SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is pushing for a more sustainable tourism model in Luzon, urging development strategies that protect ecosystems while generating livelihood opportunities for local communities.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo, representing Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, made the statement during the 1st Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit held September 9–11, 2026, at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.
Pablo said tourism destinations should be viewed not only as economic assets but also as ecosystems, cultural heritage areas and communities whose protection is critical to the industry’s long-term growth.
“By embracing regenerative ecotourism and harnessing digitalization, we can heal degraded landscapes, strengthen livelihoods, and connect communities to new opportunities,” Pablo said.
He said tourism performance should go beyond visitor arrivals and revenues, with development also measured by its contribution to environmental conservation and inclusive local growth.
“Our local communities must remain at the center of sustainable tourism efforts, particularly fisherfolk, Indigenous Peoples, entrepreneurs, and the youth,” Pablo said.
The summit brought together national government agencies, local governments, tourism enterprises, academe, industry associations and other stakeholders to exchange best practices and explore solutions for more resilient destinations.
With the theme “Innovate, Integrate, Inspire: Redesigning Sustainable and Resilient Tourism through Digitalization,” the three-day event focused on how technology and innovation can improve destination management, strengthen resilience and support responsible tourism investments.
The DENR said it would continue working with tourism stakeholders to promote responsible practices that conserve biodiversity, protect natural resources and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in communities dependent on tourism.