Marcos pushes for global ‘greener’ tourism initiatives

Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday called for more sustainable tourism both domestically and globally, urging countries to develop “greener” initiatives.

Marcos made the pronouncement during the 36th joint meeting of the United Nations Tourism Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the United Nations Commission for South Asia, which the country hosted in Cebu.

“We need to adopt sustainability in our society and economy, and certainly in the sector of tourism. We must go green in the transformation of our tourism products and services as a solution to address climate change, resource preservation, and long-term industry sustainability,” said Marcos in his speech.

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“As a matter of fact, I would take that even a step further If we are to talk about tourism, I am of the belief that the greener you are, the better the tourism experience will be,” he added.

Marcos said the government is already working with the private sector to pursue reforms that encourage tourists to “visit, stay, spend, and return,” such as easing visa access, enhancing water sanitation and healthcare facilities in tourist destinations, and improving connectivity hubs such as airports.

“By adopting these practices, we create a tourism industry that not only creates responsible visitors but also uplifts the lives of those who are part of that activity,” the President said.

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Additionally, Marcos stressed the need to invest in education, training and skills upgrading among personnel working in the tourism industry.

He also stressed the need to engage experts and professionals to make tourism “a meaningful, educational, and impactful experience not only for our tourists but also for our stakeholders.”

“For what good will any tourism effort be if it ends up destroying the local culture and ecology,” Marcos said.

According to Marcos, the Department of Tourism recorded 5.45 million international tourists in 2023, exceeding its target of 4.8 million.

He said this translated to a tourism direct gross value of P2.09 trillion, or 8.6 percent of the country’s gross domestic product in 2023.

Meanwhile, from January to March 2024,  international tourist arrivals in the Philippines have reached 2.9 million.