Green Practices of Travel Agents and Tour Operators in Southern Cagayan Valley, Philippines

Abstract

Purpose of the study: This study aimed to assess the green practices of travel agents and tour operators in Southern Cagayan Valley, Philippines in terms of energy efficiency, waste minimization and water consumption. Methodology: This study used a quantitative descriptive methodology. The research instrument was adapted from Ahmad (2013). The survey respondents are fifty six (56) travel agents and tour operators in the provinces of Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya and southern part of Isabela. All data were analyzed using SPSS. To arrive at the result, the following statistical tool were used: Non-parametric test were employed to identify the significant difference including Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis test. Main Findings: Findings revealed that green practices along with energy efficiency were mostly practiced, and waste minimization were often executed. However, for water consumption, three items were often and other two were just rarely practiced by the respondents. This paper suggests a plan of action in enhancing green practices used by businesses in travel and tours. Applications of the study: This paper will be useful to travel agencies and operators in creating methods and policies to further increase tourism sustainability. This could also raise awareness among tourism officers and policy makers about the nature of the prevailing business practices, enabling them to identify key concerns in management policy and the creation of new skills that will promote sustainable tourism. Novelty/Originality of the study: This study offers fresh insights that could contribute to the deeper understanding of the green practices as well as the challenges and opportunities inherent in promoting sustainability in the tourism industry of Southern Cagayan Valley.