Puyat appeals for paradigm shift to sustainable tourism

CEBU, Philippines — The tourism business has something more to embrace nowadays, not just the profit it enjoys from the increasing tourist spending.

Sustainability has also become an increasingly important factor to ensure the industry's sustained growth moving forward.

The Philippine tourism sector in general must flourish on sustainability amid its bright growth momentum and rising vulnerability to environmental challenges.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat called for a paradigm shift in the industry during the launch of The Juan Effect, a sustainable tourism program of Cebu Pacific that aims to encourage travelers to become environmentally responsible, in Siargao Island on Friday.

"No business venture can flourish on profit alone; if it is not sustainable in itself, then it cannot make any significant contribution to its industry," Puyat reminded tourism players in her speech.

Puyat stressed that tourism's main mandate is to both sell and preserve and "to ensure that the beauty of our country remains, while people get to enjoy a unique Philippine travel experience."

The tourism chief also pointed out that installing a culture of tourism calls for a paradigm shift in both the public and private sectors.

She urged tourism stakeholders to change how they think business and "to care more about our environment, our natural gems and our tourist attractions.

She further stressed the need for Philippine tourism to remain not just a sunshine industry but ensure it will remains sustainable, transformative and inclusive.

As more Filipinos travel around the country, it opens up cultural and leisure opportunities that were not accessible and available to previous generations.

Tourism has also provided rural communities that lack a diversified economy more opportunities for employment and business.

But along with this growth is also the growing environmental concerns.

Natural habitats and ecosystems are affected by the building of roads, hotels, restaurants and other establishments. Leisure activities such as trekking, climbing and scuba diving also have negative impacts such as littering and damage to coral reefs, flora and even fauna.

Cebu Pacific's "Juan Effect" campaign, which was launched in Siargao, aims to mitigate the impact of tourist arrivals on the environment.

The program engages travelers and local stakeholders, raising awareness among Filipinos about their responsibilities as tourists and encourages them to make a difference by changing one daily habit.

“Since we launched 'Juan Effect' in August 2018, we have been working with the local government units in Siargao and the province of Surigao Del Norte to spur concerted action to properly manage the ever-increasing visitor numbers, ease the negative impact of tourism on the island, and balance the social and environmental concerns with its economic benefits," said Candice Iyog, Vice President for marketing and distribution at Cebu Pacific.

The program has so far resulted in the passage of ordinances by some municipalities in Siargao that pertain to waste reduction and the usage of single-use plastic. Colorful murals and signs made of used surfboards have also been put up prior to the peak surfing season that began in September 2018 to help educate tourists and local residents.

The airline also commissioned the design and fabrication of receptacles that tourists can use to properly dispose of plastic bottles, which can then be collected to be made into eco-bricks or recycled. These plastic bottle receptacles will be deployed at key points in Siargao as well as outlying islands to encourage proper waste disposal, and are designed to withstand strong waves and winds. (FREEMAN)