Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said Saturday that the provincial government of Negros Occidental is committed to promote tourism as an engine of socio-economic growth and cultural affirmation, “which aligned with the principles of sustainability and environmental responsibility”.
Speaking at the opening of the 23rd Provincial Tourism Week celebration at Ayala Malls Capitol Central Sept. 16, Lacson said that sustainable tourism initiatives can help to reduce the environmental impact of tourism activities by reducing waste, promoting the efficient use of energy and water, and using local produce and materials.
“Investing in ecologically-sound tourism is an important concept for a sustainable future. It means investing in tourism activities that are designed to reduce any negative environmental impacts while protecting natural resources and promoting the well-being of local communities, advocating for sustainable practices such as reduced energy consumption, reduced water usage, and the use of renewable energy sources,” the governor pointed out.
Lacson added that the provincial government celebrates the Negros Occidental Tourism Week every year “to recognize the importance of tourism and the travel sectors. We are recognizing the impact of the tourism industry, particularly on our local economy and communities.”
The governor stressed that the tourism industry “is an integral part of the global economy, and it has significantly increased its economic contribution by generating huge amounts of revenue”.
“We are grateful to our tourism stakeholders, our partners, the private sector, non-government organizations, and government agencies, for joining us in taking the challenge to take on innovative solutions to promote economic growth and activity, while keeping in mind environmental sustainability,” Lacson said.
Sustainable tourism practices are important to ensure that the tourism industry can thrive and continue to provide economic benefits to the local community for generations to come, Lacson said adding that “it is essential to ensure that the environment and local culture are protected and preserved.”/GB
