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DOT urged to launch responsible tourism campaign amid complaints of ‘Laboracay’ trash


Senator Nancy Binay on Thursday urged the Department of Tourism (DOT) to consider launching a responsible tourism campaign following complaints of garbage left by tourists in Boracay during the long weekend.

Binay, chair of the Senate tourism committee, said it is the DOT’s mandate to take appropriate steps against actions that could lead to the destruction of the environment or bring negative impact on communities.

Binay cited reports of complaints from residents and environmental advocates about the trash left behind by revelers of “Laboracay,” a Labor Day weekend celebration held in Boracay.

 

“The Department of Tourism and its attached agencies should not only be concerned with the promotion of the country’s tourist spots but also their protection,” Binay said in a statement. 

“Commercialization of nature coupled with unethical practices and irresponsible tourism are ingredients to 'ecocide' that have an exploitative impact on the environment and communities,” she added.

The senator said the DOT should launch an information drive that would teach tourists about the values of caring for the environment.

Without intervention, Binay lamented that the problem of trash in Boracay could also happen to other destinations in the country.

“We know that tourism campaigns work because hyped up and greatly commercialized events have managed to draw thousands to these shores,” Binay said. “But this time, I hope that we can work together in calling for the promotion of responsible tourism.”

“We must convince organizers and tourists alike to choose to be responsible for their actions and comply with the conditions set by LGUs,”  she added. —Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez/KBK, GMA News

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