Happy long weekend holiday again, dear readers! Let us begin on a positive note with the news about the world’s first green travel mart, the International Ecotourism Travel Mart (IETM), spearheaded by Dr. Mina Gabor, former tourism secretary and one of the movers of the International School for Sustainable Tourism (ISST). The gathering produced an array of results, such as a signed declaration to push authentic ecotourism through effective yet ethical marketing and promotion, intensive learning on the A to Zs of ecotourism, awarding of Asian ecotourism champions, and business-to-business engagements among ecotourism players. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, (at right), in a chat with ISST chair and former Tourism Secretary Dr. Mina T. Gabor Held at the lush green grounds of the ISST in Silang, Cavite from March 29 to April 2, the IETM on the theme “Embracing Authentic Ecotourism” showed how collaboration and commitment could push ecotourism to its rightful place as prime mover for tourism that nurtures the environment while uplifting the lives of communities hosting the sites. Organized by the ISST, the IETM was presented by the Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN) with the Department of Tourism (DOT). The country made history when 25 nations networked, shared learnings and resources, engaged, and discovered more during the multi-faceted IETM and festival. At the opening ceremony, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said events such as the IETM that highlight the importance of sustainability are a gift to the Philippines and the world. Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista presented transport innovations planned with sustainability in mind. Dr. Mina Gabor, ISST chair and president, informed the guests, diplomats, local officials, government heads, exhibitors, participants, and students of sustained initiatives of the AEN and ISST in mounting the IETM before and during the pandemic, leading to this opening. Dr. Mundita Lim, ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB) executive director, shared the gains of the ACB in regional cooperation and outlined IETM’s relevance in pushing the environment and tourism sectors and in jointly shaping responsible business for a healthier planet. Dr. Glenn Gregorio, director of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), cited the importance of upholding community empowerment to attain success in ecotourism. Wanvipa Phanumat, director of the Thailand-based Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), shared DASTA’s successes in community-based ecotourism development. Masaru Takayama, chair of the Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN), introduced the AEN to the assembly and cited its work through collaboration. Mayor Alston Kevin Anarna of Silang, Cavite beamed his municipality’s pride and honor as site of the historic international event. He said Silang’s thrust to be widely known as a Botanical Garden south of Metro Manila and so near Tagaytay would be boosted by this and by the learnings of Silang local executives in the forum. He turned over the symbolic key to Silang to AEN and the AEN Board. Secretary Frasco later banged the ceremonial gong in the presence of Miss Earth 2022 Mina Sue Choi,  Miss Indonesia Earth Karina Basrewan, and Miss Philippines Earth Jenny Ramp who were guests of the ACB, one of the IETM co-hosts. Other co-hosts were the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), PhilExport, Tourism Promotions Board, and the SEARCA. At the IETM Market Place, the DTI’s One Town One Product program (OTOP) was highlighted together with its initiatives in spurring SME growth through its Negosyo Center. Some 300 Ecotourism Forum participants from Asia experienced two full days of learning. DOT undersecretary Verna Buensuceso started the series on DOT thrusts on sustainability while Dr. Gabor capped it with the topic of forming viable tour packages. Winners of the AEN International Ecotourism Awards were also announced. Among them were national tourism organizations, accommodation establishments, and NGOs from Taiwan, Malaysia, Jordan, Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. Cited were exemplars in complying with AEN Ecotourism Standard for Accommodations and Destinations, which are recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Philippine awardees were the Ten Knots Group, which garnered the Biodiversity Conservation Award and Ecotourism Promotions Award, and the Lio Tourism Estate in Palawan, which got the Waste Management Award. Singkaban, the decorated bamboo arch, provided a festive welcome to the IETM’s average of a thousand daily visitors. A separate signing of a memorandum of agreement for student training on ecotourism was held between the University of the East, represented by its president Dr. Zosimo M. Battad, and the Taiwan Ecotourism Association, represented by its president Yuri Guo. The ACB featured various ASEAN Heritage Parks in its pavilion. Also invited to present artworks on nature was Samantha Kaspar, a multi-talented Filipino Swiss artist who was diagnosed with autism at an early age. Among the guests were from Thailand Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association, Japan Alliance of Responsible Travel Agencies, Taiwan Ecotourism Association, and the Jeju Ecotourism Association and Changwon Junam. The Travel Mart also featured the Philippine Airlines, official airline, while Toyota displayed hybrid cars. An array of cultural presentations, such as those of Silang’s Salinlahi and Serenata Singers, Bacoor marching band, Himig Batingaw Choir of Imus, made IETM more memorable. Traditional weaving demonstrations were also among the activities. Resources, which featured aquaponics, were among family treats for learning at the IETM, which also saw the participation of the Department of Science and Technology.