Harnessing Collaborative Efforts for Tourism Development

The Boracay before. Several decades ago, Boracay has been tagged as one of the finest beaches in Asia. This destination served as a cradle for tourists who wanted relaxation and nature appreciation. It was visited mainly because of its pristine beauty and powdery white sand beaches. However, when a German writer published a book revealing the paradise of Boracay, the tourists began arriving ("History of Boracay," 2012). The Boracay now. Recently, it ranked number two (2) in the Top 10 Party Beaches Around The World (2012) by The Huffington Post. An avenue for fire dancing shows and fireworks, live bands and parties, Boracay is very lively at night. The former quiet nights of Boracay were then transformed into a place for party-goers. Boracay’s current situation. Unfortunately, the uncontrollable influx of tourists imposes a great impact on its natural environment. This scenario captured the interest of the media - one of which is I—Witness’ Ang Tagong Boracay hosted by Howie Severino. This is a kind of “social change documentary” which as defined by Amma Marfo (2007) “is sometimes a hybrid between political and human interest and tells stories in hopes of changing aspects of the society.” Furthermore, Larry Daressa asserted that “a social change media can serve as a frame and forum for the exfoliation of alternative civic discourses, communities and social movements.” Studies show that this documentary as a form of media, aims not only to build awareness and to show the real situation in Boracay; but it also acts an instrument for the government and general public to address issues reactively and/or proactively. Tourists’ motivations. In spite of the conscious efforts of media, tourists still want to visit Boracay. Going back to the theories of Maslow, Schmoll, et al. there are many reasons why people travel. In the case of Boracay visitors, their travel motivations overpower their knowledge on the destination itself. Even though they know that Boracay’s waters are unsafe, most of the times, tourists only think of their personal and social satisfaction. As observed in a social networking site, having visited Boracay implicitly creates a status symbol that makes people feel that they ‘keep up with the trend’ and thus, making them feel more acceptable to the public. Basically, because they act as consumers of the tourism products, they do not care much about destination. When they reached Boracay, they pay the environmental fees and taxes. It results to the idea of passing the responsibility of maintaining the island to the establishments and the government. Typically, tourism planners create and propose great ideas to achieve tourism sustainable development. However, when a master plan is submitted, the government cannot fully perform its duty to execute the ‘ideal ideas’ and to implement policies. The governing body should set as an example and lead Boracay to sustainability. Given the ‘ideal’ government system, stated are some ideas that could help resolve the problems of Boracay and enhance the potentials of Carabao Island. Reactive planning for Boracay. Imposing numerous taxes to tourism-related businesses and tourists is quite exhausting. The government must not over-impose taxes, and must not imply that Boracay’s natural resources always have a monetary value. Instead they must foster cooperation to their stakeholders. As a governing body, it is recommended to try these strategies. First, the LGU may implement an output-based incentive system once a significant contribution has been done. For instance, a local barangay official may be granted a Boracay-related incentive or any other incentive (i.e. free 3D/2N overnight stay in Shangri-la Boracay) if s/he was able to reduce the number of reported cases of sand stealing. Another effort that the government can do is a uniform booking system through a single government-managed agency. This system has been highly effective in the case of Puerto Princesa Underground River. DENR together with its attached agencies collaborated to limit access based on the destination’s carrying capacity. Only 900 visitors are allowed to visit and are required to acquire a “Valid Entry Permit” (Tan, 2012). Prior to this idea, the Boracay management group should conduct a study to determine its carrying capacity. Also, it is never too late to save Boracay. Waste-management, one of the big problems, can be solved by segregation of plastics and turning it into a valuable material. Way back in 2009, the LGU of Los Banos Laguna implemented a policy on usage of plastics. The people are urged to use paper bags while the disposed plastics are used as a strong material for hollow blocks, chairs, roofs, etc. If Boracay will practice the same, then they will be able dispose plastics at an efficient manner. Likewise, this may be an income generating project for the community. In the supply side, what can be done is to integrate CRS among local communities- this may be in terms of maximizing their skills, providing necessary amenities or basic utilities. For example, each hotel or enterprise should be required to employ locals. They must comprise at least 2%-10% of the business’ workforce or may be calculated based on the number of rooms (i.e. 1 local is to 10 rooms). Also, the government may instruct them to a project called ‘bring a child to school project.’ Harnessing the potential of these individuals at the same time, making the supply-side contribute are simple ways to lessen the societal effects of development. Proactive planning for Carabao Island. Reported four-times larger, Carabao is seen as the next beach destination after Boracay. Like how the Boracay started, the Island caters to tourists who crave for relaxation. There are no immense developments yet and is still gifted with unspoiled beauty. Hence, the government must perform its task to let the market work. Given the tourism master plan (as shown in the documentary), they must install road systems, as it was discussed that “when there are roads, there is development” and provision of basic utilities. On the other hand, the workforce of the island is a great potential to tap especiallyif the government would provide trainings and seminar. This may be related to tourism (i.e. tour guiding, transportation, etc.) or agriculture (i.e. to supply food, livestock, etc.). After honing the skills of the locals, the government can offer loans to small to medium scale enterprises so that they would not be employees forever. Not only that, they can also subsidize machines, boats or other transportation facilities provided that they adhere to imposed policies. On the part of the enterprises, the same may be done (i.e. required number of locals employed). However, if the population is too big to accommodate all the locals, it is suggested to design a routine of work. Meaning, a group of locals will work for a quarter followed by another batch to give equal opportunity to earn. This will continue for a year, following a cycle. The same goes for those females who cannot leave their houses, they will be taught to do local handcrafted souvenirs and become the supplier. In this way, locals are empowered as they are becoming a significant part of the society. Similarly, LGU may coordinate to the tour operators and agencies and propose to integrate a Carabao Island day tour. This would involve nature-based tourism activities. And since Boracay is not too far from Carabao Island (only 15 minutes away), the tour operators may develop a new product offering a lunch, sunset or dinner cruise and overnight stay in the Island. In such manners, the tourist congestion in Boracay are redirected and controlled.

Sources:

Angtuaco, B. (2010). 7 Big Reasons Why People Love Boracay. Retrieved from http://jill-of- alltrades.hubpages.com/hub/Why-People-Love-Boracay

Daressa, L. Is social change media a delusion? California Newsreel at 30 and 2000. California Newsreel Retrieved from http://www.newsreel.org/articles/socialme.htm#top

History of Boracay. (2005-2012). Retrieved from Boracay Beaches website: http://www.boracay beaches.info/history-of-boracay.html

Marfo, A. (2007). The Evolution and Impact of Documentary Films Retrieved from http://digital commons.uri.edu/srhonorsprog/42/

Tan, E. (2012, March 23). Travel Advisory. Retrieved July 12, 2012, from Puerto Princesa Underground River Official Website: http://www.puerto-undergroundriver.com/ new-website -design-2012/

Top 10 Party Beaches Around The World (2012). The Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cheapflights/top-10-party-beaches-arou_b_1784804. html#slide=1380940