BACOLOD CITY – The inclusion of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental in the world’s 2018 Top 100 Sustainable Destinations is an affirmation of its sustainable tourism practices, its city tourism chief said.
Philip Gerard Maisog received the award during a ceremony held at the Lindenberg Home for the Arts in Nijmegen in The Netherlands on Sept. 27, World Tourism Day.
“We are happy and proud that the city’s sustainable practices received proper recognition,” Maisog said.
San Carlos City, which is headed by Mayor Gerardo Valmayor Jr., is the only local government unit (LGU) in the Philippines included on this year’s list.
The certificate awarded to San Carlos City, signed by Albert Salman, president of Sustainable Destinations Top 100 Selection Panel, stated that it “has won a place among the 2018 Sustainable Destinations Top 100 in recognition of its efforts towards responsible tourism and distinctive appeal.”
The Top 100 Sustainable Destinations website states that “San Carlos, a second-class component city in Negros Occidental, has always been an advocate in clean and green practices.”
It also describes San Carlos as having “natural resources (which) includes an island with two barangays, protected seascapes, protected natural parks, numerous caves, waterfalls and beautiful landscapes.”
Sipaway, the island being referred to, promotes community-based resource management and highlights community involvement in the protection of tourist spots.
“What makes it unique is the proximity of the mountain and beach destinations within the city where the renewable energy facilities are,” the website also said about the city which has the slogan: “Vamos San Carlos: Where Green is Go”.
Cristine Mansinares, supervising tourism operations officer of Negros Occidental, said San Carlos City’s success is an inspiring story.
The city government’s efforts on environmental protection and sustainable local economic development have paid off, she noted.
“The recognition will open up more opportunities for the city to improve their sustainability efforts and competitiveness as a destination through the network of Green Destinations,” Mansinares added.
The competition, which is organized by 10 leading sustainable tourism organizations and network led by Green Destinations, primarily aims to highlight success stories and exchange good practices to make all destinations more sustainable, and better for local communities and travelers.
Themed “Tourism to benefit local communities”, it also aims to help destinations develop their tourism through local community involvement.
Nominations were evaluated by the Sustainable Top 100 Team and members of the Top 100 International Committee, which includes over 60 tourism sustainability experts.
Although this is the first time San Carlos City received a global award for its sustainable practices, it is no stranger to recognitions in the regional level.
Last January, it was among the recipients of the 1st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Clean Tourist City Award in rites held in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
San Carlos City was also recognized as one of 50 Landmark Cities by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and a recipient of the Environmentally Sustainable City Award. (Erwin Nicavera With report from Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA)
