By: Alex Q. Galang
MARIVELES, Bataan — The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) is looking to leverage sustainable tourism, digital innovation and regional partnerships to widen investment opportunities and create new sources of employment in the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB).
AFAB joined the 1st Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit held Sept. 9 to 11 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, where government agencies, local government units, tourism stakeholders, the academe and private sector representatives discussed strategies to make tourism a more sustainable and competitive contributor to regional economic growth.
The summit gave AFAB an opportunity to examine tourism models, digital innovations and sustainability practices that could complement the FAB’s development as a diversified investment destination.
For AFAB, sustainable tourism forms part of a broader economic development strategy that seeks to attract investments while creating employment and business opportunities without compromising environmental resources.
The agency’s participation also opens opportunities for greater collaboration with tourism and investment stakeholders across Luzon, particularly in developing projects and initiatives that can generate economic activity within and around the Freeport.
Photo by: FAB
The Luzon-wide summit builds on the Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit, which over the past three years provided a platform for regional stakeholders to exchange strategies and strengthen cooperation on sustainable tourism development.
This year’s expanded summit brought the discussion to the entire Luzon island group, focusing on digitalization, innovation, environmental protection, climate resilience and community participation as key elements of a more competitive tourism sector.
AFAB said closer coordination among government, business, academe and communities is critical in developing tourism and related industries that can generate investments and jobs while supporting long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
The initiative is consistent with AFAB’s efforts to position the FAB not only as an investment and industrial center but also as part of a broader regional economic ecosystem where tourism, services, infrastructure and emerging industries can create additional opportunities for businesses and communities.
Through its participation in the summit, AFAB is strengthening its engagement with potential partners and stakeholders in identifying sustainable projects and business opportunities that can contribute to the continued growth and competitiveness of Bataan and the wider Luzon economy.