ABSTRACT
This study sought to assess the scope of tourism practices in the Municipality of Libacao, Aklan, to propose a sustainable tourism circuit. Libacao, Aklan has high ecotourism potential due to its immense natural resources, gorgeous landscapes, and rich culture al history. However, recent irregularities in visitor arrivals and shortcomings in sustainability standards have spurred the necessity for this inquiry.
The study used a descriptive research approach, with a researcher-made survey questionnaire delivered to 50 purposefully chosen tourist stakeholders, including local community members, LGU workers, tourism business owners, employees, and visitors. The data was analyzed using statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Walli’s test.
Libacao demonstrates a highly extensive level of social (𝑥̄ = 3.52) and cultural (𝑥̄ = 3.60) tourism practices and an extensive level of environmental (𝑥̄ = 3.34) and economic (𝑥̄ = 3.44) tourism practices. Solid waste management, security presence at tourist destinations, promotion of local crafts, and niche tourism product development are among the highest-rated indicators. However, the lowest-rated indicators revealed areas that needed to be improved, such as collecting tourism site maintenance fees, assuring service quality, and promoting authentic local culinary experiences. Tourism fees (𝑥̄ = 3.26) were the lowest in both environmental and economic dimensions, indicating financial sustainability issues that contradict best practices highlighted in literature, such as those by Emerton et al. (2012) and Gomez et al. (2024), who advocate for transparent, well-structured fee systems.
The study also identified no substantial differences in environmental, social, or cultural behaviors based on demographic profiles; nevertheless, opinions of economic sustainability differed significantly amongst stakeholders from various employment sectors and occupations. Based on these findings, the study suggests improving institutional processes for tourism fee collecting, service quality assurance, local gastronomic promotion, and stakeholder capacity building. The findings are useful for developing a sustainable tourism circuit in Libacao, Aklan, that balances environmental protection, cultural preservation, community well-being, and economic resilience.
Keywords: Analysis, Tourism Practices, Libacao, Aklan, Sustainable Tourism Circuit, Cultural
INTRODUCTION
Tourism is a major global industry that significantly contributes to economic development, cultural exchange, and environmental conservation. It provides employment, stimulates local economies, and promotes the preservation of natural and cultural heritage (Goodwin, 2016; UNWTO, 2021). However, the rapid growth of tourism has also raised concerns about environmental degradation, cultural commodification, and social disruption. Unregulated tourism can lead to deforestation, water pollution, habitat loss, and the erosion of local traditions, which threatens the very assets that attract visitors.
In response to these challenges, sustainable tourism has emerged as a framework that balances economic growth with environmental protection and social equity. Sustainable tourism seeks to meet the needs of current visitors and host communities while safeguarding opportunities for future generations (UNWTO, 2021; Bramwell & Lane, 2012). It emphasizes environmental stewardship, equitable economic benefits, and cultural preservation, making it particularly relevant for rural destinations that rely on natural and cultural resources. In such areas, tourism can serve as a vehicle for development when properly managed, minimizing negative impacts and maximizing benefits for communities and ecosystems.
Community participation is a key component of sustainable tourism. Engaging local stakeholders in planning and decision-making promotes responsible resource management and ensures that tourism initiatives reflect local values and cultural heritage (García-Rosell, Haanpää, & Janhunen, 2017; Sorokin et al., 2023). Community-based tourism models foster social cohesion, equitable income distribution, and environmental awareness while allowing residents to actively shape the tourism experience. Ecotourism, a subset of sustainable tourism, further enhances environmental conservation and cultural preservation by integrating indigenous knowledge and promoting authentic local experiences (Buckley, 2019; Ceballos-Lascurain, 2021; Chen et al., 2020).
The municipality of Libacao, Aklan, exemplifies a rural area with considerable tourism potential. Located 29 kilometers southwest of the provincial capital, Libacao is the primary watershed of the Aklan River and is known as the “waterfalls capital of Panay Island,” with around 60 waterfalls and diverse natural landscapes. The Libacao Highlands, initially developed for agricultural access, have gained attention for their scenic views and outdoor recreational opportunities. Tourism in the municipality increased after the easing of quarantine restrictions in 2021 but later declined, suggesting challenges in sustainability and effective tourism management (Department of Tourism, 2024).
Tourism can drive economic growth in rural areas by generating employment, supporting small enterprises, and improving infrastructure. However, without proper planning, tourism can degrade ecosystems, disrupt social cohesion, and erode cultural authenticity (Guttentag, 2015; Altinay & Hussain, 2020). In Libacao, where natural and cultural assets are central to the tourism experience, unregulated growth poses significant risks. Despite increased tourism activity, limited research exists on local tourism practices across environmental, social, cultural, and economic dimensions, hindering evidence-based planning for sustainable development.
Demographic factors, including age, gender, education, income, and occupation, influence sustainable tourism behaviors. Younger and highly educated tourists often display greater awareness of sustainability issues, whereas older visitors demonstrate more consistent engagement in eco-friendly behaviors, such as supporting local enterprises and choosing environmentally responsible accommodations (Su et al., 2022; Rasoolimanesh et al., 2024; Kumar, 2020). Income affects the ability to engage in eco-friendly tourism, with higher-income tourists more likely to participate in sustainable activities. Gender differences also influence behavior, with women generally showing higher environmental concern and participation in sustainability initiatives (Hwang & Lee, 2020; Han et al., 2019).
Tourism circuits offer an effective approach to achieving sustainable tourism in rural destinations. By connecting multiple attractions and dispersing visitor traffic, circuits reduce overcrowding, enhance economic benefits for multiple communities, and promote responsible travel behaviors (Cruz, 2017; Ahmad et al., 2024). Successful circuits require collaboration among governments, local communities, and private enterprises, along with supportive infrastructure, legislative frameworks, and inclusive stakeholder engagement. Integrating eco-friendly practices, renewable energy, and cultural preservation into circuit planning ensures environmental sustainability while creating authentic and profitable tourism experiences (Boudra & Mahdi, 2025; IADB, 2024).
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