Legazpi City, Albay
20 May 2014

Tourism is one of the sectors concerned with the emerging demands of climate change that government must take into account. President Benigno S. Aquino III noted that the risks these changes possess must be taken with international effort, when he graced the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) – Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) International Conference on Tourism and Climate Change held in Legazpi City, Albay.

In his keynote address, President Aquino said that the Philippines might have some of the best beaches and diving spots in the world, but these areas were among the most vulnerable to climate risks. And as response to these challenges, the administration has included climate change adaptation with local, sectoral and national plans – which will accordingly pave the development of tourist destinations and activities per locality.

“Clearly, as long as tourism can be pursued in a sustainable manner, then certainly it is one of the best sectors to focus on – and one of the shortest and most efficient paths to inclusive growth,” President Aquino said.

He also added that a gathering such as this is vital in responding to climate change. For fruitful resolutions, efforts must emanate not from one country alone, but from every individual and community.

“I am hopeful that, through conferences like this, we can contribute to share ideas, new technologies, and best practices with one another and bring our region – and our world – closer to adapting to and mitigating the effects of the new normal,” he said.

Also present during the event were UNWTO Secretary General Dr. Taleb Rifai, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., Commission on Climate Change Vice Chairperson Lucille Sering and Governor Joey Salceda of Albay.

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