MANILA, Philippines - Operating for four years as a lodging establishment in Palawan, Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort is a 16-room affair owned and managed by brothers Ruben and Clifford Tan and their wives, Maria and Deborah. Little did they know that their advocacy for green tourism as practiced in the resort would pay off when the Department of Tourism (DOT) made its usual search for nominees to the ASEAN Green Hotel awards and found the resort compliant of the criteria.

“We were pleasantly surprised as we only got to know of the awards when we were sent forms to fill and more surprised after being evaluated as compliant. We are firm believers of the green agenda and are happy that we have contributed through our own small way,” the Tans said during the awards at Manado, Indonesia, held to coincide with the 2012 ASEAN Tourism Forum.

Meanwhile, Mandala Spa and Resort Villas in Boracay Island in Aklan, established in 2001 as a day spa, evolved into a destination spa, reaping numerous awards as best spa destination and best holistic treatment, among others. It is presently owned and managed by Dieter Scrottmann.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. shared their pride as he handed the plaques of recognition to Daluyon and Mandala, received by the Tans and DOT Director Ma. Rica Bueno, respectively. 

“We at the DOT will try to provide the support environment that will attract more green investments. Through the TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority), we may be able to extend ample incentives and assist in looking for financing windows to make easy the start-up investments into green technology. We want to contribute significantly to the global effort of greening tourism,” Jimenez said.

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Source: Philstar.com