THE House Committee on Tourism has approved our proposed Tourism Carrying Capacity Act that seeks to promote tourism that is “ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable, and ethically and socially equitable for local communities.”
Representative Kristine Alexie Besas Tutor, principal author of House Bill 2044 – The Tourism Carrying Capacity Act, thanked Tourism Committee Chairman Eleandro Jesus Madrona and the Tourism Committee Members for their support.
“Carrying capacity is the maximum number of people that may visit a tourism destination at the same time without causing destruction of the physical, economic, socio-cultural environment and an unacceptable decrease in the quality of visitors’ satisfaction,” said Tutor.
The carrying concept idea was adapted from the World Tourism Organization.
“We have seen how the carrying capacity concept has been effectively applied to Boracay. The Boracay we have now is proof that carrying capacity works. It will also work when properly applied to other tourism destinations,” the solon added.
Tutor said that by having Boracay as the proof of concept, she can convincingly persuade other provinces, cities, and towns that their tourism destinations can be as successful while also making sure the natural environment and culture are protected.
The lead implementing agency is the Department of Environment and Natural Resources which is also given the power to impose penalties for non-compliance.
The DENR, working with LGUs, other government agencies, and sectors, shall conduct the study to determine the carrying capacity for each tourism destination, added Tutor.
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