Archive for November, 2008

Philippine Ecotourism – a New Wonders of Nature

Thursday, November 27th, 2008
cris magno asked:


http://oikonia.wordpress.com/2008/09/29/philippine-ecotourism/” title=”Permanent Link to Ecotourism”>Ecotourism

In a recent panel discussion on business opportunities in the Philippines, three industries  were identified as high growth engines that drive the country forward namely; BPO, Mining and Eco-tourism. I’ve discussed from my previous reviews how BPO and Mining recently impacted the Philippine economy. Philippine ecotourism is expected to have a similar impact on RP’s economy; it is seen as a great source of opportunity for small business and marginalized indigenous community and enable  Filipinos to participate on the global economy by bringing the global community to their doorstep.





 

The Philippine industry experienced 8% growth  at 858,244 in the tourist arrivals during first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year, increasing the tourism revenue to $1.02 billion. Factors that contributed to high tourist arrivals in the Philippines is the low cost carriers providing world-class facilities and developed tourism infrastructures in the country.

According to United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) the Philippine tourism campaign has been rates as the best improved in Asia with a 14% annual growth rate, the highest in Southeast Asia.

One of  Philippine’s strength is the diversity that exist  accross the 7,107 islands that make up the region. Boasting a wide range of ecology, the region sustains over 32 ecotourism sites, including 27 protected areas such as Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park in Palawan, comprised of two distinct reef systems separated by a four-mile channel. Tubbataha is located along the sulu sea and is a major nesting spot for the endangered sea turtles as well as rare species of fish such as the unusual fox face rabbit fish.

Philippine ecotourism is varied and unlimited. Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Dept.of Tourism (DOT) and ABS-CBN Foundation promote Philippines as a world-class ecotourism destination. Our country has been identified as a high ecotourism potential with beautiful scenic attractions and are endowed with rich biodiversity. The said  agency hs stepped up its thrust to highlight ecotourism through Magandang Pilipinas which engages the participating agencies to manage and promote key ecotourism sites in the Philippines. DOT is developing and implementing activities to promote eco-sites to domestics and international travel markets. The DOT has called on local government, investors and the public to help meet the country’s goal to bring in five million visitors in 2010 by participating in an online survey that seeks to name the ” New Seven Wonders of Nature “. Three Philippine destinations are among 77 tourist spots worldwide vying to make it to the list of the top seven wonders namely – Tubbataha Reef, Chocolate Hills and Puerto Princesa underground river located in Palawan, popularly known as the ecotourism capital of the Philippines.



At long last, the Philippines has a National Ecotourism Strategy (NES) that will chart the cause of our country’s milestone ecotourism development activities, both small scale or large scale, public or private and local or global. NES shall be prepared to provide an integrated management plan which shall warrant a comprehensive direction  for the future of ecotourism in the country by recognizing issues and problem for its sustainable development and recommend feasible approaches in addressing this issues. The strategy shall be formulated in consultation with concerned stakeholders in the environment and tourism sectors including indigenous peoples and local communities to be affected by ecotourism development.

The  New 7 Wonders of the World campaign is creating a lot of interest for ecotourism and the Philippine government has recently rejoiced that 3 of the top 10 destination with the most votes are Philippines-bound.

Wow! great Pilipinas///  The fact that ecotourism does not only give revenue but  employment to marginalized indigenous communities is a thing of great undertaking. However, to make this industry more viable and sustenable, the government must give home for funds for the management of land and water conservation as well as for ensuring the health and well-being of  nearby populations.

 



european brides
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‘the Hunt’ Isn’t Over Yet

Monday, November 24th, 2008
Glady Reign asked:


Just when you think it is over, The Hunt has just another revelation to proclaim. The Volvo Car Corp. is declaring a ‘do over’ in its global online treasure hunt after all 21 finalists failed to solve the final puzzle within the given 24 hour time limit this weekend.

The 21 chosen finalists from all over the world gathered at their respective computer screens Saturday for their ultimate chance of claiming the much-anticipated Volvo treasures. The automaker’s treasure chest is filled with 50,000 in gold doubloons and a key to a new XC90. The midsize crossover SUV shares the P2 platform with the Volvo S80 and other huge cars from the brand. It features the powerful Yamaha V8 engine that produces 311 horsepower and 325 ft•lbf of torque. The vehicle also features trusted parts like Volvo plugs, seatbelts, airbags, engines, radiators and more.

The lucky ‘pirate’ will win a trip to recover the treasure chest from the waters depths ‘somewhere in the world’ where it was buried. But it turned out that Volvo had all contestants ‘at sea’ with a final puzzle that proved too hard for even the hardiest pirates.

“We really didn’t see this coming,” said Linda Gangeri, the national advertising manager for Volvo Cars of North America. “Our Hunt has been tough from the beginning and we have been in awe of all the amazing puzzle-solving skills and sharp minds out there meeting us at every twist and turn. We really didn’t expect to baffle our finalists with the final puzzle. Who knew a car company could keep 21 pirates from claiming precious treasure? For now, at least.”

The famed online treasure hunt is a month-long campaign of the Swedish automaker in connection with Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. The Hunt has drawn more than 32,000 online contestants from 22 markets around the world. Participants solved a series of puzzles that led to a semi-final puzzle, Puzzle 21: World’s End which was posted May 31. The first contestant from each country to submit the correct answer then went on to compete in the Final Leg. All participating markets were represented in the Final Leg with the exception of Italy, who did not have a participant submit a correct semi-final answer within the time limit.

The first of the 21 finalists to solve the ‘do over’ final puzzle Tuesday will be named the winner. The finalists include Andreas Aigner (Austria), Konstantin Popov (Bulgaria), Erin Chock (Canada), Dennis Leifheit (Germany), Cheuk Fung Leung (Hong Kong), Andreas (Indonesia), Yukio Takai (Japan), Siew Hang Teh (Malaysia), Patricia Gabriela Medrano Picon (Mexico), Liss Johansen (Norway), Aaron Joseph N. David (Philippines), Jarosaw Nowakowski (Poland), Ciprian Constantin Grosu (Romania), Alena Zvereva (Russia), Wilson Teo (Singapore), Jungtae Ahn (South Korea), Maria Qvick Faxa (Sweden), Shih-En Chen (Taiwan), Geranun Jiraboonyanon (Thailand), Karyn Burgess (United Kingdom), and Deborah LaValley (United States).

Deborah LaValley, 43, from Juneau, Alaska, is ready for the challenge. LaValley, who was also a participant of last year’s Hunt, is thrilled with this year’s game. “I can’t stop thinking about different scenarios or possible locations. I really have no idea what to expect. I’m just excited that I get a second try at claiming the treasure.”

Once a winner has been announced by the automaker, both final puzzles will be posted on The Hunt Web site for all participants to test their puzzle solving powers one more time. Visitors can also gauge their prowess in solving the greatest mysteries of the deep online.



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