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Manila Bulletin devider Drive devider Travel to save the whale sharks

Travel to save the whale sharks

Published Nov 28, 2021 01:46 am

Vaxxed To Go reminds us that we can make small changes to make a big difference to our natural world

As part of the campaign to raise awareness of wildlife conservation for a healthy planet, focusing on the iconic whale sharks, global digital platform Agoda collaborates with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines for its “Vaxxed To Go” initiative.

This advocacy will see the travel agency’s hotel partners incentivizing travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with special deals and benefits. This move follows the successful Vaxxed To Go campaigns in Malaysia, Australia, and Vietnam.

THE BIGGEST SHARKS NEED PROTECTING The slow-moving, filter-feeding carpet shark, also known as the largest extant fish species, the whale shark or the Butanding (Eric Kim)

Over 50 hotel partners have joined the campaign so far, including Solea Mactan Resort Multi Use Facility, Seda Bonifacio Global City Quarantine Hotel, Summit Galleria Cebu, Belmont Hotel Manila, and White House Beach Resort. These establishments are offering fully vaccinated guests the opportunity to enjoy travel while giving back through a dedicated link bookable on both the Agoda website and mobile application.

With every booking made through the Vaxxed To Go in the Philippines, Agoda will donate ₱500 with a maximum donation of ₱1,000,000 toward WWF-Philippines’ whale shark and habitat conservation programs in Donsol, Sorsogon, and to its efforts in promoting environmental awareness in the country.

‘After one of the world’s longest lockdowns, Filipinos are looking forward to going back to travel to enjoy the Philippines’ nature and beaches, exploring the country again, and enjoying time together with friends or family.’

For the past 23 years, WWF-Philippines has been protecting the whale shark population in Donsol, Sorsogon through environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism programs. These undertakings allowed the local whale shark population to recover and provide a steady income and employment to local communities.

“After one of the world’s longest lockdowns, Filipinos are looking forward to going back to travel to enjoy the Philippines’ nature and beaches, exploring the country again, and enjoying time together with friends or family,” says Niels Hoeben, country director for the Philippines at Agoda. “As we start to travel again, we want to spread the message of being more mindful with the environment. That’s why we partnered with the WWF for Vaxxed To Go so that first post-COVID trip reminds people how they can make small changes to make a big difference to our natural world.”

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Water butanding Philippines Travel wwf Panorama whale sharks
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