DDPKaRoMa Ecotourism Value Chain Analysis

Abstract

Ecotourism sustainability has become an important part of government plans and policies. Its contribution to the socio-economic growth and development is recognized to have brought prosperity and higher standards of living to people. This study analyzed the ecotourism value chain in DDPKaRoMa Growth Corridor utilizing the tourism value chain model of Gollub (2004). Percentage and weighted mean were used to determine the rate of tourist inflow. SWOT analysis, FGDs and mapping workshops were conducted to obtain needed information from government offices and private entities As a result, constraints and opportunities of the chains were identified, critical entry points for equitable intervention design and actions were recognized and understanding of the chain linkages and functions were generated. Analysis of tourism circuits showcase ecotourism products and services of the Corridor around a specific interest known as the eight themes identified for the purpose of developing DDPKaRoMa ecotourism packages. It is recommended that promotion and marketing of ecotourism products and services,
capacity building and improvement of the skills of tourism service providers and frontline workers all throughout the chain be given utmost priority so as to attain ecotourism sustainability in this part of Mindanao.