Concurrent Paper Session 2.2 Cross-cutting SDGs | Video: TBA Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals Conference 2019, 24-25 Jan 2019, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand | https://tourism-sdg.nz

1. Tourism in Emerging
Small Island Destinations
Pathways to Sustainability through
Community Engagement
Richard Philip A. Gonzalo
University of the Philippines
Asian Institute of Tourism
Tourism and the SDGs Conference
Massey University
Auckland, New Zealand
24-25 January 2019

2. Tourism
Development in
Small Islands
2

3. Small Island Tourism
¡ Islands have been branded as desirable tourism
sites
¡ Islands seen as “natural” destinations, despite them
not being the best location for “tropical fantasies”
Baldaccino, G. (2013). Island Landscapes and European Culture: An “Island Studies” perspective. Journal of Marine
and Island Cultures. 2, 13-19
3

4. Small Island Tourism:
Case of the Philippines
¡ The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT)
promotes islands as one of the main tourism
offerings in the country1
1DOT. (2012, October 3). It's more fun in the Philippines - DOT Official AVP [Video file]. Retrieved December 22, 2016,
from Youtube Ph: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADNgEHFDYzo
4

5. Limited space,
Limited resources
¡ Small island tourism is a trend in archipelagic
countries.
¡ Given the space and resource constraints, issues
were reported where tourists and the tourism sector
do not give due regard to the island’s limits
5

6. Drivers of tourism
development in the
Philippines
¡ Local governments are strongly to include tourism
development in the Local Government development
plans and land use allocation in the Philippines1
¡ Trend in the Philippines began in the 1970s when the
Philippine government pursued tourism as a
development option 2
1DILG. (2017, March 22). 2017 Seal of Good Local Governance: Pagkilala sa Katapatan at Kahusayan ng Pamahalaang Lokal. DILG
Memorandum Circular No: 2017-53 . Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Department of Interior and Local Government
2Maguigad, V. (2013). Tourism Planning in Archipelagic Philippines: a Case Review. Tourism Management Perspectives , 7, 25-33
6

7. Shaping Tourism as a
Development Strategy
¡ Republic Act Number 9593 declared tourism as
an engine of socioeconomic growth and cultural
affirmation that can generate investments,
foreign exchange, employment, and a sense of
pride for all Filipino citizens1
¡ Enactment of said law aims to shape tourism as a
platform for development
1Republic Act 9593. (2009, May 12). An Act declaring a National Tourism Policy for Tourism as an Engine of Investment,
Employment, Growth, and National Development, and Strengthening the Department of Tourism and its Attached Agencies to
effectively and efficiently implement that Policy, and appropriating funds therefor. The Tourism Act of 2009 . Metro Manila,
Philippines: Philippine Senate and Congress.
7

8. Shaping Tourism as a
Development Strategy
¡ Tourism development is sustainable when it
ensures quality of life1
¡ Recognizes that policy of promoting tourism as an
economic activity is being questioned due to the
social, economic, and environmental costs
associated with it2
1Republic Act 9593. (2009, May 12). An Act declaring a National Tourism Policy for Tourism as an Engine of Investment,
Employment, Growth, and National Development, and Strengthening the Department of Tourism and its Attached Agencies to
effectively and efficiently implement that Policy, and appropriating funds therefor. The Tourism Act of 2009 . Metro Manila,
Philippines: Philippine Senate and Congress.
2RHaygood-Guste, M. (2013). PPP Tourism: Expectacle of Exclusive Growth. IBON Facts and Figures , 13
8

9. Tourism for
Sustainable Development
¡ Tourism that meets the needs of tourists and host
regions while protecting the opportunities for the
future.
Republic Act 9593. (2009, May 12). An Act declaring a National Tourism Policy for Tourism as an Engine of Investment,
Employment, Growth, and National Development, and Strengthening the Department of Tourism and its Attached Agencies to
effectively and efficiently implement that Policy, and appropriating funds therefor. The Tourism Act of 2009 . Metro Manila,
Philippines: Philippine Senate and Congress.
9

10. Social Imperative when
Planning Tourism
¡ Given political and the administrative contexts in
the Philippines, tourism planning in the country
requires re-evaluating linkages, working
relations, and even power relationships among
stakeholders
Maguigad, V. (2013). Tourism Planning in Archipelagic Philippines: a Case Review. Tourism Management Perspectives , 7, 25-33.
10

11. Linkages for Sustainability:
Focus on communities
¡ Communities are the marginalized stakeholders
in the tourism development process
¡ Communities are consulted and offered
employment and livelihood opportunities
¡ BUT the host communities are adversely affected by
the growth of tourism
¡ Rapid depletion of natural resources
¡ Conflict among residents
¡ Unequal access to development opportunities
11

12. Community approach to
Tourism and Sustainability
¡ Communities
raising their own
standards of
living
Alcantara, R.C. (2019) Lecture: Community Engagement in Tourism. Tourism
Development Lecture Series. University of the Philippines Asian Institute of Tourism.
12

13. Community Development
requires Organizing People
¡ Strong linkages
¡ Empowered
people who can
identify, analyze,
and solve shared
problems
¡ Communities
raising their own
standards of
living
Alcantara, R.C. (2019) Lecture: Community Engagement in Tourism. Tourism
Development Lecture Series. University of the Philippines Asian Institute of Tourism.
13

14. Community Organizing
requires Engaging People
¡ Strong linkages
¡ Empowered
people who can
identify, analyze,
and solve shared
problems
¡ Communities
raising their own
standards of
living
¡ Representation
and participation
in the
development
process
Alcantara, R.C. (2019) Lecture: Community Engagement in Tourism. Tourism
Development Lecture Series. University of the Philippines Asian Institute of Tourism.
14

15. Who should we engage in
tourism development for
sustainability?
¡ How to facilitate representation and
participation?
¡ Who are these actors?
¡ What roles do they play in tourism and the quest for
sustainability in emerging small island destinations?
15

16. Case Study
Jomalig Island
Philippines
16

17. Image source: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Philippines/@12.3137886,105.9799245,4.07z/
data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x324053215f87de63:0x784790ef7a29da57!8m2!3d12.879721!4d121.774017
¡ The Philippines
¡ >7,000 Islands
¡ >105 million
inhabitants
¡ Terrestrial and
marine habitats
are some of the
richest
biodiversities in
the world
17

18. Image source: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Philippines/@15.1345564,118.4932634,6.48z/
data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x324053215f87de63:0x784790ef7a29da57!8m2!3d12.879721!4d121.774017
¡ Philippines
comprised of 1,489
municipalities
¡ Municipal
governments enjoy
a degree of
autonomy from the
National
Government by
virtue of the
Philippine Local
Government Code
18

19. Image source: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Philippines/@15.1345564,118.4932634,6.48z/
data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x324053215f87de63:0x784790ef7a29da57!8m2!3d12.879721!4d121.774017
¡ Philippines
comprised of 1,489
municipalities
¡ Municipal
governments enjoy
a degree of
autonomy from the
National
Government by
virtue of the
Philippine Local
Government Code
Jomalig Island
19

20. Image source: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Philippines/@14.6973621,122.3279666,12.59z/
data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x324053215f87de63:0x784790ef7a29da57!8m2!3d12.879721!4d121.774017
¡ Jomalig is one of the 54 island
municipalities in the Philippines
¡ Population: >7,400 inhabitants
¡ Land area is 56.65 sq. km
¡ Annual municipal income:
Between USD 285,000-475,000
20

21. 1900s to
1940s
1940s to
1980s
1980s to
2000s
2000s to
2015
Emergence of Actors
before Tourism
21

22. 1900s to
1940s
1940s to
1980s
1980s to
2000s
2000s to
2015
¡ Island is one of the villages
(Barangays) of the Municipality
of Polilio
¡ Jomalig known as the land of
thieves (tulisan)
¡ Migration of residents from
nearby municipalities to Jomalig
¡ Livelihood includes Fishing,
Coconut farming,and Kaingin
22

23. 1900s to
1940s
1940s to
1980s
1980s to
2000s
2000s to
2015
¡ Livelihood still includes Fishing,
Coconut farming, and Kaingin
¡ Livelihood expanded to include
sale of retail goods (kalakal) to
American soldiers
¡ Residents fled island during
disasters; American soldiers
assisted Filipino residents during
natural calamities
¡ Jomalig was declared a
municipality in 1961
23

24. 1900s to
1940s
1940s to
1980s
1980s to
2000s
2000s to
2015
¡ Livelihood includes Fishing,
Kaingin, Coconut farming, Sale
of Retail Goods.
¡ Livelihood expanded to
include Rice farming and
Larger Scale fishing
¡ Livelihood expanded to
include Professional Work (e.g.
teachers, police officers)
24

25. 1900s to
1940s
1940s to
1980s
1980s to
2000s
2000s to
2015
¡ Livelihood includes Fishing,
Kaingin, Coconut farming, and
Sale of Retail Goods.
¡ Livelihood expanded to include
Rice farming and Larger Scale
fishing
¡ For residents who obtained some
form of education, livelihood
expanded to include Professional
Work and Migration to other areas
25

26. Island Population
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2015
Population 2,862 3,972 4,542 5,817 6,884 7,417
-
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
26

27. Jomalig offered
Opportunities for the Future
¡ Modest living standards
¡ Chance to trade in order to finance personal
improvement of residents of Jomalig
¡ Opportunities to practice professions and
¡ A refuge for rural living for those who migrated
outside Jomalig
27

28. 2000s to
2015
2015 to
2018
Actors during the
Emergence of Tourism
28

29. 2000s to
2015
2015 to
2018
¡ Jomalig was
featured in a local
TV channel as
¡ Place that needed
assistance
¡ Must visit
destination
29

30. Visitation Behavior
2015 2016 2017
Tourist arrivals 1,083 5,370 12,057
-
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
Annual Tourist Arrivals
Jomalig has 7,417 inhabitants in 2015
30

31. Visitation Behavior
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
August
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Monthly Tourist Arrivals
2017
2016
2015
Jomalig has 7,417 inhabitants in 2015
31

32. Visitation Behavior
¡ Average length of stay (2017)
¡ 2 days
¡ As per Key Informant Interviews (for 2018)
¡ Ranges between 2 days to 2 weeks
32

33. Image source: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Philippines/
@14.6973621,122.3279666,14184m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!
1s0x324053215f87de63:0x784790ef7a29da57!8m2!3d12.879721!4d121.774017
Sites commonly visited 33

34. Image source: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Philippines/
@14.6973621,122.3279666,14184m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!
1s0x324053215f87de63:0x784790ef7a29da57!8m2!3d12.879721!4d121.774017
34

35. Image source: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Philippines/
@14.6973621,122.3279666,14184m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!
1s0x324053215f87de63:0x784790ef7a29da57!8m2!3d12.879721!4d121.774017
35

36. Image source: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Philippines/
@14.6973621,122.3279666,14184m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!
1s0x324053215f87de63:0x784790ef7a29da57!8m2!3d12.879721!4d121.774017
36

37. Image source: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Philippines/
@14.6973621,122.3279666,14184m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!
1s0x324053215f87de63:0x784790ef7a29da57!8m2!3d12.879721!4d121.774017
37

38. Image source: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Philippines/
@14.6973621,122.3279666,14184m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!
1s0x324053215f87de63:0x784790ef7a29da57!8m2!3d12.879721!4d121.774017
38

39. Tourist imagination
¡ Jomalig seen as
¡ Rustic and virgin island
¡ A place where people are
kind
¡ An affordable destination
¡ A destination that should
remain isolated (but people
still arrive in droves!)
¡ A destination that must learn
to meet tourist needs
39

40. Reported undesirable effects
¡ Food shortage exacerbated by trading with an
increasing number of consumers (tourists
included)
¡ Rising price of goods (e.g. retail goods, local
produce) and services (e.g. sea transport)
¡ Frequent sale of real property to non-Jomalig
residents, reducing free spaces
40

41. Reported undesirable effects
¡ Congestion in common areas and bumping off of
Jomalig passengers in sea transport
¡ Problems with waste disposal
¡ Rude behavior of tourists
¡ Public image of Jomalig is adversely affected
41

42. Tourism contribution to
sustainability in the island?
¡ Modest living standards?
¡ Chance to trade in order to finance personal
improvement?
¡ A refuge for rural living for those who migrated
outside Jomalig?
¡ Opportunities to practice professions?
42

43. Agents of transformation
¡ Key actors are individuals and agencies who can
make key decisions and influence the present
and future way of living in the island.
43

44. Key Actors
before Tourism
Living in the Island
¡ Government officials
(elected & appointed)
¡ Professionals
¡ Fish dealers and fisherfolk
¡ Local Businesses
¡ Households
Living outside
¡ Fish dealers/buyers
¡ Suppliers of goods
44

45. Key Actors
during Emergence of Tourism
Living in the Island
¡ Government officials
(elected & appointed)
¡ Professionals
¡ Fish dealers and fisherfolk
¡ Local Businesses
¡ Households
¡ Land owners
¡ Tourism service providers
and Local Businesses
Living outside
¡ Fish dealers/buyers
¡ Suppliers of goods
¡ Media companies
¡ Tourists
¡ Tour organizers (unregulated
& not registered)
¡ Land owners
¡ Service providers from
neighboring communities
45

46. Implications on
Community
Engagement
46

47. Tourism for
Sustainable Development
https://news.un.org/en/story/2015/12/519172-sustainable-development-goals-kick-start-new-year
47
Responsible
Consumption &
Production (SDG
12) and
Partnerships for
the Goals
(SDG17) are
critical goals in
small island
tourism

48. Tourism for
Sustainable Development
https://news.un.org/en/story/2015/12/519172-sustainable-development-goals-kick-start-new-year
Representation
and meaningful
participation are
the foundation
for partnerships
for sustainability
in small island
tourism
48

49. Representation and
Participation challenges
¡ Tourism drastically changed the economic and
political landscape in the island
¡ The fora for discussion is limited to Local
Government negotiating on behalf of stakeholders
living in the island
¡ Tourism as a phenomenon is limited to discussion on
regulation and issues on accountability
49

50. Representation and
Participation challenges
¡ Key actors who drive demand (media & tour
organizers) and limit supply (land owners) live
outside the small island municipality
¡ Local government has limited power over these
actors
¡ Limited leverage and platform for engagement
50

51. Representation and
Participation challenges
¡ Marginalized (the “voiceless”) sectors (the
households, fisher folk, and farmers) have no
opportunities to meaningfully participate in
discussions on tourism
¡ Participation is seen as pre-requisite to effective
local governance
¡ BUT the characteristic ways of living and behaving of
these sectors are yet to be surfaced in discussions
51

52. Areas for
community engagement
¡ Awareness building on key issues on small island
tourism
¡ Capacitating and engaging sectors who have
yet to participate in the discussions
¡ Expanding venues for discussion beyond small
island fora (i.e. provincial or island cluster level)
where key actors living outside the island may be
included
52

53. Tourism in Emerging
Small Island Destinations
Pathways to Sustainability through
Community Engagement
Richard Philip A. Gonzalo
University of the Philippines
Asian Institute of Tourism
Tourism and the SDGs Conference
Massey University
Auckland, New Zealand
24-25 January 2019