Cooperation and the sharing of learning to shape a better world anchored the launching of the world's first green travel mart.
Ecotourism experts and environmental protection advocates from 25 nations like Myanmar, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia attended the opening of the five-day International Ecotourism Travel Mart (IETM) in Silang, Cavite which will be open to the public until April 2.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco spoke of ecotourism's role in sustainable development: "It can create jobs and generate revenue for local communities while also raising awareness about the importance of preserving natural and cultural heritage."
Silang Mayor Alston Kevin Anarna turned over the symbolic Silang key to Masaru Takayama, chairman of the Asian Ecotourism Network, who affirmed that the IETM is "a great opportunity for cross-learning, networking, and a celebration of ecotourism to ensure... [that] our culture that is inseparable from nature will be handed over to our next generations."
Three components
Mina Gabor, chairman and president of IETM organizer International School of Sustainable Tourism, said the "lessons learned from the pandemic" must be taken to heart: "... We can no longer return to our old ways of taking nature for granted... [but] direct our focus to experiences that yield inspiration to further our understanding of sustainability as key not just for survival but for a meaningful life across cultures."
This IETM has three major components: the Travel Mart, which consists of travel agencies and eco-friendly hotels and resorts; the Marketplace, a platform for local and sustainable products that features a livelihood component showing the recycling efforts of participating companies; and the interactive Ecotourism Forum where participants can expand their knowledge in sustainability and ecotourism.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is bringing in all the regional groups to present their best products that are being done in consonance with environmental programs.
Joining the launch were Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and Dr. Glen Gregorio, director of Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca). The IETM is co-hosted by the Municipality of Silang, Asean Center for Biodiversity, Department of Tourism, the DTI, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc., Tourism Promotions Board and Searca.