LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Benguet Tourism Office conducted a Green Tourism Forum to strengthen their tourism industry with knowledge from a reputable panel in the field of academe, on September 25, at Gov Ben Palispis Hall.
The first speaker Atty. Andres Arnold Lampacan, Chief Administrative Officer of the Finance Services Division of Benguet State University, presented the results of his research on ‘Boosting Tourism as a Complementary Economic Enterprise Towards Sustainable Development in the Province of Benguet’ which aims to create a proposed integrated tourism strategic plan for the province.
Atty. Lampacan presented data showing a high acceptability of tourism as an alternative to farming and mining, moderate development of tourism, moderate maximization of profitability of tourism, high level of accessibility of tourism, moderate availability of infrastructure, and high level of attraction of tourist spots. To boost these aspects, there’s a need to address existing and possible issues, and attain sustainable development. Atty. Lampacan proposed different intervention activities, consisting of tourism planning with budgetary allocation and the creation of policies.
Meanwhile, Arlene Palasico, a faculty of the Cordillera Career Development College, emphasized the importance of taking care of natural resources along with treasuring cultural heritage. She encouraged the audiences on adaptability, diversity, innovation and promotion of right values to nurture and sustain both resources and heritage.
She pointed out some examples such as the Northern Blossom’s case where basic farming can turn to agri-tourism and the cold climate of the province has the potential to attract tourists during the summer season. The promotion of diversity can be seen through the natural attractions and products. She also reminded the audience to continue observing the values of the province which are kindness, friendliness, neighborliness and helpfulness to give tourists a good experience of Benguet. “It is important to focus on cultural value rather than commercial value, because without natural resources, the commercial value is useless,” Palasico stated.
Furthermore, Michelle G. Mamaril, Dean of the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of the Cordilleras, introduced Green Tourism as a strategy in the implementation of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, which “sets a frame of reference for the responsible and sustainable development of world tourism.”
According to Mamaril, tourism around Benguet had a lot of positive impacts on tourism but there were also challenges and concerns. It brought financial benefits, attention to the cultural heritage, and development but at the same time, tourism was not being controlled, mitigated, and managed properly.
She proceeded to show factors that can push the tourism industry towards sustainable development. An increase in the regulatory pressure and awareness of cost savings from prudent resource consumption was first in the list. Second, is awareness by the government and businesses that growth in tourism could threaten some of the world’s pristine environments and prime destinations. Lastly is how tourism professionals now consider environmental quality is essential to the delivery of the product. Mamaril also highlighted that Green Tourism could be a benchmark and a good start for tourism which is considered to be what sustainable tourism is about. She underscored with the 4 Cs: Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce.
To end the forum, Sanguniang Panlalawigan, Committee on Trade and Investment Marie Rose Kepes encouraged everyone to help in promoting tourism in Benguet. By TJ Ngaya, Kyle Marges and Adrian Mas