Destination Dynamics: A Needs Assessment-Based Approach for a Proposed Tourism Strategic Plan

Guzman RBD, Sales RO, Ignacio JI and Melendres J

Published on: 2024-05-11

Abstract

Panaytayan, Mansalay is a remote village on the island province of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines with great tourism potential yet it remains undeveloped. A community needs assessment for Panaytayan study was made by the Tourism Management Faculty of Mindoro State University to come up with a comprehensive tourism strategic plan. Employing mixed methods including surveys, interviews, and discussions, the study identified key areas requiring attention: Adventure Tourism; Cultural Tourism; Infrastructure and services (I&S); Barangay Administration and Management; and Community Livelihood. The results emphasize the importance of participatory planning, sustainable tourism, protection of local cultures, and authenticity for Panaytayan to become a true cultural destination. This leads to the development of Project PATHS (Promotion of Adventure Tourism, Heritage, and Scenic Sites). It is a proposed project which includes strategies with a focus on community participation, infrastructure improvement, and sustainability. The strategy includes empowering elderly guides, cultural education, improved infrastructure, and forming a community tourism council. This plan seeks to achieve sustainable development as stated by UN Sustainable Development goals, economic growth, reduction of inequalities, and sustainable development. The planned activities cut across a period of five years intended for cultural events, infrastructure enhancements, and empowerment of the local populations.