National Confab on UNWTO Sustainable Tourism Framework was held last March 15-16, 2018, in Boracay Island, Philippines, one month before it was ordered closed for “rehabilitation” by the President. 

With the aim of supporting sustainable destination development and management in the Philippines, our Society for Sustainable Tourism & Development Inc. (SSTDI) and LEADimpact Asia, organized with partners, national agencies such as Department of Tourism and the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Philippine Sustainable Tourism National Forum last March 15-16, 2018, Boracay Island.

The National Forum, entitled “Sustainable Tourism Standards & Development” invited Tourism industry leaders, CEOs, LGUs, Destination Managers, hoteliers, resort owners and developers, NGOs and the academe to fully implement the UNWTO- Global Sustainable Tourism criteria throughout the archipelago of 7,641 islands.

A key outcome of this National Forum was to launch various Sustainable Tourism Training Programs in crucial destinations, as well as all the regions of the Philippines to help implement tangible actions that fulfill the globally recognized standards of sustainability best practices for destinations and the industry with the end goal for DOT standards to be GSTC recognized.

Ms. Susan Santos de Cardenas, Society for Sustainable Tourism President, emphasized that “the UNWTO Sustainable Tourism Framework is critical in providing guidance for sustainable tourism development and management. As a global expert, SST pursues the goals of sustainable tourism knowledge and practices training; facilitating the adoption of universal sustainable tourism standards; and building demand for sustainable travel in the Philippines”.

“It is high time that the Department of Tourism, together with national agencies, such as the DENR, the DILG and the CCC, will lead the right way forward towards a sustainable and climate resilient industry for the Filipino people and its future generations in the fulfillment of the Philippines Sustainable Development Goals with the adoption of the UNWTO Guidelines,” she added.

Crucial to this event is the participation of both public and private tourism industry stakeholders, thus, both public and private tourism stakeholders were urged to join in National Forum, in order to foment the sustainable tourism actions and truly fulfill the Tourism Act R.A. 9595, highlighting sustainability and climate resilience.

“Exemplary global models from international experts in sustainable tourism and development from all over the world will be sharing their best practices with “triple bottom line” (Planet-People-Profit), as well relevant lessons are to be learned where the National Forum will be, at the critically endangered Boracay Island”, Ms. Cardenas revealed.

Resource Experts– Guest Speakers include GSTC CEO Randy Durband, GSTC Mexico Country Representative and Trainer, Beatriz Barreal, Arturo Amaya, of Arquitectonica, Mexico who talked about Sustainable Construction and Environmental Architecture, Ms. Chit Juan, expounded about Sustainable Consumption and Production, Dr. AA Yaptinchay on Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Conservation, and Engr. Eric Raymundo, about Water & Waste water Management.

Keynote Speakers include Usec. Alma Jimenez of Department of Tourism, Ms. Maria Sardua of Department of Interior and Local Government, who spoke about Disaster, Risk Mitigation and Management for Sustainable Tourism and Pasig City Councilor Vico Sotto, who talked about his experience as LGU member advocating Sustainable Tourism.

Our Society for Sustainable Tourism & Development Inc.-SST offers Learning, Capacity Building, Educational programs, Green Solutions and Services for public stakeholders: Destinations – LGUs and host communities;  Private stakeholders – Hotels, Resorts, Hospitality, Tour Operators and Businesses with GSTC Accredited Green Destinations, Global Leaders Program and Green Travel Guide platform to include Environmental Conservation and Compliance, Good Governance, Climate Resilience, to address global challenges of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): food security, poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability and climate resilience for the local host community. Water waste – STP (P.T. Amanaid Philippines) and Waste to Energy (W2E) solutions as well as other green destinations innovations are now offered to LGUs and tourism industry for law compliance.

For more information and assistance, contact us.

Green Destinations Sustainable Tourism Learning, Capacity Building to Awards and Certification!