By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA
MANILA — The Masungi Georeserve in the province of Rizal is among the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Tourism for Tomorrow 2019 finalists.
Masungi Georeserve, the only Philippine destination from the 15 shortlisted finalists, will compete for the Destination Stewardship Award with Brazil’s Grupo Rio de Prata and St. Kitts and Nevis’ Sustainable Destination Council.
The geotourism destination, currently managed by the Masungi Georeserve Foundation, is located at Kilometer 47, Marcos Highway in the town of Baras.
The conservation area, frequented by adventure-seeking tourists, is famous for its rustic rock garden within the forests of Rizal province.
Masungi is derived from local name “masungki” which means spiked.
The Tourism for Tomorrow 2019 awardees, is divided into four categories — Climate Action, Investing in People, Destination Stewardship, Social Impact and Changemakers — will be announced at the 19th WTTC Global Summit in Seville, Spain in April.
The category where the Philippines is listed is given to organizations “helping a place to thrive and bring forward its unique identity for the benefit of its residents and tourists.”
According to WTTC, all finalists will undergo a rigorous three-phase judging process, which includes an onsite evaluation.
