March 31, 2026 – The conduct of the Baguio Circular Tourism Summit 2026 which seeks to integrate circular economy practices in the tourism industry is an opportune move in these challenging times.
City officials underscored the urgency of the initiative, citing global challenges such as fuel price volatility, geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions that continue to impact tourism-dependent economies like Baguio. While tourism remains a key economic driver, it also contributes to growing waste, congestion and pressure on local resources.
Dubbed “Baguio Weave: Weaving a Circular Tourism Ecosystem,” the summit opened on March 30, bringing together government leaders, businesses, innovators, development partners and community groups in a unified push to transform the city’s tourism industry.
Led by the city government, the two-day summit aims to accelerate the city’s transition to a circular tourism mode or one that reduces waste, lowers costs, strengthens local livelihoods, and builds long-term resilience. The initiative is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Global Plastics Innovation Programme and the EU–Philippines Green Economy Partnership, with backing from the governments of Japan and the European Union.
The summit positions circular tourism as a practical response—shifting away from the traditional “take-make-waste” model toward a “use-reuse-regenerate” approach. This strategy promotes efficient resource use, reduced environmental impact and new economic opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises, artisans and innovators.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong, in his opening message, emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing environmental and economic challenges. He said circular tourism offers a “clear and hopeful path forward” by reducing waste, extending resource life cycles, and ensuring sustainable progress.
“We have seen how communities can come together to embrace circular systems—minimizing waste, maximizing resources, and protecting what matters most—our environment and our future,” the mayor said.
He added that Baguio continues to strengthen its sustainability efforts, from improving solid waste management systems to promoting responsible tourism and environmental education. However, he stressed that collaboration remains key.
“No city can do this alone. This summit brings together diverse voices and expertise to co-create solutions that will benefit not only visitors but our communities as well,” Magalong said.
The summit features technical sessions, planning workshops, and interactive platforms such as a Circular Solutions Marketplace and business-matching activities. Participants are expected to develop Circular Tourism Action Plans, forge new partnerships, and identify innovative projects for pilot implementation.
Organizers said the initiative is rooted in “Pansa-nopen Tayo,” a local framework that promotes shared responsibility and community-driven sustainability, ensuring that circular tourism efforts are grounded in culture and collective action.
By hosting the summit, Baguio City aims to position itself as a national model for circular tourism—demonstrating how destinations can balance economic growth with environmental protection and resilience.
The mayor stressed that the goal is not simply to attract more visitors, but to promote better tourism—one that delivers higher value while reducing its impact on the environment and improving the quality of life for local communities. **Aileen P. Refuerzo
