Led by the Batanes Tourism and Hospitality Monitoring Centre (BTHMC), in collaboration
with the province and its local stakeholders, this observatory is committed to
supporting the sustainable development of tourism based on
evidence and a participatory approach. These commitments are instrumental in
building a sustainable and resilient tourism sector that benefits the local
people, the Ivatans, as well as visitors, while ensuring environmental and
cultural conservation. The observatory joins UNWTO’s growing international
network of observatories, all of which are dedicated to creating inclusive and
healthy spaces for both visitors and host communities, while promoting the
responsible management of tourism.
Inclusive decision-making
For a
destination like the Batanes Islands, such measurement work is even more
relevant as it will help to preserve the uniqueness of the islands and build a
responsible sector that benefits the local people and visitors alike
Through a
participatory process, the Observatory has gained detailed insights into the
key sustainability issues identified by the indigenous Ivatans and will
continue to expand its measurement focus towards environmental and social areas
in line with the INSTO Framework. This approach will help the Batanes Islands
in managing tourism development responsibly and sustainably, by
taking a holistic view and developing adequate, innovative strategies.
UNWTO
Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “For any destination, measurement
is important as it provides a better understanding of where a destination
stands and where it wants to go. For a destination like the Batanes Islands,
such measurement work is even more relevant as it will help to preserve the
uniqueness of the islands and build a responsible sector that benefits the
local people and visitors alike. We are very pleased to welcome the Batanes
Observatory as a new member of the INSTO network.”
The governor of
Batanes, Ms. Marilou Cayco noted: "We are honoured to become the first
member in the International Network of Observatories in the Philippines. Being
part of this network will allow us to better assess the impact of the growing
tourism sector in the Batanes Islands and provide us with the relevant evidence
to inform future policies and decisions to ensure that tourism is sustainable
and resilient".
About Batanes and its Observatory
Batanes is the
northernmost province of the Philippines, located around 160km north of the
mainland. An archipelago of ten islands, of which the three largest are
inhabited, its capital is Basco and the province is home to the indigenous
Ivatan people. The islands are also home to some unique plants and endemic
animals, and serves as a sanctuary for migratory birds.
The Observatory
is managed by a multi-disciplinary team from the Asian Institute of Tourism,
the Department of Hotel Restaurant and Institution Management, and the
Institute of Civil Engineering from the University of the Philippines Diliman.
A technical working group composed of tourism stakeholders in Batanes work
closely with the research team in managing the operations of the Observatory.
In addition, a partnership with the Batanes State College and the Provincial
Government of Batanes has been established for carrying out research
activities.
Tags: Batanes Tourism and Hospitality Monitoring Centre (BTHMC), UNTWO, International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO)
