Sustainability of a local government-instituted ecotourism development: Tayak adventure, nature and wildlife Park in Rizal, Laguna, Philippines

Abstract

Ecotourism development is a strategy of the Philippine Government. The existence of untapped natural resources and cultural/heritage assets has impeded the expansion of ecotourism. This situation is exacerbated by the literary deficit where a specific aspect has mainly been overlooked—the maintainability of small/medium-scale enterprises once already put in place. Against this backdrop, the study explores and understands the sustainability of TANAW Park s Ecotourism Enterprise of Rizal Municipality. Using a case study design, the article delineates the circumstances to fathom out the local ecotourism development. Firstly, the leadership is the top-down driven in the initiative, but in maintaining, the bottom-up manner is more significant. Secondly, the financial issue is complicated, so ideal is continuing the government agencies and integrating the commercial businesses. Thirdly, the Holy Week events are a single-month focal point, thus regularly extending the supplementary activities can increase revenue. Fourthly, TANAW Park is strategical if connected to the critical neighbouring towns and nearby resources. Lastly, TANAW Park s strengths lie in the presence of the unusual intermixing of assets, and the weaknesses are the risks of becoming a white elephant project. In whole, TANAW Park is a noteworthy and tangible contribution to the local government and the people of Rizal.