Republic of the Philippines

STATE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN NEGROS

Sagay City, Negros Occidental

S.Y. 2024-2025

In fulfillment of the Requirements

in
TPC 5 Tourism Policy Planning and Development

Submitted To: Banie Abantao

Submitted By: Gretchel B. Rolan BSTM-3A
 I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This study aims to enhance the Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-Park Tourism
Destination in order to promote sustainability and to develop fair, balanced and
controlled eco-tourism. Suyac Island is in Sagay City, Negros Occidental,
Philippines, and is the most stable mangrove ecosystem in the country which
plays the ecological and societal role and service and habitat of the tiny few
fishermen community. Therefore, it has been developed in collaboration with
local groups as well as government and environmental agencies to ensure that
these natural resources will not destroy.

The major tourism development plan also outlines some of the successful
strategies to undertake the protection of mangrove forests, implementation of
sustainable tourism practices, and the creation of sustainable economic
opportunities for the people living nearby. Through promoting eco-tourism, the
plan strives to target people around the country and globally who love the
wonderful nature together with conservation in order to provoke demand for
services like guided tour services, boating services as well as hospitality services
thus making circulation in the economy.

In addition, the plan focuses on community awareness and participation;

therefore, the local population has a role in the conservation process and tourism
practices. Awareness will be created among the visitors by means of educational
activities and programs that will focus on the significance of mangroves and
natural resources conservation. This inclusive approach also supplements the
environmental conservation process and leads to increased pride in the culture
and tradition of the community.
 II. INTRODUCTION

Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-Park is situated in Philippines, in the locality that

is known as the city of Sagay which is in the province of Negros Occidental. The
island is home to one of the largest areas of mangroves in the world, which has a
very important function of onshore protection, as well as for the support of
coastal ecosystems and people’s income. Suyac Island has a very small number
of residents and this is due to its size. The majority of the people depend on
fishing and any other activity on tourism. It is situated in the middle of the 32,000
hectares Sagay Marine Reserve, which was the first of its kind in the country and
was pursued sometime in the 1980′s. It is now a well-known national and
international marine conservation program in Philippines and one of country’s
most successful programs and was a recipient of Gawad Galing Pook award in
1997.

The Mangro forest itself covers 500 hectares (100 hectares reforested), 33
species of true mangroves with 10 mangrove-associate species, 10 species of
sea grass in around 3,000 hectares of sea grass beds, 78 species of Macro
Benthic Algae, 60 Genera of hard, black & soft corals, 5 species of Giant Clams,
more than 250 species of Reef & Pelagic fishes, 4 species of Marine Turtles and
5 species of endangered Dugong (sea cow). Giant Fruit Bats may be found in the
mangrove areas (Suyac Island). The local community in Sagay City have
understood the importance of eco-tourism for their livelihood. On the 1.8-hectare
large Suyac Island they built a bamboo boardwalk 800m long traversing the 4-
hectare mangrove area, and are very diligent in preserving and maintaining it.

As for the development plan of Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-Park, the

purposes should include the goals of environmental conservation to preserve the
island and the successful implementation of sustainable tourism so as not to
cause significant harm to the environment, which will help the island avoid
destruction. That is why it is crucial to enhance the awareness of the tourists and
people who visit the island with information that can enlighten them on the
significance of the mangrove ecosystem to the people living within the island as
well as the environment. It develops local economy to have more tourists, it can
be both local ones and foreign ones, who would visit the island.
III. SITUATION ANALYSIS

• SWOT Analysis

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
• Limited transportation
• Unique tourist spot
• Lack of facilities
• Attracting tourists that
• Habitat destructions
interested in nature at the
• Lack of amenities such as
same time wildlife
souvenir shops
• Give knowledge to visitors
about the mangrove
ecosystem
• Have water and land
activities

OPPORTUNITIES
THREATS
• Climate change
• Attracting tourist who
• Threaten the natural
seeking sustainable travel
resources
experiences
• Pollutions
• Develop educational
programs
• Job opportunities
• Market Analysis

Considering the trends currently being observed in the market

place, the following facts can be identified, thus defining the tendencies of
further development of the tourism in the context of such a place as Suyac
Island. There is one trend, for example, people started to pay more
attention to travelling green and being environment-friendly while they are
travelling. Tourist are more demanding of the effects on the environment
they leave behind and therefore look for sites that are involved in
conservation and protection of natural beaches for example the Suyac
Island mangrove eco-park. They also enjoy cultural attractions because
there is a steady demand for experiencing other cultures and interacting
with people and heritage first-hand. This establishing that Suyac Island
has the capacity to give true cultural experiences while at the same time
providing fabulous natural experience for tourist to behold thus stands to
benefit from this trend.

The target consumer is most likely to pursue tourism in Suyac

Island to understand the scope of the potential market and the nature of
the experiences offered. This consists of the various environmental-
conscious tourists and wildlife enthusiastic that seeks to visit the island in
order to hike through the mangrove vegetation and encounter with various
species of animals. Another group of people that may find their interest
from the facility are families seeking instructional and entertainment
opportunities in the natural environment of Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-
Park.

A competitive analysis shows various competitors that Suyac Island

is competing against in the market. Possible threats may be from other
eco-tourism destinations within the region that may provide similar
products in form of natural parks and cultural troupes. In the same regard,
other traditional tourist attractions located nearby may compete for similar
crowds with more traditional tourism appeal. Knowledge of competitor’s
strengths and weaknesses can be useful in defining the areas of focus
that would make Suyac Island stand out and remarkable areas that can
improve the uniqueness of its selling points. In light of this fact, it is
imperative that Suyac Island develops unique selling propositions
leveraging on its attributes such as the unsullied mangrove environment
and native Gond culture to make it appealing to potential rivalry and
discerning tourists.

Inventory of Tourism Resources

Currently, Suyac Island owns a list of tourism resource including the

natural resource, historical resource, and cultural resource that is suitable
for most kinds of tourism products. Essentially, the mangrove forests are
the flagship products that seem to be untouched by human interference
but offers an unexplored paradise for various forms of eco-tourism like,
kayaking, bird watching and nature walks. Indigenous populations of the
island provide cultural tours for tourists by presenting their kind of music,
dance, arts and traditional meals. Moreover, the Suyac Island has
provided historical interests such as ruins and relics that would complete
the knowledge of the historical background of the island.

In terms of infrastructure, getting to the island may involve using

boats from the mainland ports close to the island for tourists to access the
island. Exclusive lodging that can be found in the mangrove forests
include ecological lodges, home-stay that enables tourists to live with the
locals. Some of the amenities include local cuisine, eating joints, souvenir
sellers, and tour companies to make the visitors’ experience memorable.
In addition, the construction of sustainable tourist facilities that are
environmentally friendly and the efficient management and disposal of
waste also reflect the true identity of Suyac Island.

In terms of infrastructure, getting to the island may involve using

boats from the mainland ports close to the island for tourists to access the
island. Exclusive lodging that can be found in the mangrove forests
include ecological lodges, home-stay that enables tourists to live with the
locals. Some of the amenities include local cuisine, eating joints, souvenir
sellers, and tour companies to make the visitors’ experience memorable.
In addition, the construction of sustainable tourist facilities that are
environmentally friendly and the efficient management and disposal of
waste also reflect the true identity of Suyac Island.
IV. VISION AND GOALS

Vision Statement: “To have Suyac Island recognized internationally as an

eco-tourism destination with unique mangrove forest, rich cultural identity and
sustainable tourism management practice that enhance the visitor experience
while at the same time creating a sustainable atmosphere that will enable the
preservation of the Island’s natural beauty for the benefit of the future generation
within the next 10 years.”

SMART Goals:

Specific: The management of Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-Park shall

achieve at least a 50 percent increase in annual tourist arrivals in the next
five years by advertising the park's attractions more aggressively,
partnering with popular travel agencies, and improving transportation
means to the park.
Measurable: Increase the length of the tourist season by up to 20% in the
next three years through expanding tourism services, particularly those
out of season and calling for cultural escapades, bird watching tours, and
environmental-friendly activities.
Achievable: Increase the revenue from ecotourism activities by 30%
within the next five years through availing extra-costly ecotourism
products, improving interactive physical environment through making eco-
friendly accommodations and conducting an eco-sustainable promotion of
the park.
Relevant: Engage with the local stakeholders and indigenous people for
the promotion of cultural tourism, with goal to increase the cultural
attractions provided within the island’s tourism offering by 25% within the
 next three years and encourage cultural awareness and understanding
among the visitors.
Time-bound: Promote initiatives in ecotourism so that the impacts on
Suyac Island are reduced, striving to become certified as Green Globe
within the next 7 years as the practices of responsible tourism that ensure
the development of Suyac Island corresponds to international trends in
environmental protection.

V. STRATEGIES AND ACTION PLAN

Specific Objective Specific Timeline Person Budget

Strategy Action to be Involved Allocation
Done
Product To create Find a 3 months of Financial 100,000 for
Development souvenir product assessment management making a
products like designer and and team, local new product
ref magnet workers to planning, 6 communities,
that related make these months for and artists.
to Suyac products. implementati
Island on
Destination Promote the Create a 2 months Local 100,000 for
Marketing beauty of the social media and vloggers and marketing
island. that planning, 5 staffs. efforts.
emphasize months for
the real implementati
beauty of it on
and
 showcase
the activities
and facilities
Infrastructure Improve Creating 10-12 Local 500,000 for
Development accommodati bridge like months of contractors, facilities
ons and docks, and upgrading park improvement
transportatio build a new the management
n for smother eco-friendly infrastructure and
experience lodging. s infrastructure
of the guest. department
Community Involve Create a job Ongoing with Local non- 200,500 per
Engagement community to opportunity regular government year for
tourism for them community organizations community
development such as tour engagement engagement
guides and activities.
handicrafts
workers.
Sustainability Implement Educate Ongoing with Environment 50,000 per
practices to tourists and continuous al NGOs and year for
reduces local monitoring sustainability sustainable
environment communities and team initiative
impact to about the adaptation
Suyac Island importance
of mangrove
eco-system
to our
environment.
VI. IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING

The social impacts of the implementation of the tourism development plan

of the Suyac Island Mangroves Eco-Park would entail the active participation of
park managers, residents, non-governmental organizations, tourism bodies, and
the community. The first experience in involving stakeholders involves explaining
the plan and the assessment and then forming the working groups or committees
according to the planned areas of strategy. Communication is directed using the
email for the updates and can hold virtual or face-to-face meetings to ensure that
the stakeholders are involved and updated all through the process of
implementation.

Coordination and distribution of tasks are important as certain tasks

require specific personnel or groups, and the project comes with status checkups
to determine problems and discuss the implementation process. This means that
resources are nonetheless appropriately allocated for the purpose of funding the
implementation process, with the required adjustments being made depending
on what is required. Targets and time-lines are set so as to monitor performance,
and performance is assessed from time to time to ensure they are achieving the
intended goals and in accordance to time horizons that have been set.
VII. CONCLUSION

Based on this Tourism Development Plan, Suyac Island has a lot of

potential to become one of tourist destination in Negros Island particularly in
Sagay City that offers both environmental and cultural site. Also, it has the
potential to provide a livelihood for the locals of the said city. Moreover, it can
also boost the economy of Sagay in the areas of the tourism industry. So, it is
important that this place must maintain to its natural beauty through the effort of
the local government and department of environment and natural resources. And
is for educating guests and local communities about how important the mangrove
ecosystem to our environment by that way it can attract tourists that love nature
at the same time as cultural heritage. As the result implementing this plan can
have a huge impact to their economy and also in environment because it will
assist local residents and stakeholder to enhance and improve the infrastructure
and services of the Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-Park. The plan aims at delivering
tourism that is unique, hence achieving a goal of responsible tourism.
VIII. APPENDIX