Tourism stakeholders are being encouraged to look into the opportunities offered by the Cordillera’s unique landscape, which would strengthen and support the global call for sustainable tourism development.
This was the highlight of the investment forum initiated by the Department of Tourism-Cordillera on April 2 and 3, which gathered stakeholders to converge and discuss the investment opportunities in tourism.
DOT-Cordillera Director Jovi Ganongan said the region, being the only landlocked tourist area in the country, has a vast strength that offers various opportunities for sustainable tourism investments or those interested in green businesses.
She said investment opportunities are rich in mountain tourism, one of the region’s four thematic routes apart from cultural and historical, farm tourism, and adventure routes.
Ganongan said among the investment opportunities that can be explored in mountain tourism is the establishment of cable car rides, ecolodges, and glamping, among other activities.
She said the region’s peaks also offer investment opportunities for adventure and wellness tourism, such as the development of retreat centers and meditation gardens, outdoor activities like hiking and forest bathing, and wellness services like yoga and traditional healing.
She said the DOT has been emphasizing sustainable tourism in the destinations of the region by getting their commitment to sustainable practices and highlighting initiatives relating toenvironmental conservation and waste management with community involvement.
Baguio Rep. Mark Go said the call for sustainable tourism allows the conduct of more business activities, job creation, and community development.
“From eco-adventure tours, cultural immersions, and agro-tourism, the possibilities for investments are endless and beyond economic benefits, mountain tourism offers a platform for cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and global cooperation,” Go said.
DOT Sec. Cristina Frasco, in her message read by Ganongan, said with the region’s robust and resilient local economy and a commitment to sustainable and inclusive development, the Cordillera has the tools to drive positive economic and cultural transformation.
The conduct of the Cordillera Tourism Investment Forum leads the industry one step closer to the pursuit of more sustainable growth and development and in realizing the vision for tourism as not only an engine of investment but as a platform for promoting sustainable business practices. – Jane B. Cadalig
