Archive for February, 2009

Philippine Ecotourism – a New Wonders of Nature

Thursday, February 26th, 2009
cris magno asked:


http://oikonia.wordpress.com/2008/09/29/philippine-ecotourism/” title=”Permanent Link to Ecotourism”>Ecotourism

In a recent panel discussion on business opportunities in the Philippines, three industries  were identified as high growth engines that drive the country forward namely; BPO, Mining and Eco-tourism. I’ve discussed from my previous reviews how BPO and Mining recently impacted the Philippine economy. Philippine ecotourism is expected to have a similar impact on RP’s economy; it is seen as a great source of opportunity for small business and marginalized indigenous community and enable  Filipinos to participate on the global economy by bringing the global community to their doorstep.





 

The Philippine industry experienced 8% growth  at 858,244 in the tourist arrivals during first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year, increasing the tourism revenue to $1.02 billion. Factors that contributed to high tourist arrivals in the Philippines is the low cost carriers providing world-class facilities and developed tourism infrastructures in the country.

According to United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) the Philippine tourism campaign has been rates as the best improved in Asia with a 14% annual growth rate, the highest in Southeast Asia.

One of  Philippine’s strength is the diversity that exist  accross the 7,107 islands that make up the region. Boasting a wide range of ecology, the region sustains over 32 ecotourism sites, including 27 protected areas such as Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park in Palawan, comprised of two distinct reef systems separated by a four-mile channel. Tubbataha is located along the sulu sea and is a major nesting spot for the endangered sea turtles as well as rare species of fish such as the unusual fox face rabbit fish.

Philippine ecotourism is varied and unlimited. Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Dept.of Tourism (DOT) and ABS-CBN Foundation promote Philippines as a world-class ecotourism destination. Our country has been identified as a high ecotourism potential with beautiful scenic attractions and are endowed with rich biodiversity. The said  agency hs stepped up its thrust to highlight ecotourism through Magandang Pilipinas which engages the participating agencies to manage and promote key ecotourism sites in the Philippines. DOT is developing and implementing activities to promote eco-sites to domestics and international travel markets. The DOT has called on local government, investors and the public to help meet the country’s goal to bring in five million visitors in 2010 by participating in an online survey that seeks to name the ” New Seven Wonders of Nature “. Three Philippine destinations are among 77 tourist spots worldwide vying to make it to the list of the top seven wonders namely – Tubbataha Reef, Chocolate Hills and Puerto Princesa underground river located in Palawan, popularly known as the ecotourism capital of the Philippines.



At long last, the Philippines has a National Ecotourism Strategy (NES) that will chart the cause of our country’s milestone ecotourism development activities, both small scale or large scale, public or private and local or global. NES shall be prepared to provide an integrated management plan which shall warrant a comprehensive direction  for the future of ecotourism in the country by recognizing issues and problem for its sustainable development and recommend feasible approaches in addressing this issues. The strategy shall be formulated in consultation with concerned stakeholders in the environment and tourism sectors including indigenous peoples and local communities to be affected by ecotourism development.

The  New 7 Wonders of the World campaign is creating a lot of interest for ecotourism and the Philippine government has recently rejoiced that 3 of the top 10 destination with the most votes are Philippines-bound.

Wow! great Pilipinas///  The fact that ecotourism does not only give revenue but  employment to marginalized indigenous communities is a thing of great undertaking. However, to make this industry more viable and sustenable, the government must give home for funds for the management of land and water conservation as well as for ensuring the health and well-being of  nearby populations.

 



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Adventuring Through Packages

Monday, February 23rd, 2009
Bralynn asked:


If you’ve been dreading planning your vacation for so long because of all the thought, time, planning and headache that can go into it, then you might be interested in the Adventure Vacation Packages. What are they? Well, to put it simply, they let you go on your dream vacation, but they are already packaged to let you enjoy the fun without the hassle. Sound too good to be true? Don’t be so sure of that! 

With vacation packages in the past you might not get what you where wanting because you were using someone elses ideas for what they thought were fun. Like say you wanted to go to Disneyland for vacation, well you buy a pre-packaged plan and go on the trip. It might work out great, because there really is a lot of thought put into these packages, with testing, planning and experienced travel agents putting time and effort into them, but that might not work for you. If they enjoy something different, or even if the majority of people do, that’s what those packages are going to be centered around. 

With Adventure packages, you know you will be going on an exciting trip to have an adventure, and for most people that is all that matters. One of the great thing about these is that they are customizable in most instances, so let’s say you get a Grand Canyon adventure package where you stay 2 days doing horseback, 2 days exploring, etc. Well if you aren’t happy with that amount, simply change it up. Do what you want for the days you want to do it, and noone will be complaining. 

You are the one spending time and money and your well-earned vacation time on this vacation, so it should please you ultimately and not anyone else! This goes specially true if it’s not just you, and you end up taking your family and friends!



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Does anyone know of any public gemstone mining or other fun activities in or around Akumal, Mexico?

Monday, February 9th, 2009
erikatiffany asked:


My Mom and I are really into collecting gemstones and have been for a while. My parents, boyfriend and I are going to Akumal, Mexico May 11th-May 18th for a vacation. I was trying to find any information about possible open to the public mines near Akumal that we might be able to travel to and dig at. If anyone knows of a place near there, like within an hour drive or so, please write back. Also, anywhere else that might be fun to do while we are there would be great aswell! We are going to Xel-Ha Eco Park one day & to the Tulum Ruins another but I would love to hear about other fun places around Akumal. Thank you so much!!

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Has anyone experienced Adventures by Disney? How is the vacation they prepare?

Sunday, February 8th, 2009
bobbyg asked:


Adventures by Disney is Disney’s new touring enterprise….. They have quite a few destinations, and I’d like to hear from somebody who has already experienced it.

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