Community Aspirations for Sustainable Tourism Development: The Case of Oslob, Cebu, Philippines

Abstract

Oslob, Cebu, Philippines, is a municipality in the southern tip of the island province of Cebu. It has experienced significant economic and socio-cultural growth, having been re-classified from a fourth-class to a first-class municipality in 2023, a feat achieved in the last fifteen years due to the socio-cultural impact of improved quality of life largely attributed to tourism. The Oslob tourism stakeholders acknowledge that this phenomenon is a challenge to control. If the environmental (and cultural) tourism assets are not cared for more sustainably, they could, just as easily, lose the benefits they have made in recent years. It is the community’s aspiration to take proactive steps toward sustainable tourism development to safeguard the upward economic trajectory of the town and retain the gains felt from the town’s flagship tourism product, the whale shark interaction experience. The goal is to sustain the improved quality of the lives of Oslob’s citizens, while looking after their tourism resources. This can be done by implementing more conservative and carefully monitored environmental guidelines for their main tourism product and further augmenting tourism revenue-generating opportunities by offering additional and alternative natural and man-made attractions and activities that may enhance the quality of the tourists’ experience. The Triple Bottom Line for sustainable tourism development and Adaptive Management frameworks were used, employing a qualitative research design, while utilizing the case study method. Data was gathered through a stakeholders’ consultation, an extensive key informant interview and participant observations, with representatives from various sectors and people’s organizations. The participants provided an assessment of their current situation, stated community concerns, identified current and potential products and resources for tourism development, and proposed strategies they can undertake moving forward. The recommendations include strategies for implementation in tourism governance, tourism products and circuits, human resources in tourism and infrastructure. The ratification of the Local Tourism Development Plan, which will include all plans and strategies for tourism in Oslob, is primary in achieving these goals in the long term. This aims to aid the community’s objective to more consciously embrace sustainable tourism practices so that their present and future generations will continue to reap benefits from tourism activities.