THE INTERPLAY OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AND RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT: A PATH TO GREEN INSPIRED PROGRESS

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between sustainable tourism and responsible development in response to the growing demands of the local tourism industry in Coron. Although the Philippines is globally recognized as a leading tourist destination, there is limited localized evidence on how stakeholder participation promotes sustainability. To address this gap, the study examined stakeholder involvement in areas of resilience and transformation and how such involvement contributes to responsible tourism development. A descriptive-correlational design with a quantitative approach was employed in this study. A total of 335 purposively selected stakeholders—including residents, business owners, government employees, and tourism workers—participated in a validated survey. Data were collected both online and face-to-face and analyzed using SPSS Version 27. Statistical analyses included frequency distributions, weighted means, t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation. Ethical standards, including voluntary participation, confidentiality, and instrument validation, were strictly observed. Results indicated high levels of stakeholder involvement across all indicators of resilience and transformation, with technology innovation (M = 4.74) and societal well-being (M = 4.66) receiving the highest ratings. No significant differences were observed across age, sex, or stakeholder classification (p > 0.05). Stakeholder involvement was also rated as “very useful” in promoting responsible development, particularly through consultation (M = 4.70), partnership (M = 4.66), and collaboration (M = 4.60). A moderate but statistically significant correlation was found between involvement and perceived usefulness (r = 0.329, p = 0.000). Challenges were rated “very challenging,” with visitor satisfaction (M = 4.78) and national-level concerns (M = 4.72) receiving the highest scores. These findings highlight the critical role of stakeholder engagement in promoting sustainable tourism and align with global research emphasizing inclusive governance. However, persistent systemic barriers, such as policy misalignment and limited coordination, underscore the need for further research on targeted, locally driven strategies. Future tourism initiatives should incorporate participatory governance, structured feedback mechanisms, and long-term planning processes to ensure environmentally responsible development that benefits both communities and the broader ecosystem.