12/09/2026
Had the privilege of moderating a panel discussion on ‘Community-Based Tourism: Supporting Locals and Preserving Culture’ at the 9th Hospitality Philippines Conference.
While I came in with a basic understanding of the subject, it was an incredible learning experience hearing directly from experts with a deep wealth of field experience.
3 Key Takeaways from the Discussion:
First, Community-Based Tourism (CBT) thrives when guests experience genuine local life. When hosts dilute their offering to guess what tourists want—like serving hotdogs for breakfast instead of local longganisa or dried fish—the authentic appeal is lost.
Second, a successful homestay program must involve and benefit the broader community, rather than remaining isolated within a single household.
Third, true authenticity happens when the community collectively decides to open its doors and agrees on how to host guests, not when outside entities dictate terms to them.
Thank you to our stellar panelists Asec. Ma. Christina Aquino, Eylla Laire Gutierrez, and Stephen Bjorn Cordova for generously sharing their time and expertise with us.
Special thanks as well to the organizers at Hospitality Asia Media, Hospitality Asia Event Series and Gloria Wong for putting together such a meaningful dialogue!
