Objectives of Tourism Development in Batanes
- Promote responsible, community-based ecological-cultural tourism.
- Conserve biodiversity and preserve unique cultural heritage.
- Develop tourism products that generate local employment and livelihood.
- Ensure equitable economic benefits favoring local residents and community-based enterprises.
- Provide educational and enriching tourism programs.
- Prioritize local community needs for essential resources like water, food, energy before tourism development.
Definitions of Key Terms
- Biodiversity conservation: preservation of species, habitats, ecosystems, and genetic diversity.
- Community-based tourism: local community control and economic benefit retention.
- Cultural property: products of human creativity revealing identity; movable or immovable, tangible or intangible.
- Ecotourism: sustainable tourism promoting natural and cultural resource protection with community participation.
- Homestay: tourist accommodation involving living with local residents.
- Indigenous social institutions: community cooperation practices in various local activities.
- Ivatan natural and cultural heritage: landscapes, sites, cultural practices important to Ivatan identity.
- Responsible ecotourism: shared responsibility between tourism sector and tourists for environmental and cultural protection.
- Sustainable tourism development: managing resources for current and future needs while preserving cultural and ecological integrity.
Scope and Coverage
- Applies within the territorial boundaries as defined in Republic Act No. 8991 (Batanes Protected Area Act of 2000).
Provincial Tourism Development Plan
- DOT, DENR, NCIP, and NCCA to assist Batanes in creating a Tourism Development Plan.
- Plan includes carrying capacities, site assessments, strategic priorities, product development, community capacity-building, local production support, and marketing.
- Development process is participatory with local government units (LGUs) and stakeholders.
Formulation of Guidelines and Standards
- Protected Area Management Board (DENR), NCIP, and local tourism council with LGUs to formulate environmental and biodiversity standards.
- Guidelines focus on stakeholder capacity building, optimal resource use, waste reduction, and support for local produce and employment.
Coordination with National Agencies
- DOT to coordinate with multiple national agencies and local governments for implementation.
- Agencies cover environment, indigenous peoples, culture and arts, labor, public works, transportation, agriculture, science, education, trade, local government, police, maritime and ports authorities.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- DOT, DENR, NCIP, and NCCA to promulgate implementing rules within 60 days after the law’s effectivity in consultation with LGUs and stakeholders.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any provision does not affect other provisions which remain effective.
Repealing Clause
- Prior conflicting laws, orders, and rules are repealed or amended accordingly.
Effectivity
- Takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation.