Publisher’s Note
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM NOW A MUST
W
e've seen them all, and we are all attracted by their glitzy promos that
promote each Asian destination as unique in their own right: It's More Fun
In The Philippines, Amazing Thailand, Cambodia; Kingdom of Wonder,
Malaysia Truly Asia, Wonderful Indonesia, Incredible India, Taiwan; Touch
Your Heart, Japan: Endless Discovery, Imagine Your Korea . . . and much
more.
While Asia has an amazing array of cultural, historic, culinary and natural
wonders, the touristic marvels that every Asian country takes pride in truly
makes the traveller spoilt for choice. But while the attractions never cease to amaze, there is also that
need to promote what is called RESPONSIBLE TOURISM.
This is especially true in the light of the closure of two of the most globally popular resort areas in
Asia such as the Philippines' Boracay and Maya Beach in Krabi, Thailand (one of the location
shootings of the Leonardo DiCaprio flick The Beach) due to excessive pollution as well as
overdevelopment.
Granted, it is very hard to pinpoint who are to be blamed: the government authorities, the
developers, the establishment and property owners, or perhaps even the tourists themselves. Yes,
let us include us tourists, so it can be a wake up call for us to be more careful by instilling
travel habits that are environment-friendly, sensitive and less abusive to our fragile natural
wonders.
In the midst of all those congested resort destinations, there are other scenic spots that
have maintained their pristine charm and character due to strict planning and enforcement of
sound regulations. These 'getaway holiday havens' have made them benchmarks on how
responsible and sustainable tourism can be successfully implemented and practiced: Fiji,
New Caledonia, Palau and the Maldives.
And there is no harm in learning from these successful examples.
PHILIP O. ORTALEZA
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