Makati City has been named one of the best cities in the country for pursuing sustainable tourism, Mayor Abigail Binay said on Saturday.
Binay made the announcement following the recognition made by the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and Megaworld Foundation during their first Philippine Tourism Excellence Awards under the Good Local Governance category for valuablecontribution to sustainable urban tourism development.
“We are honored and humbled by this prestigious award from the AIM and Megaworld Foundation. Local governance is essential for sustainable urban tourism development. The city government can help protect the local environment, create opportunities for locals to benefit from increased tourism revenue, and contribute to long-term economic growth. We will continue to work hard to provide tourists with premium hospitality, entertainment options, and cultural attractions,” the mayor said.
Binay also said local governments should engage in meaningful dialogues with business owners, residents, and other stakeholders.
“They must also develop and enforce strong regulations that promote responsible behavior among tourists, and invest in infrastructure projects to improve the quality of life for residents, workers, and tourists,” she added.
Binay said Makati has reopened tourist centers at the Museo ng Makati in Poblacion and Glorietta 2 in Ayala Center to provide free walking tours, as well as to showcase Makati’s popular and lesser-known sites.
The city government launched the MakaTurismo website last September 28 to attract tourists and visitors to the city, apart from the MakaTurismo vlogs.
Binay said the city continues to value Makati’s rich heritage and tradition by holding town fiestas and other cultural programs like Flores de Mayo sa Makati, Kalbaryo, and Prusisyon.
Last July, Makati started hosting the monthly celebration of national day with ambassadors and representatives from various embassies in the city to strengthen partnerships with the diplomatic community.
“Through initiatives like these, we hope to inspire more people to visit Makati and experience its dynamic urban culture. Makati remains one of the top tourist destinations in the country, and we are confident that it will continue to be recognized as a model for sustainable urban tourism development in the years to come,” Mayor Binay said.