By Jiann Delumen

In partnership with Far Eastern University’s (FEU) Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management, the 10th Youth for Tourism and Hospitality (Y4TH) Conference gathered sector experts and educators to urge for stronger collaboration in advancing sustainability and innovation in the tourism and hospitality sector at FEU Main Auditorium last November 8.

With the theme ‘Tourism Metamorphosis: Transforming Travel Towards Sustainability,’ the conference illustrated how technology and environmental responsibility are driving the transformation of Philippine tourism.

Department of Tourism Regional Director and Philippine-registered Environmental Planner Virgilio Maguigad delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the need to ‘operationalize sustainability’ as the industry faces a rapid shift toward technology-driven but eco-friendly travel.

In his speech, Maguigad highlighted key frameworks, including the National Tourism Development Plan 2023–2028 and the National Ecotourism Strategy and Action Plan 2024–2028, for sustainable growth and unveiled the updated National Accommodation Standards, assessing hotels on efficiency, waste management, and local sourcing.

“Sustainability ensures that tourism remains a force for good—protecting natural resources, empowering local people, and creating meaningful, responsible experiences,” he noted.

Highlighting innovation, University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Physicist Giovanni Tapang explored the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and data science in promoting ‘smart tourism.’

In his presentation, Tapang encouraged the integration of AI and data into the country’s tourism strategy, diversification of markets through predictive analytics, and the development of smart, green destinations.

He also noted fostering public–private academic partnerships and aligning with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ smart tourism practices.

“Ang [mga nasa] tourism at hospitality industry are those who will actually benefit from the powers of AI, but it's not just AI. [It] has something to lean on—and that's actually data science,” the speaker stressed, urging future tourism and hospitality leaders to embrace data literacy as a core skill.

Building on this approach, Tapang recommended establishing a Philippine Tourism Data Commons to centralize analytics and environmental data for evidence-based tourism planning and resource management.

“These are just possibilities of what you can do, and being smart with data will actually bring you the sustainability that everybody’s looking for in this world,” the physicist added.

On the other hand, the succeeding panel, ‘Sustainable Tourism Practices in LGUs and the Private Sector,’ explored how sustainability can be implemented beyond policy discussions.

Valenzuela City Cultural and Tourism Development Office Chief Jonathan Balsamo emphasized local engagement through community-based tourism, citing the Tagalag Fishing Village as an example of inclusive development rooted in cultural preservation.

Meanwhile, SMX Convention Center Vice President and General Manager Michael Albaña discussed sustainability from a corporate perspective, highlighting SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation’s ‘Seven Green Goals’ framework, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and promotes circular economy principles, responsible consumption, and waste reduction.

Albaña also showcased initiatives, such as the ‘Blue Loop’ program and the ‘Giving Garden’ community project, designed to raise environmental awareness among employees and local communities.

Anchored on collaboration between the government, academia, and private sector, the conference illustrated that achieving sustainability in tourism requires both systemic reform and collective participation.

Organized by the UP Asian Institute of Tourism Alumni Association, Y4TH continues to serve as a platform for young tourism and hospitality professionals, uniting student delegates from 24 universities nationwide to explore innovation, culture, and eco-consciousness in tourism.

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)