Potentiality of Ecotourism Sites in the Province of Aklan: Basis for a Proposed Development Plan

This study was conducted to assess the potentiality of ecotourism in Aklan. It presented the current status of the potential eco-tourism sites in Aklan in terms of festivities and events, spots and attraction, accommodation, food, the level of preparedness LGU’s, infrastructure and marketing and tested the significant difference on responses when grouped according to profile variables finally, able to propose an ecotourism development plan. The researcher used descriptive method to present the findings. The participants were the councilors and tourism officers of the top 10 municipalities of Aklan according to population and the high ranking officials of the Provincial Tourism office. This instrument was subjected to content validation by experts in the field of ecotourism business and professors of business management. After considering the comments of the experts, the instrument was subjected for reliability procedure. The study concluded that most of the respondents are aged 51 to 60 years old, male, college graduate and councilors. Based on the results, festivities and events, food, spots and attraction and accommodation contributed positively to the potentiality of the eco- tourism sites in Aklan. The community is needed to participate to any organized event and projects. Further, the researcher recommends that there may be private and local government collaboration; while, the DOT Aklan may direct the private entities to pursue environmental projects and eco programs promoting the eco- tourism of the province and the Local Government units of Aklan and the private sectors may utilize the proposed eco-tourism development plan of the researcher to improve identified sites.

Keywords: Aklan, Development Plan and Ecotourism Sites