Analysis of revenues from ecotourism in Apo Island, Negros Oriental, Philippines

Apo Island Marine Sanctuary in Central Philippines was established in 1986 as a fisheries intervention using a community-based approach. Its continued protection resulted not only in increased fish standing biomass and harvest but also in the preservation of its coral reefs. However, the unregulated number of tourists diving and snorkeling in the sanctuary has raised concerns among members of the community and the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the damage it has caused to the corals. Hence, this study was conducted to monitor tourism in Apo Island with the objective of aiding the PAMB in regulating it. April was the peak month for tourism (2,301 visitors) and September the lowest month (737 visitors). Number of visitors daily ranged from 26 to 54. The majority of visitors were foreigners (62%). Filipinos comprised only 38%. Total donations and user fees collected amounted to PhP 539,489 (US$ 13,487 @ US$1: PhP 40); 5.48% were donations, the rest were user fees prescribed by PAMB. Of the amount, 75% went back to Apo Island for maintenance of the marine sanctuary. Income in support of tourism activities, e.g. diving, boats, accommodation, souvenir was estimated to be 7,234,366 (US$ 180,859), 20% of which went directly to Apo residents.