1.

Preliminary Evaluation: Before diving into a detailed assessment, it's important to

do a quick check of the study area. This helps to understand the basic situation
before investing a lot of time and resources.
2.Preliminary Site Evaluation (PSE): There's a specific evaluation process outlined
in a document called DENR DAO 2013-19. This was originally designed for
protected areas but can also be used for other tourist spots. It's like a basic checklist
to see if a place is ready for tourism.
3.Tourism Readiness: We can figure out how ready a place is for tourism by
looking at what attractions or sites it has. These can be sorted into three categories:
existing (already there and popular), emerging (starting to become known), and
potential (could be developed into attractions).
4.Pre-assessment: By doing this quick evaluation, local government or tourism
developers can figure out if it's worth investing in tourism development and when
they could start. If there are big problems right from the start, they might decide it's
not worth continuing with a full assessment.
5.Saving Money: Doing this preliminary assessment can save a lot of money. If
there are major problems at the beginning, it's better to find out early and not waste
resources on projects that won't work out.
So basically, before deciding to invest in developing a tourist spot, it's smart to take a
quick look around and see if it's actually a good idea. This can help avoid wasting
time and money on projects that might not succeed.
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1.Existing Site: This is a place where both tourists and the things they want to see
or do are already there. It's like a spot that's already popular and known for tourism.
2.Potential Site: This is an area that doesn't have any tourist stuff yet, like buildings
or visitors, but it's really beautiful or interesting. It's like a blank canvas that could
become a tourist attraction.
3.Emerging Site: This is a place that's starting to become known for tourism, but it's
still in the early stages. It's like a spot that people are just beginning to discover and
visit.
So, these classifications help us understand the different stages of development for
tourist spots, from already popular ones to places that are just starting to catch
people's attention.
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1.Hazards and Security Issues: This involves looking at any potential dangers or
risks in the area, like natural disasters or safety concerns. It's important to make sure
tourists will be safe when they visit.
2.Control and Ownership of the Land: This means figuring out who owns the land
and who has the authority to make decisions about it. It's important for planning and
development to know who's in charge.
3.Stakeholder Support for Tourism Development: Stakeholders are people or
groups who have an interest in the area, like local residents or businesses. It's
important to see if they're supportive of developing tourism, as their support can be
crucial for success.
4.Sensitivity of the Site to Tourism Impacts: This means understanding how the
area might be affected by tourism activities, like increased traffic or environmental
damage. It's important to protect the site while still allowing tourists to enjoy it.
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HAZARD AND SECURITY ISSUES

Example: Developing a Tourist Spot Near a River

•Hazard Identification:
•The LGU's Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) might identify flood hazards in
the area due to the river's tendency to overflow during heavy rains.
•The Disaster Response and Recovery Management (DRRM) plan may outline past
incidents of flooding and the measures taken to mitigate them.
•The Local Climate Change Adaptation Plan (LCCAP) might highlight predictions of
increased flooding due to climate change.
•Susceptibility to Hazards:
•The CLUP might also indicate if the area is particularly susceptible to flooding
based on its topography and soil type.
•The DRRM plan may detail evacuation routes and emergency shelters for residents
and tourists in case of flooding.
•Implications for Tourism Development:
•Knowing about these hazards is crucial for planning tourist activities and
infrastructure. For example, areas prone to flooding might not be suitable for building
hotels or other permanent structures.
•Tourist safety measures, such as warning systems or emergency drills, may need
to be implemented to mitigate the risks posed by flooding.
In this example, understanding the hazards associated with developing a tourist spot
near a river is essential for ensuring the safety of both tourists and residents. By
consulting relevant plans and documents, planners can make informed decisions
about whether and how to proceed with tourism development in the area.

Natural Hazards:
1.Typhoons: Big storms with strong winds and heavy rain.
2.Storm Surges: Huge waves pushed by strong winds during a storm.
3.Flooding: Water covering areas it normally doesn't.
4.Erosions: When soil or rocks are washed away by water.
5.Landslides: Rocks and soil sliding down a hill or mountain.
6.Earthquakes: Ground shaking caused by the movement of the earth's crust.
7.Volcanic Eruptions: Explosions and lava coming from a volcano.
8.Extreme Heat: Very hot weather that can lead to health problems.
9.Wildfires: Uncontrolled fires that spread quickly, often in dry areas.
Man-made Hazards:
1.Insurgency: Groups fighting against the government.
2.Terrorism: Acts of violence to cause fear and achieve political goals.
3.Serious Crimes: Major criminal activities that threaten safety.
4.Infectious Diseases: Illnesses that spread easily among people, like COVID-19.
Evaluating Hazards:
Planners look at:
•How Often They Happen: How often these dangers occur.
•How Bad They Are: How much damage they can cause.
•How Big the Affected Area Is: How many people or places are impacted.
Getting Information:
•Newspapers: Local newspapers often report on these events.
•Military and Police: They keep an eye on security problems and can provide
information.
By understanding these hazards and their risks, planners can make decisions to
keep people safe, like choosing safe places for building and planning for
emergencies.
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CONTROL AND OWNERSHIP OF THE LAND:

1.Government vs. Private Land:

1.The government prefers to develop tourism on land it owns rather than private
land. This is because the government has more control over its own land.
2.If tourism is planned on government-owned land, the local government unit (LGU)
can decide what to do without needing permission from private landowners.
2.Funding Restrictions:
1.The government can't use public funds for tourism projects on privately owned
land, protected areas, ancestral domains of indigenous peoples, or land under the
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
2.This means if a tourism project is planned on private land, the money has to come
from sources other than government funds.
3.Permission for Protected Areas:
1.In protected areas, like national parks, permission needs to be obtained from the
Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) before starting any tourism
development.
So, when planning tourism projects, it's important to consider who owns the land and
what rules apply. Government-owned land gives more freedom for development,
while private land requires permission and funding from sources other than the
government. In protected areas, additional permissions are needed from the relevant
management board.

Authorization from Indigenous Peoples (IP) and NCIP:

•If the tourism project is in an ancestral domain of indigenous peoples, permission
must be obtained from the community leaders (chieftains) and the National
Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
Protected Areas Managed by Private Firms:
•Some protected areas are managed by private companies, which can operate
resorts there. This shows that while the process may be challenging, it's not
impossible for private firms to run tourism operations in protected areas.
Government Funds and Private Property:
•The government can't use public money for projects on private land. For example, if
a resort owner asks the local government to improve the road to their resort, they'll
be refused.
•However, if the resort owner donates the land for the road to the local government,
then the government can use public funds to improve it.
In simpler terms, getting permission from indigenous communities and the NCIP is
necessary for projects in ancestral domains. Private companies can operate in
protected areas. The government can't use public money for projects on private land
unless the land is donated to the government.
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STAKEHOLDER SUPPORT:

Stakeholders in Tourism Development:

•Who They Are: Stakeholders are basically everyone affected by tourism
development, which means it includes all of us.
•Involvement in Planning: It's important that all groups involved in tourism
development, such as government agencies, tourism officers, schools, religious
groups, NGOs, community organizations, and businesses, work together to make
plans.
•Sharing Benefits and Costs: Everyone should share in the good things that come
from tourism, like more jobs and income. But they should also share in the
challenges, like making sure tourism doesn't harm the environment or local culture.
•Participation in Meetings: People from all these groups should be able to join
workshops and meetings to talk about tourism plans. This way, everyone's ideas and
concerns can be heard and considered.

Inclusive Tourism Planning:

•Who's Included: Small business owners (micro-entrepreneurs), local transport
drivers (like jeepneys, tricycles, and motorcycle taxis), people with disabilities
(PWDs), older adults, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and indigenous peoples are all
important groups that need to be part of tourism planning.
•Why Their Involvement Matters: Their opinions and feelings about tourism are
crucial for making it successful. By educating them about the benefits of tourism, any
concerns they might have can be addressed, and they can become supporters of
tourism development.
•How to Include Them: These groups should be part of decision-making processes.
They should have opportunities to start businesses or get jobs related to tourism,
with fair rules. Also, improvements in things like roads and services benefit everyone
and help make tourism a positive thing for everyone involved.
In simpler terms, including everyone, especially vulnerable groups, in tourism
planning is important. Educating them about the benefits of tourism can help
overcome any resistance they might have. Giving them opportunities for jobs and
businesses, and improving infrastructure and services, will make tourism a positive
experience for everyone.

Importance of Political Support for Tourism:

•Key Players: Local government leaders, like mayors and councils, have a big say
in what gets done in their area. If they support tourism, it can move forward faster.
•Why it Matters: When political leaders are on board with tourism, they can pass
laws, set up offices, and give money to help it happen. Many politicians know that
successful tourism can make them look good and help them get re-elected.
•How to Tell if There's Support: One way to see if politicians support tourism is if
they have plans and laws in place to promote it. If they're keeping these plans
updated, it shows they're serious about tourism.
In simpler terms, having support from local politicians is really important for tourism
to succeed. When they're behind it, things like laws, offices, and money for tourism
can happen faster. You can tell if they support tourism by seeing if they have plans
and laws in place for it.

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SENSITIVITY OF THE SITE TO TOURISM IMPACTS

Considering Environmental Impact:

•Greenfield vs. Brownfield Sites:
•If a tourism site is in a brownfield (an already developed area), the environmental
impact might not be as big of a concern.
•But if it's in a greenfield (an undeveloped area), it's crucial to control development
tightly to avoid harming the environment.
•Protected Areas:
•Some places have special protections, where only small-scale tourism is allowed to
prevent damage to the environment.
•Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs) include important places like mangrove
forests, coral reefs, and habitats of endangered animals.
•Tourism activities are limited in ECAs to avoid harming these sensitive areas.
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WEEK 3

CATEGORIES OF TOURISM SITES

NOTES:
Tourism sites are categorized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) into three main
groups: existing, emerging, and potential.
•Existing Sites: These places already have a developed tourism scene, with both
the supply (like hotels, restaurants, and attractions) and demand (visitors) well-
established. While they're already popular, local government units (LGUs) can still
improve infrastructure and facilities to enhance the visitor experience further.
•Emerging Destinations: In emerging destinations, tourism demand is still growing,
and the infrastructure and facilities are basic. These places are just starting to attract
visitors, and there's room for growth in both the number of tourists and the
development of tourism-related services.
•Potential Sites: These places have the potential to become successful tourist
spots, but they haven't attracted many visitors yet. With the right investment in
tourism infrastructure and facilities, they could draw more people in the future.
By understanding these categories, planners can focus their efforts on developing
existing sites further, nurturing emerging destinations, and unlocking the potential of
places that haven't yet seen much tourism activity.
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When conducting a full assessment for ecotourism sites within protected areas, the
Department of Tourism's Tourism Site Evaluation Matrix (TSEM) is a valuable tool.
However, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) utilizes a
more comprehensive set of criteria specifically tailored for ecotourism sites in
protected areas. This includes:
1.Natural Resources and Features: Assessing the ecological value and
uniqueness of the site's natural resources, such as biodiversity, landscapes, and
geological features.
2.Cultural Resources: Evaluating the cultural significance of the site, including
indigenous heritage, historical landmarks, and traditional practices.
3.Protected Area Management: Reviewing the effectiveness of management
practices within the protected area, including conservation efforts and sustainability
measures.
4.Visitor Patterns, Activities, and Infrastructure: Understanding the types of
visitors the site attracts, their activities, and the infrastructure available to support
tourism, such as trails, interpretation centers, and accommodations.
5.Tourism Plans and Policies: Examining existing tourism plans and policies in
place to ensure alignment with conservation goals and sustainable development
principles.
6.Communities: Considering the involvement and impact of local communities in
ecotourism activities, including benefits and potential conflicts.
7.Partnerships: Assessing collaboration with various stakeholders, including
government agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners, to support ecotourism
initiatives and conservation efforts.
8.Marketing and Promotions: Evaluating marketing strategies and promotional
activities aimed at attracting responsible ecotourists while minimizing negative
impacts on the environment and culture.
9.Opportunities and Threats: Identifying opportunities for ecotourism development
and potential threats to the site's ecological and cultural integrity, including issues
like over-tourism, habitat degradation, and climate change.
By considering these comprehensive criteria, planners and managers can conduct a
thorough assessment of ecotourism sites within protected areas, ensuring that
tourism activities are compatible with conservation objectives and contribute
positively to local communities and biodiversity conservation.
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When conducting a full site assessment, planners often need to gather new
information directly from the field. Here are some primary data gathering methods
commonly used:
1.Fieldwork: This involves physically visiting the site to observe and collect data
firsthand. Planners can assess the site's condition, natural features, infrastructure,
and any existing tourism facilities.
2.Key Informant Interviews: Interviews with individuals who have expert knowledge
or experience relevant to the site, such as local residents, community leaders,
government officials, or environmental experts. These interviews provide valuable
insights into the site's history, current status, and potential opportunities or
challenges.
3.Surveys: Surveys can be conducted to gather information from a larger group of
stakeholders, such as tourists, local residents, or businesses. Surveys can be
administered in person, over the phone, or online, and they can cover a wide range
of topics related to tourism preferences, perceptions, and needs.
4.Consultative Meetings and Workshops: These meetings bring together
stakeholders from various sectors to discuss and provide input on the site
assessment process. Participants can share their perspectives, concerns, and ideas,
helping to validate or refine information gathered from other sources.
By using these primary data gathering methods, planners can ensure that they have
a comprehensive understanding of the site and its potential for tourism development.
Gathering information directly from the field and engaging with local stakeholders are
essential steps in making informed decisions and developing sustainable tourism
plans.
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