Mass-based organizations urged to join new tourism project
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is urging the full cooperation of all the prospective stakeholders to take advantage of the Grassroots Entrepreneurs for Eco-Tourism (GREET) program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
DOT Regional Director Edwin Trompeta said the GREET program will provide the people the opportunity not only to promote the eco-tourism program but provide livelihood to the people. The program will primarily benefit the stakeholders and not just the tour operators.
Trompeta said the program was conceptualized to provide employment opportunities, livelihood creation, balanced ecology and environmental protection, promotion and marketing of ecotourism sites as potential tourist destinations and to develop tourism.
GREET has set aside P50, 000 to P100,000 worth of grants to support the proposal of an individual or organization on how to promote an eco-tourism site in their locality. The DOT slated August 30 as the deadline for the submission of proposals.
The proponent may consider a proposal to develop tourism products such as operation of new services and activities in their area; tourism establishments that include accommodation facilities, food and beverage and the likes and tourism related services, namely handicraft training, rescue and medical services or published materials, said Trompeta.
Trompeta added that the program will address the problems on much exploitation and promotion of tourism sites in the country without control. In the GREET program, development in the islands, resorts and other tourism sites will be controlled.
In Iloilo, Trompeta recommends the development of Bucari in Leon. It is a possible tourism site if only there are community-based tourism to take charge of the visitors. The site is ideal for tourism attraction with its lined pine trees that resembles little Baguio. The barangay folks are urged to take the opportunity to grab the program.
The people can provide the visitors amenities, rides and food for them to enjoy the place. It is ideal for camping. They can promote it to the different universities and business establishments in the city. Stakeholders can charge "environmental fee" to the visitors, said Trompeta.