Ecotourism Festival scheduled in Subic on May 29 to June 1

THE UNITED Nations World Tourism Organization has declared 2017 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development to highlight ecotourism, a vital concept in the booming industry in biodiversity-rich countries.

In line with this global observance, the International School of Sustainable Tourism ( ISST) together with the Department of Tourism are spearheading the Subic Ecotourism Festival set on May 29 to June 1 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center,

The biggest of its kind in the country, the core of the event is a forum that brings together the leaders of the Global Ecotourism Network (GEN), and its regional subsidiary, the Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN).

Supporting the event are Tourism Promotions Board, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Department of the Interior and Local Government, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), and Philippine Airlines, as official carrier.

According to ISST President Mina Gabor, the event is a rare opportunity for delegates to learn from and network with the best practitioners in the industry.

“Given the Philippines’ tourism industry is driven largely by its natural attractions, it is important to balance economic benefit, conservation and respect for local communities which the GEN board members are greatly recognized for,” she enthused.

She said the event comprises of an exhibition on ecotourism sites in the country and share best practices on ecotourism from international experts in the field.

Ms. Gabor is a former Tourism Secretary who pushed ecotourism during her tenure, making it a byword in the industry years later.

Leading the powerhouse cast of international speakers are Glenn Jampol and Tony Charters, GEN chair and vice-chair respectively, and general board members Robert Holmes of Australia, Hitesh Mehta of Kenya, Masaru Takayama of Japan, Nabil Tarazi of Jordan, and Albert Teo of Malaysia.

Other foreign keynote speakers are Conservation Ecology Center — Australia CEO Lizzie Corke, ASSOB International Australia CEO Paul Niederer, Sapa O’Chau (Vietnam) Founder and Director Tan Thi Su, Travel Impact Newswire Executive Editor Imtiaz Muqbil, Mahidol University International College assistant dean Kaetwa Muangasame, Bond Asian Ventures Limited Chairman Greg Duffel, Indecon Indonesia Director Ary Suhandi, CEO, and Global Sustainable Tourism Council Randy Durband.

Complementing the forum are government sector local speakers DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau Director Teresa Mundita Lim, National Commission on Culture and the Arts-School of Living Traditions Executive Director Rico Pableo, Jr., National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Socioeconomic and Special Affairs Director Marie Grace Pascua, ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity Executive Director Roberto Oliva, Cebu and Provincial Tourism Officer Boboi Costas.

For inquiries, call ISST at (02) 832-0996 / (02) 8342996 or e-mail to: events.isstphilippines@gmail.com.