The 1st National Seminar on COMMUNITY BASED RURAL TOURISM (CBRT) was held recently at the Marriott Hotel, Cebu City.












The Seminar's objectives were to:

1.  Enhance participants' knowledge and appreciation on the concept of rural tourism as a strategy for enhancing and/or creating economic opportunities in rural areas;
2.   To familiarize participants with the best practices in management of  selected models of rural tourism enterprises which may be promoted and/or adopted in Philippine provinces, and
3.  To promote development of community based tourism oriented enterprises in Philippine provinces as a way of optimizing utilization and productivity of resources in rural areas.

Speakers:

MR. JOSELITO C. BERNARDO, Program Officer, Agriculture Department, Asian Productivity Orgranization (APO)

Presentation:

Framework for the Development of Community Based Tourism and Successful Models of CBRT in Asia.

DR. MINA T. GABOR, PhD, President, PHILSMED, Philippines

Presentations:

1.  Dev't of Rural Areas as Prime Tourism Destinations:  Trend Issues, Challenges and Opportunities for Rural Tourism Development

2.  HOMESTAY, Phils



Presentations:

1.   Selected Models of CBRT in Africa and Latin America
2.   Ecolabels in the Tourism Industry:  The Voluntary Initiative for Sustainability in Tourism (VISIT) and Green Key




Presentation:

Sustainable Development and Management of Natural Resource Endowments in Rural Areas for Recreational and Adventure Tourism

and


DR. TERDCHAI CHOIBAMROONG, PhD, Director, The Thailand Tourism Research Institure (TRI)

Presentation:

Developing and Promoting Sustainable CBRT through Stakeholders Approach:  Insights from Thailand's Experience


The 3-day seminar had 270 participants represented by delegates from the different Regions, LGU Officials, Provincial and Municipal Tourism Officers and stakeholders from the private sector.





Delegates from Eastern Visayas:  (fr left) Josie (Baybay, Leyte), Moncher (Pintuyan, So. Leyte), DOT RD Karen Tiopes, Mr. Oliver Wingate (private sector), Ludette Ruiz (Leyte Gulf Travel & tours), Vangie (Basey, Samar) and Marissa Acorin (Borongan, Eastern Samar)

It seems this much-awaited development is finally going to happen.

After being on the drawing board for about 10 years now, the rehabilitation of the DZR Airport now seems to be preparing for final take off!

So, without further ado, here’s a peek on the preliminary studies of the proposed new Tacloban DZR Airport Terminal Building. Read more...