According to the official world tourism day page, “Ever since its inception, World Tourism Day is celebrated on 27 September to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. As the official day set aside in the United Nations Calendar the celebration seeks to highlight tourisms potential to contribute to reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing some of the most pressing challenges society is faced with today.”

Samal was hit hard because of a series of events, the abduction on 2015 and an island-wide black out back in March. Through these difficulties, IGACOS has been promoting their tourism industry, and the local government has been providing all support possible for the different resort and property owners.

Among those who were slightly affected was the Monfort Bat Sanctuary. However, Nomi Monfort, Founder and President of Monfort Bat Cave, and locally known as “Bat Mama” remains steadfast. According to Monfort, “The Bats have always provided, both in the tourism and our environment’s biodiversity. I have taken inspiration from their strength, even without recognition and even a bad reputation, they continue to do their duty.”

To celebrate the world tourism day, The Island Garden City of Samal will be holding a series of activities like cave management planning and coastal cleanup, lifeguard training, familiarization tour at Taclobo, Samal Island Tourism Congress, barangay tourism forum, tourism awareness session, and student’s forum at Monfort bat sanctuary.

“The World Tourism Day is a call for everyone to experience diversity, and the Samal local government is focusing on the youth. I will support anything that is related to educating the youth, and promoting the environment. After all, all our efforts, preservation of the environment, promotion of peace and more, is all for them, our children.” Monfort said.

You can visit the Monfort bat sanctuary page here: www.facebook.com/MonfortBatSanctuary

To help promote the World Environment Day, we are encouraged to use the hashtags: #tourism4all #WTD2016

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