Tourism ministers to visit Balesin Island, Puerto Princesa

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/995424
• Wednesday, June 14, 2017 6:08 pm

By Azer N. Parrocha (PNA)

MANILA, June 14 -- Aside from visiting the Philippines to attend the upcoming United Nations World Tourism Organization's (UNWTO) International Conference on Tourism Statistics slated June 21 to 23 at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City, tourism ministers will also be taking a day tour in two top tourist destinations.

"We will be taking them to Balesin and Puerto Princesa Underground River," Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary for Administration and Special Concerns Ronaldo Canizal told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.

Canizal said the two familiarization tours are meant to showcase the Philippine destinations that somehow serve as a “model” for tourism sustainability.

“We want to bring them to destinations that practice sustainable tourism development -- one that benefits the community and allows a good experience for people,” he added.

Balesin Island Club, located in Polillo, Quezon Province, is a 500-hectare tropical island paradise with 7.3 kilometers of pristine white-sand beaches. According to its website, it was designed with the environment in mind as it ensures sustainable development by using alternative sources of energy to reduce the amount of waste, water recycling, organic farming, and on-site eco-friendly transportation among others.

Meanwhile, Palawan is home to two United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage sites, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park or simply the Underground River and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park both in Puerto Princesa.

Canizal said that at present, the preparations for the UNWTO confab are in its final stage.

To date, at least nine tourism ministers, 15 deputy ministers and over 300 foreign delegates have confirmed their attendance to the confab.

Tourism ministers will start arriving Manila on Monday.

UNWTO Secretary-General Dr. Taleb Rifai, who earlier expressed confidence in the Philippines as a safe destination amid conflict in Marawi City, is also expected to attend.

DOT Secretary Wanda Teo earlier welcomed the confirmation of more tourism ministers and foreign delegates noting that it is “a strong sign of confidence in the country.”

“We will push through with the event where we will arrive at meaningful agreements, showcase our sustainable tourism projects in Balesin and Puerto Princesa City and extend our warmest welcome,” Teo said in a statement.

The UNWTO confab, which will be hosted by the Philippines for the first time, will tackle policy initiatives on developing measurement and benchmarks for sustainable tourism.

Held every five years, the confab will also happen in line this year’s celebration of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.