Lio Estate receives sustainable tourism award in Berlin

A 325-hectare tourist destination in El Nido, Palawan surrounded by pristine waters and lush greens received an award in Berlin, Germany this month for sustainable tourism.

The Northern Palawan Lio Tourism Estate, developed by Ayala Land Inc. subsidiary Ten Knots Development Corp. (TKDC), made it to the Green Destination's list of "Sustainable Destinations Top 100" for its environment-friendly tourism management.

The award was given on March 6, 2019 at ITB Berlin, dubbed as the world's largest tourism trade fair.

Lio was recognized for its effort to protect nature, landscape, and scenery in Palawan by educating their contractors and workers on the importance of following the environmental standards as they develop the tourist spot.

"By helping all our workers understand the principles of impact management and wild-life friendly practices, we are creating more stewards of the environment," TKDC group director of sales and marketing Joey Bernardino said.

It boasts of low-rise hotel buildings that "blend with the environment."

The native vegetation in the seaside tourist spot is also being protected.

Further, the estate's retail area has been opened to local merchants in order to foster economic growth.

"Lio has been designed to celebrate its unique Palawan environment and to enhance the quality of life of neighboring communities by giving them opportunities for inclusive economic growth. Being part of the ‘Sustainable Destinations Top 100’ list is an affirmation that we are on the right track," said Lio's sustainability director Mariglo Laririt. —LDF, GMA News