Marketing the Philippines as an emerging ecotourism destination was the main message delivered by TPB COO Maria Anthonette C. Velasco-Allones at the 10th Eco Forum 2020 held at Royce Hotel, Clark, Pampanga on 28 February 2020.
Speaking to various Local Government Units (LGUs) including tourism officers, the COO discussed
the “Green Marketing” approach of the TPB and the agency’s support to sustainable community-based tourism (SCBT) destinations that provide a unique local experience and value environmental conservation, cultural heritage, and ecological balance.
COO Allones introduced some of the country’s SCBT sites and programs such as the Talaandig Tribe Sustainable Community in Bukidnon, the Eco-Cultural Tour Program of Sagay Negros Occidental, Buhatan River Cruise in Buhatan Sorsogon and the Community Immersion Program of Kiangan Ifugao, among many others, and reiterated the significant role of the government in promoting these sites through traditional media, digital media, and word-of-mouth.
Moreover, the COO highlighted sustainability, stakeholder support, and stewardship as vital factors in protecting our sites for the betterment of future generations. However, COO Allones also emphasized that aside from advocating for responsible tourism, marketing destinations appropriately should still be at the core of promoting Philippine destinations.
