Masungi Georeserve in Rizal province has been recognized as a Top 3 privately-led sustainable tourism project at the 2019 United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Awards for Enterprises in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Masungi Georeserve and the Philippines’ Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat announced on Thursday the global finalist award given to the geotourism destination. The Philippines’ travel destination bested over 200 other global nominations.
The conservation area and rustic rock garden in the rainforests of Rizal received recognition for its geotourism impact, in front of over 300 ministers and officials of UN member states, in a special Awards Ceremony at St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre on September 12.
“Our wish came true, for the world to see something special in a piece of rock that was abandoned many years ago, and for the world to come together to protect it,” said the Masungi Georeserve family on social media as it announced its newest international recognition.
The UNWTO Award is Georeserve’s third international award, following its Finalist award in the Destination Stewardship, Tourism for Tomorrow Awards of the World Travel & Tourism Council, and Special Commendations,
Pathfinder Award at the Innovations for Conservation Financing & Resourcing of the IUCN, UNDP, and WildArk.
Masungi Georeserve is also an Exploration Grantee of the National Geographic Society and recognized as a Model for Balanced Man-Nature Interactions at the World Conservation Congress 2016.
Masungi Georeserve is a sanctuary that offers exploration of wildlife and plant species along its trails.
The Philippines is home to various renowned travel destinations such as the Banaue Rice Terraces, Palawan limestone cliffs, and marine life in Puerto Galera, among many other tourist spots.
WATCH this UNWTO video and SEND congratulations in the comments below to Masungi Georeserve for championing geotourism in the Philippines!
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