SUSTAINABLE TOURISM. Puerto Princesa's Underground River, in this undated photo, remains the city's most famous tourist attraction. The city has been divided into six tourism districts or "circuits" to better manage and protect its resources. (PNA file photo)
PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan – The city government is mobilizing the various community-based sustainable tourism (CBST) associations here to come up with their own strategies for promoting the diverse tourist attractions in their respective jurisdictions.
In an interview on Monday, City Tourism Department (CTD) head Demetrio Alvior Jr. said this city features six distinct "circuits" of destinations, each showcasing its distinctive charm, and each overseen by its own CBST.
He said the CBSTs are being convened on Wednesday for the purpose of harmonizing their distinct approaches to advancing the local tourism sector.
“We (CTD) have scheduled a convention so we can update our CBSTs on what is expected of them. Of course, it is also an opportunity for stakeholders of the tourism sector to meet socially and compare notes,” he added.
Alvior attributed the apparent success of Puerto Princesa’s tourism program to the effectiveness of the CBST concept.
He said the communities are given the authority to protect and preserve the environment within their respective tourist spots, which, in turn, generate income for them.
“Our CBSTs are currently serving as role models for tourism management. Many tourism stakeholders from other parts of the country are visiting us to study the concept. Various segments of society are represented in our CBSTs… including non-government organizations and the academe,” he said.
Alvior said that out of all the city’s attractions, the Underground River, which is under Circuit 1, is the most prominent and gets the most number of visitors.
Circuit 2 includes the northeast portion of the city; Circuit 3 goes across the premier island location of Honda Bay; Circuit 4 focuses on the central business district; Circuit 5 highlights the world-class beach spots on the West Coast; and Circuit 6 includes the Acacia Tunnel in Tagbarungis, he said.
Alvior said Circuit 2 was heavily damaged by Typhoon Odette and is undergoing rehabilitation, while plans are underway to develop an “Acacia Park” in Circuit 6. (PNA)
