2021-11-30-亚开行-发展菲律宾蓝色经济_海洋旅游业的机遇与挑战（英）_31页_1mb

Summary of "Developing the Philippine Blue Economy: Opportunities and Challenges in the Ocean Tourism Sector"

Core Content

This working paper explores the role of ocean tourism in the Philippine economy and its potential to contribute to the development of the blue economy, which emphasizes sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and environmental protection. The paper analyzes the economic impact of tourism, the status of marine resources, and the challenges in managing ocean tourism sustainably, using the case of El Nido Resorts in Palawan as a reference.

Main Points

• Ocean Tourism's Economic Contribution:
  Ocean tourism is a significant component of the Philippine blue economy, contributing up to 25% of its total value. It is one of the largest sectors in the country's economy, with tourism's domestic gross value added (TDGVA) reaching 2.2 trillion pesos in 2018, surpassing the 2 trillion pesos mark for the first time.

• Tourism Growth and Development:
  The Philippines has seen substantial growth in both international and domestic tourism. International tourism receipts have shown the fastest increase compared to GDP and GNI, while domestic tourism has also grown rapidly, with the share of domestic tourism expenditure in household final consumption rising from 13.1% in 2014 to 19.8% in 2018.

• Employment in Tourism:
  Employment in the tourism sector has steadily increased, from 4.8 million in 2014 to 5.3 million in 2018. The tourism sector accounts for approximately 13% of total employment in the country.

• Philippine Blue Economy Overview:
  The blue economy encompasses the ocean's economic value, including fisheries, aquaculture, and manufacturing. The Philippines' blue economy contributes US$11.9 billion annually, accounting for 7% of GDP. Coastal and marine tourism is the largest sector within the blue economy, contributing US$3 billion in value added and employing around 900,000 people.

• Ocean Wealth and Ecosystems:
  The Philippines is home to diverse marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrasses. These ecosystems provide substantial net annual benefits, totaling US$6.2 billion. However, the country's Ocean Health Index score of 61 out of 100 is below the global average, indicating poor ocean health due to overexploitation, pollution, and unsustainable tourism practices.

• Challenges in Ocean Tourism:

  • Overtourism: Popular destinations like Boracay have faced issues of environmental degradation and social-cultural impacts due to uncontrolled development. The island was closed for six months in 2018 to allow for rehabilitation, which had a significant economic impact.
  • Infrastructure Gaps: Limited data and infrastructure hinder the development of ocean tourism, especially in niche markets like diving and marine sports.
  • Environmental Threats: Coastal and marine ecosystems face threats from sedimentation, overfishing, illegal fishing, and pollution, which negatively affect biodiversity and ecosystem services.
  • Policy Gaps: Despite national laws and local regulations, enforcement is weak, and there is a lack of comprehensive policies that ensure sustainable ocean tourism practices.

• Sustainable Development and Inclusive Models:
  Community-based tourism and ecotourism are seen as effective models for sustainable development. Mangrove ecotourism, in particular, is a low-cost and implementable option that can generate local employment and promote conservation. The case of El Nido Resorts demonstrates how integrating conservation into tourism operations can serve as a catalyst for sustainable development.

• Future Prospects:
  Cruise tourism is identified as a growing sector with significant potential. The government is developing a national cruise strategy to increase the number of cruise passengers, aiming to reach 656,635 by 2022.

Key Information

• Tourism Statistics:

  • In 2018, the Philippines welcomed 7.1 million international tourists and 111 million domestic tourists.
  • Tourism receipts grew faster than GDP and GNI, contributing to economic growth.
  • Domestic tourism expenditure grew at double the rate of household final consumption expenditure.

• Economic and Environmental Impact:

  • Tourism contributes significantly to GDP and employment.
  • However, it also leads to environmental degradation, such as coral bleaching, siltation, and pollution.
  • The Ocean Health Index scores for the Philippines indicate poor performance in several areas, including tourism and recreation (16/100), coastal livelihoods (45/100), and clean waters (57/100).

• Policy Recommendations:

  • Strengthen the policy landscape to ensure sustainable ocean tourism practices.
  • Improve data collection and management for ocean-related tourism.
  • Promote inclusive and community-based tourism models.
  • Enhance infrastructure and accessibility for marine tourism.
  • Encourage the private sector to invest in natural capital through sustainable practices.

Conclusion

The paper concludes that sustainable ocean tourism is crucial for the development of the blue economy in the Philippines. It emphasizes the need for integrating conservation into tourism models, improving policy frameworks, and promoting community participation to ensure long-term economic and environmental benefits. The case study of El Nido Resorts highlights the potential of inclusive and sustainable tourism practices in protecting marine environments while supporting local economies.