Ecotourism Investment and Marketing Program; Review of Ecotourism Certification Scheme

Project: Ecotourism Investment and Marketing Program; Review of Ecotourism Certification Scheme

When: 2016-2017

Client: US AID; Department of Tourism, Philippines

Objectives of the Assignment:

• To develop an ecotourism investment and marketing strategy and action plan for identified priority ecotourism sites;
• Identify and analyse the market, investment needs and opportunities;
• Develop strategies for enhancing local community participation in the ecotourism business and sustainable development of community-based ecotourism enterprises;
• Identify the best approaches to developing national and international market linkages;
• Integrate the sustainable consumption and production principles and practices and ethics in the overall approach to investment and marketing;
• Review and revise the existing Rules and Regulations governing the Accreditation of Ecoguides, Ecotours, Ecolodges, and Ecotour Facilities and to identify the ecotourism products and services to covered by the rules;
• Align the revised rules and regulations with other issuances of the Department in the accreditation of tour guides, tour operators, accommodation and adventure facilities, following international standards.