Local government officials and tourism officers in Eastern Visayas have expressed their shared commitment to advancing sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism development in the region.

The 55 local government officials and tourism officers from across the region reaffirmed their commitment during their participation in the three-day Masterclass on Sustainable Tourism Development at the Best Western Plus Metro Clark in Pampanga from Jan. 13 to 15.

Department of Tourism (DOT) 8 (Eastern Visayas) Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said in a phone interview Thursday that the participation of a mix of policymakers and implementers is intended to strengthen coordination between leadership direction and technical execution in tourism development.

“This program is not merely a training course, but a starting point for local governments to reassess how tourism can more effectively serve communities,” Tiopes said.

She noted that discussions focus on tourism as a development tool that balances economic opportunities with the protection of local identity, culture, and natural resources.

“The focus is on making sustainability simple, practical, and actionable. We are looking at tourism through the lens of tao, lugar, at kabuhayan – people, place, and livelihood – because sustainable tourism only works when these three move forward together,” she added.

The capacity-building program brings together governors, municipal mayors, provincial board members, chairs of Sangguniang Bayan tourism committees, and provincial, city, and municipal tourism officers. (PNA)