TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN LIANGA, PHILIPPINES: CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND PERCEIVED SOCIOECONOMIC, CULTURAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Tourism development offers opportunities for local economic growth, cultural preservation, and community development, yet emerging destinations face structural and sustainability challenges. This study assessed the status, challenges, opportunities, and perceived impacts of tourism development in Lianga, Surigao del Sur, Philippines, during the Academic Year 2025-2026. A mixed-methods research design was employed, involving 520 survey respondents comprising 350 tourists, 55 tourism-related business stakeholders, and 115 local government and community representatives. Additionally, 46 participants provided qualitative insights through interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation, while qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. Findings indicated that tourism development was generally rated good, although limitations persisted in infrastructure, accessibility, marketing, governance, and environmental management. Respondents identified substantial opportunities for investment, employment, cultural promotion, market expansion, and sustainable tourism practices. Tourism's perceived impact was highest on the local economy, while its cultural and environmental impacts were comparatively moderate. Significant but weak positive relationships were found between tourism development status and perceived economic, social, cultural, and environmental impacts (r = .170–.252, p ≤ .001). Qualitative findings reinforced concerns regarding infrastructure, stakeholder coordination, and sustainability. The study concluded that Lianga possesses considerable tourism potential but requires coordinated, inclusive, and environmentally responsible development strategies.