Two Negros Occidental cities brought honor to the country during the Green Destinations Awards at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) 2023 Convention in Messe Berlin, Germany after being recognized for their inspirational sustainable tourism practices and efforts.
Sagay City bagged the People’s Choice Award and ranked 2nd under Nature and Scenery Category with its entry, “Mangrove Forest Protection through Community-based EcoTourism Project”.
The city’s Suyac Island Mangrove Ecopark, located inside the Sagay Marine Reserve, is the first fully community-based ecotourism site in Sagay, that offers an unparalleled experience and allows travelers to connect with nature and local culture.
Another pride of Negros Occidental, Bago City’s entry “Reviving the Majestic Diversity of Bago Watershed” was awarded 3rd among the finalists under Environment and Climate Category.
Bago City’s Watershed plays a vital role in steering the wheel of the economy of Negros Occidental by supplying water to about 19,000 hectares of agricultural areas.
To protect, conserve and rehabilitate the watershed, the city government mobilized its resources and strengthened community involvement through Integrated Ecosystem Management Approach (Ridge to Reef Environmental Management).
The prestigious Green Destinations Story Awards at the ITB Berlin showcases the most inspirational initiatives for sustainable tourism development.
The prestigious Green Destinations Story Awards at the ITB Berlin showcases the most inspirational initiatives for sustainable tourism development from stories submitted to the yearly Green Destinations Top 100 Stories competition.
With the long-term goal of securing increased arrivals, receipts, and investments for the country, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing and promotion arm of the Department of Tourism, annually participates in the ITB Berlin, which provides the Philippine travel trade an opportunity to network with relevant decision-makers from new and existing tourism markets across Europe, America, and Asia.
“The ITB Berlin holds great opportunities for the Philippines to showcase to the world its award-winning destinations such as Boracay, Cebu, Siargao, and Palawan, and also to include Banaue, Intramuros, and South Cotabato, among others. We also look forward to giving the world a view into our distinct and diverse culture, as well as the country’s best asset: the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.
“Our participation is pursuant to further positioning the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse in Asia, and hopefully the world in the years ahead.”
“Our participation is pursuant to further positioning the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse in Asia, and hopefully the world in the years ahead,” Frasco added, citing also that the ITB attendance will help fastrack the recovery efforts by the DOT of the pandemic-hit industry.
