The Philippines hosted the first International Ecotourism Travel Mart (IETM), that brings together individuals, experts, organizations, ecotourism practitioners, advocates and exhibitors to learn and network across cultures and showcase products and services that have strong economic components, green technology, and sustainable green practices.
As the PH economy becomes more open to welcome foreign visitors, Tourism is envisioned to be the engine of growth through creation of more jobs and opportunities to promote PH products of our MSMEs. Dept of Tourism (DOT) Sec. Cristina Garcia Frasco and Dept of Transportation (DOTr) Sec Jaime Bautista graced the Opening ceremony and highlighted their collaborative partnership to enhance our Tourism Industry.
“Forum participants benefit from the vital sharing of noted experts, practitioners, advocates, professionals, and planners, on the beginnings, the current situation and best practices, and the future of ecotourism,” said Mina Gabor, ISST President and an internationally acclaimed advocate for the practice of authentic ecotourism which conserves natural environment and uplifts lives of communities, including indigenous groups, around the sites.
The historical assembly is presented by the Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN), a regional initiative of the Global Ecotourism Network (GEN) based in Costa Rica, in cooperation with the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) from March 29 – April 2, 2023 at the IIRR, Aguinaldo Highway, Silang, Cavite City, Philippines. AOB