Sustainable eco-tourism workshop held in Subic
    Asian tourism execs finish 10-day training

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    SUBIC BAY FREEPORT— Trainers and executives in the field of eco-tourism from various Asian countries recently finished a 10-day training workshop at the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) in this freeport, making Subic a leading advocate of what is called “tomorrow’s tourism.”

    The training course for trainers on Planning and Management of Eco-Tourism was organized by Tokyo-based Asian Productivity Organization (APO), in collaboration with ISST, Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), Department of Tourism (DoT), and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

    Fifteen participants working variously as instructors, project officers, managers or heads of tourism offices in their respective countries graduated from the course.

    They came from Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

    The training ran from June 14 through 24 at the three campuses of ISST, all inside the Subic Bay Freeport.
    Former Philippine tourism secretary and now ISST head Mina Gabor said that the course, which focused on marketing and promotion of sustainable tourism, consisted of lectures, case studies, workshops, visits to tourism promotion organizations and local communities, and on-site practical exercises.

    “Well-managed eco-tourism can create more local employment, support local economies and host nature tourists without the negative effects of mass tourism on cultural heritages and the environment,” Gabor said.

    However, she stressed that, “It should be undertaken through shared endeavors and shared responsibility, shared information, shared values, shared burdens and shared benefits, so that we will be able to achieve a higher quality of life.”

    SBMA deputy administrator for corporate communications Knette Fernando said that the SBMA is aiming to develop responsible eco-management in this free port “because (the environment) is the centerpiece of what Subic Bay is all about.”

    “Our well-preserved natural environment is the result of responsible eco-management and very strict zoning guidelines,” Fernando pointed out. “We have a biodiversity monitoring and conservation program, and a coastal management plan, among others. This is to let you know how deep we are into sustainable tourism,” she added.

    For his part, DAP president Antonio Kalaw told the graduates that sustainable tourism could help push local economic development, as it provides an alternative approach in diversifying the economic base of local communities, given the right infrastructures and a supportive environment.

    “Hopefully we can learn from each other and establish bonds and collaboration,” he added.

    Gabor also reminded the participants that the 10-day course could serve as the foundation for their respective tourism marketing and promotion program.

    “The best destinations that we have in our countries are all related to eco-tourism. It was mentioned that tomorrow’s tourism is eco-tourism, and that Asia is the destination in the next decade. That’s what we are preparing for now,” she added.

    The International School of Sustainable Tourism was established in this free port last year to help boost the tourism industry in Subic and other parts of the Asia-Pacific.

    The school offers courses like ecology lodge planning and eco-design, tapping top-quality lecturers and resource speakers from tourism establishments and related industries in the region.

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