MARIVELES, Bataan β The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) is supporting sustainable tourism initiatives across Luzon as part of efforts to promote balanced economic growth, environmental responsibility and job creation in the region.
AFAB participated in the 1st Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit held Sept. 9 to 11 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, bringing together government agencies, local government units, tourism stakeholders, the academe and private sector partners to advance sustainable and innovative tourism development.
The three-day summit provided AFAB with an opportunity to explore sustainable tourism practices, digital innovations and potential partnerships that could complement the development of the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) as a diversified investment and economic hub.
AFAB said the initiative is aligned with its development priorities, particularly in promoting investments and industries that can generate employment while supporting sustainable and responsible growth within the Freeport.
The Luzon-wide summit builds on the gains of the Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit, which fostered collaboration among tourism stakeholders in the region over the past three years.
This year’s event expanded the platform to cover the entire Luzon island group, allowing stakeholders to exchange strategies and best practices on sustainable tourism, digitalization, innovation, environmental protection and community participation.
AFAB’s participation underscores the agency’s continuing engagement with regional partners in identifying opportunities where tourism, investment and sustainable development can work together to create new economic opportunities for communities and businesses.
The summit also served as a venue for strengthening collaboration among government institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders toward a more resilient and sustainable tourism industry across Luzon.