The Philippines will take global environmental stage once more as it hosts the International Ecotourism Travel Mart (IETM), the world’s first-ever and biggest ecotourism-themed expo from March 29 to April 2, 2023 in Silang, Cavite.
In line with the event, the International School for Sustainable Tourism (ISST), the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) recently forged a memorandum of understanding for the hosting of the said expo.
According to ISST President Mina Gabor, the five-day fair will share best practices on ecotourism from global experts and provide networking avenues with ecotourism authorities and advocates.
Organized by the Japan-based Asian Environmental Network, the IETM will promote the country’s ecotourism sites, indigenous practices and culture, and push for measures to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
The gathering will also bring together delegates and exhibitors worldwide to showcase products and services that have a strong ecotourism component, green technology, and sustainable green practices.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has catalyzed the growing awareness that nature is part of the solution to public health and environmental challenges. Thus, a regional fair that elevates the tourism sector as a leader in promoting the balance between economic development and harnessing nature as a solution to our current challenges only comes timely,” says ACB Executive Director Theresa Mundita Lim.
She said that as an event partner, the ACB will feature the success stories of its biodiversity conservation and livelihood programs in Southeast Asia through an interactive exhibition.
The 11-member Jakarta-based ASEAN has declared the revival of the tourism sector as a key component in the region’s efforts in its comprehensive recovery framework.
Originally set in 2020 at the International Institute for Rural Reconstruction in Cavite, the IETM was postponed due to the pandemic.
The event’s government partner agencies are the Department of Tourism, Department of Foreign Affairs, Tourism Promotions Board, Province of Cavite, and Municipality of Silang.