Central Visayas tourism players act on sustainable tourism

CEBU, Philippines — The environmental issues upsetting Boracay tourism should be a call for action for tourism stakeholders in Central Visayas, particularly Cebu, to back sustainable tourism, a top official said.

Department of Tourism regional director Shalimar Tamano 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.

In a phone interview yesterday, Tamano said he recently had a meeting with Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto and other tourism stakeholders to discuss this matter.

Earlier reports quoted Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, a Boholano, as saying that Panglao Island in Bohol is eyed as next target for the environment violator crackdown in the tourism industry.

Tamano 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 said.

He believes the private sector would be willing to cooperate on this matter.

The official noted there definitely is 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.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo was earlier quoted as saying in reports the agency would be monitoring all the resorts nationwide.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has started issuing on Feb. 14 Notices of Violation to 51 establishments in Boracay out of the 300 recommended for closure by DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu.

The crackdown comes after President Rodrigo R. Duterte threatened to close the entire island to tourists if the matter is not addressed within six months. (FREEMAN)