The Subic Bay Freeport is fully prepared to host the 2024 Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit (CLSTS) on September 11 and 12, 2024. The event will take place at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) and is organized in collaboration with the Department of Tourism Region 3. The summit, titled “Towards a Carbon Neutral Future: Central Luzon’s Commitment to Sustainable Tourism,” aims to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable tourism practices within the region.

SBMA Chairman Eduardo Jose L. Aliño emphasized that the event will provide insights into how tourists can contribute to environmental sustainability through the initiatives carried out in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The summit will be open to tourism officers, stakeholders, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and academic members across Central Luzon, with a particular focus on environmental preservation.

The first day of the summit will feature speeches from key figures such as SBMA Chairman Aliño, DENR Regional Director Ralph Pablo, Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., and DOT3 Regional Director Richard Daenos. The keynote address will be delivered by DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, all of whom will emphasize the importance of sustainable tourism. Additionally, the SBMA will launch its “Race to Carbon Neutrality” initiative.

Key sessions on the first day will include a discussion led by Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Senior Research Fellow John Paolo Rivera on strategies for carbon-neutral tourism enterprises. There will also be a presentation on cultural preservation as a key pillar of sustainable tourism by former NCCA Vice Chairman Arch. Jayson Portem, focusing on the cultural aspect of environmental stewardship.

On the second day, the summit will shift its focus to technological advancements and their role in achieving net-zero carbon emissions in tourism. Allan Barcena, Executive Director of the Net Zero Carbon Alliance (NZCA), will lead the discussion on how technology can aid tourism destinations in becoming carbon neutral. Additional topics will include eco-friendly travel tips and the importance of sports for environmental stewardship in coastal communities.

The two-day event will conclude with eco-tours of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, including activities such as birdwatching, tree planting, and visits to various sustainable tourism sites. Chairman Aliño encourages participation, highlighting that this summit is the largest ecotourism event in Central Luzon and a key part of the celebrations for National Tourism Month.

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