Manila (TAN): The Philippines department of tourism has asked tourists and pilgrims to “practice sustainable tourism” during the Holy Week amid an unexpected tide of tourists and pilgrims arriving here.
“We want to preserve and keep our Lenten traditions thriving. This is why we invite everyone to practice sustainable tourism. This means being sensitive to the destinations we visit, respecting people’s traditions and practices as well as avoiding destruction of the environment,” tourism secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in a statement.
Among the ways to practice “sustainable tourism”, Puyat noted, are the following:
• Observing silence in houses of prayer
• Avoiding the use of flash photography in churches
• Not taking photos of individuals without permission
• Properly managing one’s personal trash
• Avoiding single use plastics by bringing personal utensils
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Lent is frequently seen as a time of solemn observance and preparation for the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter. Lent is a solemn period in the Philippines. It begins on Ash Wednesday and culminates with the Semana Santa or Holy Week.
“Pilgrims and tourists are encouraged to take part in this unique Philippine experience but to always be cautious about their personal safety and be respectful of others,” Puyat’s statement said.
He added that the department of tourism was taking all measures to ensure the safety and security of tourists and pilgrims in all tourist destinations.
