SPUS 2nd Year: Sustainable Tourism

- Discussions on The Last Long Quiz

Mr. Arturo M. Cruje

1. Being the biggest and the fastest growing industry in the

world, the tourism sector is the biggest loser in today’s
pandemic where travel is totally banned. The travel (Tourism)
industry stoppage has affected the air, water and land
transportation industries. Tourism – related establishments
like hotels, resorts, spas, restaurants, pubs, diners,
entertainments have suffered great losses. The two – month
stagnation due to lockdown/quarantine policies have impacted
to the huge loss in the tourism industry.

2. Tourism is the primary industry and revenue earner activity

in Siargao Island. The economy of the communities there
depends on the travel/Tourist receipts. Tourism created
employment opportunities and other income generating
enterprises. The lockdown and quarantine policies have
transformed the island into a ghost town, almost. The locals
have learned in this pandemic, that total dependence on
tourism is not good in the local economy.

3. Too much dependence on one industry like, tourism, is not

good to the local economy. The local governments should
diversify their economy to be able to cushion the effects of the
economic crisis. This pandemic is an eye – opener to
rediscover other industries which were not given priorities, but
are more sustainable and within their capacities to engage
with. After this pandemic, new industries will be
discovered and new normal style will be adopted to be more
sustainable.

4. Muslim countries are not open to interact with tourists

because of socio – cultural restrictions. Tourism can influence
local culture, custom and tradition which the conservative
countries are not open ready to sacrifice. The Islam plays a
major role in strict Muslim countries. It inhibits them to
embrace on other socio – cultural practices of tourism.

5. Tourism, especially mass or commercial one, has huge

impacts on the environment. The temporary closure of
Boracay and some beaches, are necessary to allow these
places to breath, recover and cleanse the environment. After
the closure, some measures were adapted like considering the
carrying capacities of these destinations, so not to compromise
their environmental integrity.

6. Tourism in the Philippines, is the second dollar earner in

the country. It is a promising industry. Countries like those in
Europe, Asia and South America depend much on tourism
receipts. To make the industry sustainable, tourism products
should be diversified, Ecotourism like farm – tourism, cultural
tourism, religious tourism, sports tourism and food tourism
should be encouraged and promoted. These kinds of tourism
do not destroy the environment but protect and preserve it.