[Co-sponsored] by Local-Regional Studies Network - Central Visayas Studies Center.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 27-33)

This paper explores the status, issues and concerns, and challenges and opportunities in sustainable tourism
development in Central Visayas using the framework of sustainable development, with its three aspects of socio-
cultural sustainability, ecological sustainability, and economic sustainability. Cebu and Bohol, the top two tourist
destinations in Central Visayas, are popular for the following: world-class hotels, beaches, and resorts; meetings,
incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism; community-based ecotourism; cultural tourism; and agri-
tourism. Both provinces have issues and concerns, challenges, and opportunities—some of which are specific to
each, while some are common to both. Among the specific issues and concerns in Cebu are the need for good
governance and inter-agency coordination for sustainable tourism, particularly in ecotourism sites, and the need to
develop and strengthen more types of alternative tourism. Bohol is concerned with restoring and preserving its
heritage structures and ensuring equitable economic growth and environmental sustainability. Their common issues
include tourism-induced prostitution, climate change, disaster risk preparedness, growing traffic congestion, water
sustainability, solid waste management, air pollution controls, quality of water in seas, preservation of marine
resources, the need for an efficient public transportation system, and the implementation of their tourism and
environmental codes to ensure sustainability.