Makati City has earned recognition for the sustainability of its travel undertakings during the first Philippine Tourism Excellence Awards of the Asian Institute of Management, Mayor Abby Binay yesterday said.
The city won in the local government category, she added, emphasizing that governance is essential for sustainable urban tourism development.
Binay said the city government can help protect the environment, create opportunities for locals to benefit from increased tourism revenue, and contribute to long-term economic growth.
"We will continue to work hard to provide tourists with premium hospitality, entertainment options, and cultural attractions," she said.
Local governments should engage in meaningful dialogs with business owners, residents, and other stakeholders, the mayor stressed.
Strong regulations
Likewise, LGUs must also develop and enforce strong regulations that promote responsible behavior among tourists.
At the same time, LGUs must invest in infrastructure projects to improve the quality of life of residents, workers, and tourists, she added.
Binay revealed the city has reopened tourist centers at the Museo ng Makati in Poblacion and Glorietta 2 in Ayala Center to provide free walking tours and showcase Makati's popular and lesser-known sites.
The city launched the MakaTurismo website last September to attract tourists and visitors to the city, apart from the MakaTurismo vlogs, she pointed out.
"The city continues to value Makati's rich heritage and tradition by holding town fiestas and other cultural programs like Flores de Mayo sa Makati, Kalbaryo and Prusisyon," her office said.
Top destination
Last July, Makati started hosting ambassadors and representatives from various embassies in the city to strengthen partnerships with the diplomatic community.
"Through initiatives like these, we hope to inspire more people to visit Makati and experience its dynamic urban culture. Makati remains one of the top tourist destinations in the country, and we are confident that it will continue to be recognized as a model for sustainable urban tourism development in the years to come," Mayor Abby said.
The first Philippine Tourism Excellence Awards was held last 18 November at Sheraton Manila Hotel in Pasay City. The event is part of the AIM-Dr. Andrew L. Tan Center for Tourism's 10th founding anniversary, with the theme: "A Decade of Pursuing Sustainable Tourism."
