5th World Ecotourism Conference

Today we live in a very different world. Globalization has transcended not only the movement of people and goods, but also the transfer of knowledge with a potential impact on every nation's economy, business ethics, socio-cultural resources, and natural environment. And in many developing countries like the Philippines, the linkage between globalization and tourism is filled with much positive energy and hope to build a better nation and better future.

Based on the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international arrivals will increase at an average of 4% per annum to reach 1.5 trillion in 2030. In Asia and the Pacific region, a much robust growth of 7 to 8% is anticipated, thus, making the region one of the fastest growing tourism destinations. However, tourism in the Asia and the Pacific must proceed in a sustainable manner, without compromising our rich marine and coastal resources, diverse culture, and heritage.

We invite you to the 5^th World Ecotourism Conference to be held on 13 - 15 November 2013 in the beautiful island of Cebu, organized by the Philippine Department of Tourism under the auspices of the UNWTO and in collaboration with DISCOVERYMICE, an affiliate member of UNWTO. With the theme, "Marine and Coastal Ecotourism: Oceans of Uncertainties, Waves of Opportunities", the conference provides the podium for private and public sectors, as well as academia and NGOs, to diffuse the uncertainties while reaching out for the opportunities ahead of us. Local Government Units and those involved in social enterprises and community capacity building will benefit most as invited international ecotourism speakers share their knowledge, experiences, and successes in ecotourism planning, management, and business operation.

We also welcome the participation of tourism and environment officials from ASEAN to reinforce the region's common resolve to cooperate on ecotourism development in the region. We encourage the involvement of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) members to demonstrate the private sector's commitment towards a more sustainable ecotourism development.

Come and join us in this continuous transformation of the tourism industry towards a more sustainable path. It's more fun in the Philippines!

The success and sustainability of any ecotourism undertaking relies heavily on our ability to strike a balance between economy and ecology. The waves of opportunities as well as the limitless potential for economic gains from ecotourism can be fully realized if it is anchored on the conservation of our rich biodiversity including the marine resources - the very same resources that make ecotourism the fastest growing sector of the tourism industry.

The world's ocean, totaling 361 million square kilometers, constitutes over 90% of the habitable space on earth. An estimated 50-80% of all life on earth is found under the ocean surface. Oceans have great economic, social, and cultural significance to all countries, including 183 coastal countries and island states.