Reinventing Philippine tourism with Route +63

Tourism is one of the major contributors to the local economy. According to the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Tourism Research and Statistics Division (TRSD), earnings generated from tourism activities in the first five months of 2015 grew 2.74 percent, r

With the objective of sharing and promoting socially responsible tours in the Philippines, a group of young professionals founded Route + 63, a travel company and social enterprise offering travelers a chance to experience the rich culture that the country has to offer. Their ultimate goal is to promote Philippine destinations and contribute to local development initiatives through sustainable tourism.

The founders

Route +63 was named after the international telephone country code of the Philippines. It was founded by a team composed of development professionals — all alumni of the Ateneo de Manila University majoring in Development Studies and Management Economics — with a background on social entrepreneurship, community organizing, environmental protection, and government work.

Leading the group is Route + 63 president and CEO Cherryl Si. She has done work and research on social entrepreneurship, sustainable tourism and other related fields. She has been to over a hundred municipalities in the Philippines and is the resident foodie of the group. She is supported by COO Florence Adviento, a senior program officer at Social Enterprise Development Partnerships, Inc., a company that provides capacitybuilding services for social enterprises and microfinance institutions. She has led training events and conducted research around the country.

What makes them different?

Route +63 believes in the ability of tourism to contribute to economic growth. The organization aims to boost local economic activity in areas that they visit through close partnerships with local communities to promote sustainable tourism development.

Far from the usual cookie- cutter trips, Route +63 adventures start at a bus station, pier or airport. Public transportation is always used to minimize carbon footprint and to provide income opportunities to local transport operators. Itineraries include an orientation to guide participants accordingly during trips. On longer trips, accommodations are on dorm- type rooms shared among fellow participants to encourage them to get to know each other. Solo rooms are also available for those seeking more privacy. As for food, Route + 63 tour groups eat in local restaurants, or get catering services in the host community, especially places that have distinct local specialties, giving income opportunities to local businesses as well.

For example, in the Bataan Pawikan ( Turtle) Conservation Trip, participants are encouraged to take part in saving turtle hatchlings. During the Banaue Volunteer and Eco Tour, guests are involved in the rehabilitation of native Ifugao houses and rice terraces in Tam- An Village. Travelers can expect immersions in Ifugao music, dances, and traditional sports as well as observing traditional rice production, coffee and rice wine preparation, woodcarving and weaving.

Destinations

While Route+ 63 offers tours to places all over the country, majority of destinations are concentrated in Luzon such as Banaue in Ifugao, Bataan, Catanduanes, the Ilocos region, Palaui Island in Cagayan, Pampanga, Palawan, Sagada in Mt. Province, Taal in Batangas and Rizal. There are also Mindanao destinations like Siargao Island and Davao.

Aside from announced trip schedules, Route + 63 also organizes private customized trips perfect for vacations, company outings and educational tours.