Ecotourism fest set in Subic
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, the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) together with the Department of Tourism are spearheading the Subic Ecotourism Festival 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).
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 said.
The event comprises of an exhibition on ecotourism sites in the country and sharing of best practices on ecotourism from international experts in the field.
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 Ltd. chairman Greg Duffel, Indecon Indonesia director Ary Suhandi and Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s Randy Durband.
Complementing the forum are government sector 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 Center for Biodiversity executive director Roberto Oliva, Cebu provincial tourism officer Boboi Costas.
Moreover, PAL SVP for Operations Ismael Augusto Gozon and El Nido Resorts head of sustainability Mariglo Laririt will share the best practices from the private sector.
In the Philippines, only the award-winning El Nido Resorts in Palawan qualifies as authentic ecolodges because of environmentally sustainable management policies.
Session topics are Ecotourism Driving Sustainable Development, Ecotourism and Conservation, Innovative Investment Attraction, Business of Best Practices, Community-based Ecotourism, Ecotourism - A Natural for ASEAN, Policy and Standards, Indigenous Communities, and Marketing Ecotourism for Yield.
For inquiries, call 8320996 or email events.isstphilippines@gmail.com.