said.

Tourism remains one of country’s key drivers for sustainable economic growth.

The Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA) said that revenues from the tourism sector account for over six percent of gross domestic product (GDP) and roughly 10 percent of the employed segment of the population.