HRRAC backs efforts for sustainable tourism
The Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu, Inc. (HRRAC) supports the move for sustainable tourism amid environmental issues faced by key tourist spots such as Boracay and Panglao in Bohol.
HRRAC president Carlo Suarez believes Cebu’s tourism industry remains competitive.
"Cebu's tourism remains competitive and at par with international standards," the official told The FREEMAN.
Suarez said making tourism sustainable is key to ensure the industry’s continued growth.
"And this is strengthened by our diverse history and natural tourist spots," he said.
He noted that efforts to maintain Cebu as a preferred tourist destination must be sustainable.
"Of course, in all these, we make it to a point that the developments toward Cebu becoming a premiere tourist destination be in a sustainable manner," Suarez said.
The HRRAC official said that tourism players must ensure they comply with regulatory policies set by the government.
"(We must keep) in mind that we do not forget the responsibilities relating to the government and local communities," he noted.
Earlier, Department of Tourism regional director Shalimar Tamano had said the cooperation between local government units (LGUs) and tourism establishments is key to ensure environmental laws are followed by tourism players such as resorts and hotels.
He said the agency supports President Duterte’s order to shut down erring resorts in a bid to save the country’s prime tourist destinations from further environmental destruction.
"We support the sustainability of our tourist spots," he had said.
Tamano noted there is definitely a need to enforce environmental laws in the tourism industry to ensure its continued growth especially with the expected influx of tourists particularly in Central Visayas.
DOT said the government would start cracking down on violators of environmental laws in Boracay and Panglao Island in Bohol.
The crackdown came after President Rodrigo R. Duterte threatened to close the entire island of Boracay to tourists if the matter is not addressed within six months.