LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT PROGRAM,
REGION VI
A Joint project of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines represented by the Regional Development Council (RDC) VI, and the Government of Canada
Home
Page, Introduction, LGSP
in Region VI, Integrated Area Development Approach,
Shelter Support Program,
Community-Based
Tourism Initiatives, Gender Equity and Social Dimension,
Environment Management Initiatives,
Rural
Enterprise Development, LGSP Educational Advancement
Program
Community-Based
Tourism Initiatives
INTRODUCTION
Community based tourism is an effort to assist LGUs in the focus areas
with tourism potentials. The project was
conceived with the assistance of the Center for Community Based Tourism
Initiatives (CCTI) whose aim is to offer a
new perspective in tourism policy, development and programs. Unlike
most tourism development programs which
tackle only marketing and promotions, this intervention is designed
to empower the community and create closer
coordination with the local government in the development of tourism
potentials of their area.
The project was designed as a five-step community-based tourism development
process to further the
advantages of government devolution by giving focus and direction to
tourism initiatives. These are: a) Visioning and
strategic planning; b) Eliciting community support; c) Community organizing;
d) Capability building; and e)
Marketing and promotion.
At the end of this intervention, the participating LGUs are expected
to acquire competence in determining
tourism initiatives - approaches, infrastructure, plans, programs,
policies and projects that are resident responsive,
environment friendly, community sustained and that attract the desired
tourists, promote tourist responsibility and
result in tourist satisfaction and loyalty.
FIVE STEPS TOWARD A VIABLE COMMUNITY-BASED
TOURISM INITIATIVE
-
Visioning and strategic planning. This is a workshop designed to establish
focus and direction to tourism development in the cities and municipalities.
This includes topics on sustainable tourism through Customer focus; review
of ecotourism, heritage tourism, community based tourism; inventory of
tourism attractions and experiences; identification of strategic tourism
customers, and Legislative Agenda. Over all output for this project is
a comprehensive tourism development plan.
-
Eliciting community support. This seminar is intended for policy makers
and government officials to ensure that tourism initiatives proposed in
the first step will get legislative support. Output for the seminar are
ordinances and programs for launching by the municipal council in support
of the tourism development goals.
-
Community organizing. This involves a massive education campaign that will
bring the plans and programs down to the barangay level.This is to ensure
that the communities are made aware of the program, its benefits and opportunities,
and the responsibilities that go with it. By involving the community in
the implementation of the program, its sense of ownership is a key to the
success of the program.
-
Capability building. Capabilities in managing community-based tourism shall
be provided to the community, particularly those who will manage and control
tourism resources. Coverage will include environmental and cultural preservation
and maintenance, carrying capacities, tour operations, and establishing
“visitors bureau” that can be community owned to manage tourism operations
in the area.
-
Marketing and promotion. This is the final step after all development plans
and mechanisms are in place. This will include development and publication
of collaterals, attending travel marts both locally and abroad, and other
promotional activities.
This Page hosted by 
Get your own Free Home Page
