Government taps academe for eco-tourism promotion

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT-7), together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources  are pushing for the development of eco-tourism attractions in the region starting with tapping the tourism students to appreciate this kind of attraction.

In an interview with DOT-7 regional director Rowena Montecillo, she said that her office and DENR have initially partnered 10 universities and colleges in Cebu to encourage tourism students to visit the identified eco-tourism sites in Cebu and the rest of Central Visayas area.

"Students have to see and experience what we have, so that they will promote and push these destinations when they enter their career as tourism executives in the next few years," said Montecillo.

The region's top 10 eco-tourism sites include; Camotes Island, Bantayan Island and Wildlife Area, Central Cebu Protected Area, Guadalupe Mainit-Mabugnaw Spring in CarCar-Cebu, Chocolate Hills, Rajah Sikatuna Protective Landscape in Bohol, Twin Lakes Balinsasayao in Negros Oriental, Apo Island, Lobok-Mabini-Anda corridor in Bohol, and Olango Island Sanctuary.

Regionwide, DOT and DENR have identified over 20 eco-tourism sites.

According to Montecillo, the two agencies have agreed with partner schools to make the program as part of their requirements, as they (students) do not only export and see the place, but they will also given lectures, and opportunity to have site emersion.

The tourism students, including those that are taking tourism related courses, like Hotel, Restaurant Management  should be re-oriented, and be updated of the new tourism environment, and that promotion of eco-tourism sites is vital, as the tourism growth direction is now going into the direction of improving the eco-tourism sites portfolio.

For a potential place to be listed as eco-tourism site, involvement of the residents should be in place, making tourism as part of their livelihood.

Responsible management and development of the place should be managed well by the host local government unit.

Montecillo said the project will initially start with academe linkage in Cebu as pilot area, and eventually other colleges and universities offering tourism related courses in the region will be included in the list.

The well-managed eco-tourism system in Bohol will be featured as an example for eco-tourism management, said Montecillo.

The Philippines started to push the development of eco-tourism with different monetary and program supports are initiated by   Government agencies, such as DOT, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and others.

The concept of eco tourism based on the UNWTO is heavily focused on involving the community in the development of tourism, promoting eco-tourism more than a product, but more on supporting the local economy and generate income and open up job opportunities. (FREEMAN)