LAOAG CITY—The largest resort in Pagudpud town is leading the way in ensuring clean and sustainable tourism.
“It’s a lesson learned to all of us in the tourism industry. We need to create a new order for tourism. One that is environment-friendly and sustainable in the years to come,” said retired Philippine Air Force Col. Ricardo Nolasco, proprietor of Hannah’s Beach Resort and Convention Center.
To strengthen its eco-tourism advocacy, Hannah’s organizes world-class beauty pageants primarily aimed to develop men and women, who make it to their mission to help others change their habits for the good of the planet.
Referring to the signing off of Boracay as a sad event in the country’s tourism industry, Nolasco said all other tourism stakeholders need to develop and strengthen it without disregarding the environment.
“Generally, it is sad note for Philippine tourism, they might think that all other beaches in the country are like that. It’s a lesson learned to all of us. I hope that within six months, it will be back to normal and the glory of Boracay will be restored,” Nolasco added.
Since the closure of Boracay, northern Luzon beaches including that of Pagudpud, are flocked by tourists on a daily basis.
Travel tours, van rentals and other resorts and homestays here reported they are all fully-booked this summer.
“We were surprised because we are receiving a thousand guests everyday. All the more that we should support the ideals of our president and advocate for sustainable tourism,” he pointed out.
To strengthen the promotion of sustainable eco-tourism, the seven-year old Hannah’s resort hosted 20 male and 20 female candidates on Saturday evening for the conduct of Mr and Miss Hannah’s World Tourism Philippines.
“This is one of our ways to promote an icon of beauty and purpose. By having a voice to create a new order of a sustainable tourist destination in Pagudpud,” he said.
The preliminary event featuring festival costume and swim wear competition was attended by Department of Tourism Undersecretary of Tourism Advocacy and Public Affairs Katherine de Castro, Filipino fashion designer Renee Salud, Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray, Master shoe man Jojo Bragais, along with other regional and local officials who served as part of the board of judges.
The grand coronation night is set on May 12 at the Resorts World Manila. (Leilanie Adriano/PNA)
