SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PRACTICES AND THEIR IMPACT ON TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN BAYAWAN CITY

Sustainable tourism is a vital tool to sustain eco-friendly and socio-economically inclusive development. The growth of tourism in the Philippines is opening up new economic opportunities and sources of livelihood; however, it also poses challenges to the environment and cultural identity. This research aimed to assess the local population's perception of the three components of sustainable tourism practices implemented Bayawan City, Negros Oriental: the zero plastic policy, sustainable utility systems, and cultural heritage preservations. Using a descriptive-correlational research design, the study utilized a purposive sampling to select 240 respondents, composed of local residents, barangay officials, and tourism stakeholders. A validated questionnaire served as the primary instrument for data collection, and the data were analyzed using weighted mean and Pearson correlation coefficient. Findings revealed that sustainable tourism practices significantly impact tourism development, particularly in environmental conservation, economic growth, and community identity. However, results showed no significant relationship between cultural heritage preservation and economic growth. Based on the findings, the study recommended that sustainable tourism practices be integrated into tourism marketing strategies and policy development. These efforts should aim to promote responsible tourism, particularly in emerging rural areas such as Bayawan City.