Tourism Secretary Maria Christina Frasco aired his utmost support in the conduct of the four-day International Eco-Tourism Travel Mart in Silang, Cavite starting 29 March to 1 April 2023.
“We would like to congratulate the event organizers and the people of Silang for being chosen as the venue for the event. This is in itself a source of pride because this is proof of the readiness and capability of the Municipality of Silang to host the undertaking participated in by more than 20 countries,” she said during the opening of the event on Wednesday.
She said on the part of the DoT, sustainable tourism has always been the bedrock of tourism development.
Sustainable tourism
“Republic Act 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009 stipulates that the state recognizes sustainable tourism development as integral to national socio-economic development efforts, seeking to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative and culturally sensitive for local communities,” she said.
The International Eco-Tourism Travel Mart is anchored on cooperation, hope, and the desire to share information to shape the future.
Ecotourism experts, entrepreneurs, travel professionals, and environment protection advocates from 25 nations gather together for the four-day IETM, held at the lush grounds of the International School of Sustainable Tourism (and is open to the public starting tomorrow, 30 March to 2 April.
Aside from Frasco, participants include Silang Mayor Alston Kevin Anarna, who turned over the symbolic Silang key to Masaru Takayama, chair of the Asian Ecotourism Network, and AEN board members, and Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.
The IETM is organized by the ISST and is co-hosted by the Municipality of Silang, ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, Department of Tourism, Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc., Tourism Promotions Board, and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture — a huge event segmented into three major components, the Travel Mart, the Ecotourism Forum, and the Marketplace.
Travel Mart exhibitors consist of travel agencies and eco-friendly hotels and resorts. The Marketplace is where attendees can buy local and sustainable products.
It will feature the livelihood component where the recycling efforts of participating companies are shown.
Moreover, the Department of Trade and Industry is bringing in all the regional groups to present their best products that are being done in consonance with environmental programs.
The highlight of the event is the 2-day in-depth interactive forum with focus on Embracing Authentic Ecotourism, where participants can learn and expand their knowledge in sustainability and ecotourism practices.