Title: Eco-tourism in the Philippines: educational and recreational value of the Alayan cave systems

Authors: Cristina G. Gallato; Kristy Aireen Gallato-Reamillo; Nena P. Valdez; Ari Warokka; Haim Hilman

Addresses: College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010 Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia. ' Hospitality and Tourism Department, Saint Paul University Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines. ' College of Arts and Sciences, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010 Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia. ' College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010 Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia. ' College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010 Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia

Abstract: In this paper, we calculate the related costs of transport, food, accommodation and time involved as well as the rate of visits as compared to the costs, and the benefits from the Alayan Cave System (ACS), by using the Individual Travel Cost Method (ITCM) to determine the educational and recreational values of the site. Data came from the linear recreational demand for the site at the Department of Tourism - RO2 statistical records. We also determine the expenditures of the guests on off-site and on-site tourism-related activities and establishments to provide a more solid base for tourism policymakers, planners and decision makers in the region, towards a better tourism tax system for the sustainability of the ACS. Study outcomes provide insight into how the locals or indigenous people living nearby can take advantage of the benefits/opportunities derived from the site.

Keywords: eco-tourism; educational values; recreational values; cave systems; linear probability; econometrics; cost-benefit analysis; tourism planning; tourist spending; tourists; tax systems; sustainability; sustainable development; indigenous people.

DOI: 10.1504/JGBA.2012.049509

Journal for Global Business Advancement, 2012 Vol.5 No.2, pp.169 - 178

Published online: 05 Oct 2012 *

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