BACOLOD City – The cities of Sagay and Bago in Negros Occidental were recognized for their sustainable tourism initiatives during the Green Destinations Story Awards at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) in Berlin, Germany.
Sagay City’s “Mangrove Forest Protection through Community-based EcoTourism Project” placed second in the Nature and Scenery Category and also received the People’s Choice Award, one of the two special awards in the competition.
Bago City’s “Reviving the majestic diversity of Bago Watershed”, on the other hand, took the third spot in the Environment and Climate Category.
The Tourism Promotions Board and the Department of Tourism lauded the two cities for international recognition, calling their achievements “big wins” for the Philippines and Western Visayas.
In a statement, Bago City mayor Nicholas Yulo said it is such an honor for the city and “an affirmation of the strong efforts and collaboration of the local government, its stakeholders and constituents in environmental conservation,”.
He added, “This is the sum of all the efforts put in by the local government, the trust and support of Bagonhons, and the internal and external environmental and tourism stakeholders.”
For Sagay City, Negros Occidental 2nd District Rep. Alfredo Marañon III and Vice Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva received the awards.
In September 2022, both cities were included in the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories list and were awarded during the Green Destinations and Future of Tourism Summit held in Athens, Greece.
The Green Destinations Story Awards at ITB Berlin showcase and celebrate the most inspirational initiatives for sustainable tourism development from the stories submitted.
ITB is the world’s leading travel trade fair, where leaders and key stakeholders of the global tourism industry gather to conduct business meetings.
Each year, the ITB Berlin annually gathers the participation of over 160,000 visitors, including 113,500 trade visitors and 10,000 exhibitors from over 180 countries. (PNA)/PN
