In a recent panel discussion on business opportunities in the Philippines, three industries  were identified as high growth engines that drive the country forward namely; BPO, Mining and Eco-tourism. I've discussed from my previous reviews how BPO and Mining recently impacted the Philippine economy. Philippine ecotourism is expected to have a similar impact on RP's economy; it is seen as a great source of opportunity for small business and marginalized indigenous community and enable  Filipinos to participate on the global economy by bringing the global community to their doorstep.

The Philippine industry experienced 8% growth  at 858,244 in the tourist arrivals during first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year, increasing the tourism revenue to $1.02 billion. Factors that contributed to high tourist arrivals in the Philippines is the low cost carriers providing world-class facilities and developed tourism infrastructures in the country.

According to United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) the Philippine tourism campaign has been rates as the best improved in Asia with a 14% annual growth rate, the highest in Southeast Asia.

One of  Philippine's strength is the diversity that exist  accross the 7,107 islands that make up the region. Boasting a wide range of ecology, the region sustains over 32 ecotourism sites, including 27 protected areas such as Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park in Palawan, comprised of two distinct reef systems separated by a four-mile channel. Tubbataha is located along the sulu sea and is a major nesting spot for the endangered sea turtles as well as rare species of fish such as the unusual fox face rabbit fish.

Philippine ecotourism is varied and unlimited. Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Dept.of Tourism (DOT) and ABS-CBN Foundation promote Philippines as a world-class ecotourism destination. Our country has been identified as a high ecotourism potential with beautiful scenic attractions and are endowed with rich biodiversity. The said  agency hs stepped up its thrust to highlight ecotourism through Magandang Pilipinas which engages the participating agencies to manage and promote key ecotourism sites in the Philippines. DOT is developing and implementing activities to promote eco-sites to domestics and international travel markets. The DOT has called on local government, investors and the public to help meet the country's goal to bring in five million visitors in 2010 by participating in an online survey that seeks to name the " New Seven Wonders of Nature ". Three Philippine destinations are among 77 tourist spots worldwide vying to make it to the list of the top seven wonders namely - Tubbataha Reef, Chocolate Hills and Puerto Princesa underground river located in Palawan, popularly known as the ecotourism capital of the Philippines.

At long last, the Philippines has a National Ecotourism Strategy (NES) that will chart the cause of our country's milestone ecotourism development activities, both small scale or large scale, public or private and local or global. NES shall be prepared to provide an integrated management plan which shall warrant a comprehensive direction  for the future of ecotourism in the country by recognizing issues and problem for its sustenable development and recommend feasible approches in addressing this issues. The strategy shall be formulated in consultation with concerned stakeholders in the environment and tourism sectors including indigenous peoples and local communities to be affected by ecotourism development.

The  New 7 Wonders of the World campaign is creating a lot of interest for ecotourism and the Philippine government has recently rejoiced that 3 of the top 10 destination with the most votes are Philippines-bound.

Wow! great Pilipinas///  The fact that ecotourism does not only give revenue but  employment to marginalized indigenous communities is a thing of great undertaking. However, to make this industry more viable and sustenable, the government must give home for funds for the management of land and water conservation as well as for ensuring the health and well-being of  nearby populations.