Capitol tourism office eyes travel philanthropy

The Provincial Tourism Office eyes 'travel philanthropy' as another possible thrust in tourism.

It is a form of traveling in order to give back to local communities and is a growing trend in the tourism sector.

This was one of the several tourism practices discussed in the Global Eco-Asia Pacific Tourism Conference in Australia which Provincial Tourism Office head Boboi Costas last month.

“These are high-end, highvalue tourists who immerse with the locality,” he explained.

Costas said that travel philanthropy can aid in sustainable tourism since the tourists are ready to spend their money to give back, with lesser environmental impacts, offering more revenue for the communities. However, it will be a challenge as it needs more time and planning.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale concurred with it. She said that travel philanthropy tourism needs more study on how this will be implemented.

She added that there is also danger in this for those with ulterior intention might use travel philanthropy as a ploy to cover other hidden agenda which may endanger the lives and rights of the citizenry.

For instance, the recent incident in the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) wherein four minors were accompanied by a foreigner without a certificate from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, which is illegal. Because of the incident she commended the management of CSBT for successfully intercepting a possible case of human trafficking.

Meanwhile, the vice governor extended her felicitations to Water Front Eco-tourism and MICE, which are the current thrusts of the provincial government in terms of tourism.

Costas highlighted that eco-tourism, specifically, was able to scale-up through community-based methods. He added that it was a major accomplishment that the program gained social acceptance from the local communities.

The tourism office will discuss next year the possibility of tapping other forms of tourism which are currently practiced in other countries and are feasible in Cebu.

Also, geo-tourism or tourism that sustains or enhances the distinctive geographical features of a certain place was highlighted as a trend in the tourism sector. Costas expressed its potential albeit its challenges.

“Geo-tourism is a very broad concept, there is need of scientific inquiry and expertise,” Costas said.

Magpale lauded the ideas but emphasized that it will only be implemented if it is studied and approved by the Provincial Tourism Council.