CEB launches sustainable tourism program

CEBU, Philippines — It’s about time to give sustainable tourism a much-needed push amid the rising environmental concerns. And tourists themselves can do so much to help attain a more environmentally responsible tourism industry.

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific has engaged travelers to support sustainable tourism by being environmentally responsible.

The airline firm had launched Juan Effect, a sustainable tourism program that aims to promote responsible travel by encouraging travelers to make small pledges that can help save the environment.

In an interview over the weekend in Cebu City, Charo Lagamon, corporate communications director at the company, said tourists can do so much in being responsible every time they travel.

Some tourism activities can take a toll on the environment but travelers can significantly help lessen carbon footprint when traveling, she said.

“As Cebu Pacific aims to fly 22 million passengers in 2018, we recognize sustainable tourism as a key priority for the airline. The Juan Effect program is a call for all stakeholders to come together, collaborate and cooperate towards concerted efforts, to ensure that the tourism industry progresses sustainably,” company CEO Lance Gokongwei had said in a statement.

The company urges travelers to visit juaneffect.com, choose a pledge, pick a graphic, and share it on their social media accounts.

The Gokongwei-led airline is also looking to collaborate with local governments to implement sustainable tourism action plans.

Siargao will serve as the program’s pilot module, with initiatives set to be rolled out in September 2018.

Starting October 1 this year, the budget carrier will also replace non-recyclable plastic spoons, forks, stirrers and cups with sustainable alternatives on all its domestic and international flights, including those operated by its subsidiary Cebgo. This is part of the airline’s efforts to reduce inflight waste.

On the average, Cebu Pacific mounts about 400 flights daily across 37 domestic and 26 international destinations. Those flights use approximately 18,500 pieces of plastic spoons and forks, plastic cups and plastic stirrers daily.

“Part of the Juan Effect program is looking at the way we do things at Cebu Pacific. We want to cut down on our use of non-recyclable plastic to only what is necessary, and are committed to rolling out more initiatives to help protect our planet and ensure that we operate sustainably,” Gokongwei had noted. (FREEMAN)