Wild Asia | Transformational Tourism | El Nido Resorts

Summary

The transcript highlights the commitment to sustainable tourism in the Philippines, focusing on an eco-resort in El Nino, known for its pristine natural beauty and biodiversity. The resort emphasizes environmental education, community engagement, and local partnerships, such as with fishermen who now operate tour boats. It showcases responsible practices, like using local, organic produce and minimizing waste. The resort's approach blends eco-luxury with sustainability, promoting long-term respect for nature. It also reflects the importance of spreading the benefits of tourism equitably across the community while setting a benchmark for responsible tourism in the Philippines.

Takeaways

• 😀 El Nino is considered one of the most beautiful and ecologically diverse places in the Philippines, home to healthy coral reefs, dense fish populations, and pristine mangroves.
• 😀 While El Nino's natural beauty is stunning, human impact on the environment can sometimes tarnish it, highlighting the need for sustainable tourism practices.
• 😀 Resort tourism, while a business, can be centered on preserving nature, with each resort having its own unique identity and emphasis on environmental preservation.
• 😀 Resorts like El Nino’s focus on blending luxury and eco-friendly practices, demonstrating that sustainability and comfort can coexist.
• 😀 Training is a cornerstone for the resort, with staff members taught the principles of 'green,' which stands for guard, respect, and educate. This ensures alignment with sustainability goals.
• 😀 Many guests are now more aware of environmental issues, which drives the resort's commitment to educating visitors about nature conservation and sustainable practices.
• 😀 The resort promotes a fair distribution of tourism benefits, supporting local fishermen who have converted their boats into tour boats, allowing them to earn more sustainably.
• 😀 The resort encourages local fishermen to avoid illegal fishing and supports them through sustainable tourism practices, benefiting both the community and the guests.
• 😀 Sustainable and responsible tourism encompasses not only the environment but also the local community, as reflected in the resort's operations and workforce development.
• 😀 El Nino Resort values local produce, sourcing organic, pesticide-free vegetables from nearby farmers, and supports sustainable food practices in its kitchens.
• 😀 The resort is committed to international standards of sustainable tourism, aiming to set an example for other properties in the Philippines and globally. Their innovation and efforts in this area are a point of pride.

Q & A

What makes El Nino one of the most beautiful places in the world?

El Nino is considered one of the most beautiful places due to its rich biodiversity, which includes dense fish populations, healthy coral reefs, and pristine mangroves. It is often described as the last ecological frontier in the Philippines.

How does human activity impact the natural beauty of El Nino?

Human activity often mars the natural beauty of places like El Nino, which is why there is a strong emphasis on preserving its pristine condition. Responsible tourism is seen as a way to maintain this balance.

What is the unique identity of island resorts like the one in El Nino?

Each island resort has its own identity and personality. For example, Manila offers a resort for children with many activities, while other resorts in El Nino focus on tranquility and connecting with nature through eco-luxury experiences.

How does the resort incorporate sustainability into its operations?

The resort incorporates sustainability through practices like staff training in environmental stewardship, using local and organic produce, and working with local fishermen to reduce illegal fishing and promote eco-friendly tourism.

What does the 'green' training program at the resort focus on?

The 'green' training program focuses on four key principles: Guard, Respect, Educate, and Lead. This program ensures that every team member understands the importance of sustainability and can educate guests on how to respect and conserve the environment.

Why is local community involvement important for the resort?

Involving the local community is crucial as it ensures that the benefits of tourism are shared more equitably. The resort works with local fishermen who have converted their boats into tour boats, providing them with sustainable income and promoting responsible practices.

How do local fishermen benefit from the resort’s partnership?

Local fishermen benefit by earning more from providing tour services than they would from traditional fishing. The resort also helps them avoid illegal fishing practices, promoting more sustainable and eco-friendly methods.

How does the resort contribute to the local workforce?

The resort contributes to the local workforce by providing employment opportunities. For instance, many of the staff members are local residents, and the children of community members are also encouraged to join the workforce.

What steps does the resort take to ensure the sustainability of its food sources?

The resort uses locally sourced, organic vegetables and avoids using endangered fish species. It also manages waste from the kitchen by composting and creating its own fertilizer, ensuring sustainable practices throughout its food supply chain.

What is the resort's approach to sustainable tourism in the Philippines?

The resort aims to set a benchmark for sustainable tourism in the Philippines by experimenting, innovating, and ensuring that its practices benefit both the environment and local communities. The goal is to demonstrate to the world that responsible tourism is growing in the Philippines.