Tourism is one of the country’s biggest industries. In 2019 alone, the Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) was worth P2.51 trillion or 12.8 percent of the nation’s GDP according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. At the onset of the pandemic in 2020, the TDGVA dove by 61.2 percent, at P973.31 billion. 

For a country that heavily relies on tourism, climate change is an issue that needs addressing. Rising temperatures and natural disasters can be a hindrance for tourism recovery. As a large industry, tourism also contributes to the global waste problem. Plastic waste specifically is an issue that tourist destinations struggle with. 

Popular tourist destinations like Cebu, Boracay, and Palawan have reopened to fully vaccinated local travelers, which means that interregional travel and tourism is slowly returning. For MSMEs catering to tourists such as small resorts, boutiques, restaurants, and tour operators, sustainability should be a priority in welcoming visitors back. Tourists today care more about their environmental impact, aside from just enjoying the sights. In a report released by online travel agency Booking.com, it found that 87 percent of people would like to travel more sustainably.  Adapting sustainability widens your potential consumer base to include more earth-friendly tourists. 

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has collaborated with the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc. (PCEPSDI) in its Save Our Spots sustainability campaign targeted at both tourists and hotels. The campaign aims to curb plastic pollution in tourism-heavy areas by reducing the use of single-use plastic. 

If you’re operating your own hotel or any type of business targeted to tourists, here are some of the tips from the Save Our Spots campaign on how to reduce plastic waste. 

Eliminate, innovate, and circulate

Looking for opportunities in your current operations to eliminate single-use plastic is a good place to start. Instead of single-use plastic, you can opt for reusable and sustainable alternatives. 

Develop robust and eco-friendly housekeeping practices

Substituting environmentally harmful chemicals and cleaning supplies with more eco-friendly alternatives is another way to curb excess waste and environmental impact. These might include disposable plastic products like plastic wraps, single-use wipes, and the like. 

Work hand-in-hand with your local community, the government, and your suppliers

Operating during a pandemic is difficult, but making sure you’re safe and clear to operate with the local government units (LGUs) in your area is top priority. Opting to work with suppliers with proven eco-friendly practices based on certifications and reviews such as recycling and proper waste disposal will also help your business run smoothly. 

Collaborate 

Collaborating with other enterprises is another form of sustainability. This could mean working with other businesses to source materials, manpower, or products. Sourcing locally will help promote local businesses and the community’s economy. This will ensure that the people in your community are the ones benefiting from the business. Consistent collaboration will also make the community stronger and give guests a warmer welcome. 

Buy products in reusable containers

Buying products in bulk instead of single-use portions like sachets will help you decrease your plastic waste output. Reusing containers like jars, gallons, and glasses that come with ingredients or other products will also cut down on unnecessary waste. 

Involve your staff

Encouraging your staff to adopt eco-friendlier practices is another important part of reducing waste. By engaging with them and asking for their feedback, you can also get new ideas on how to become more efficient and eco-friendly. Providing them with proper training and equipment will also make their jobs easier and safer. 

Promote contactless transactions

Using contactless options for payment and tracing is a safer, easier, and more efficient way to conduct business. Filling out physical contact tracing forms can be a waste of resources and a potential point of infection for different diseases. Keeping everything digital makes things easier to track and helps minimize the risk of diseases. 

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