Batangas City, Philippines — July 28, 2024
The ECOViP Bootcamp 2024 concluded successfully after a week of inspiring activities aimed at fostering innovation and sustainability in ecotourism. From July 22 to 27, 2024, the Lyceum of the Philippines University Batangas (LPU-B) hosted the event under the theme "Ala Eh, DI'NE! Developing Innovation in Entrepreneurship and Ecotourism." Students from Vietnam and the Philippines collaborated with global experts to refine their entrepreneurial projects and gain hands-on experience in sustainable tourism practices.
Empowering Young Entrepreneurs
The Bootcamp brought together student teams from partner universities, consisting of students from Tourism, Technology and Science, who had previously competed for the chance to present their ecotourism innovations on this international stage. Participants received intensive training in areas such as business development, sustainability, and marketing while networking with mentors and peers from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds.
The event built on entrepreneurial competitions held at partner institutions, providing a platform to further develop the winning projects. Teams worked closely with mentors and trainers to ensure their proposals were not only creative but also sustainable and feasible for real-world implementation.
Highlights of the Training Workshops
Throughout the week, participants engaged in workshops led by renowned academics and industry professionals from Europe and Asia:
- Pitching Ecotourism Entrepreneurial Projects
Facilitated by Ms. Cristina Beans of the University of Alicante, this session taught students to deliver compelling elevator pitches. Teams presented their projects, received feedback, and fine-tuned their presentation skills for maximum impact. - Marketing and Communication Strategies
Dr. Mario Guilló and Ms. Krupskaya Valila guided students in creating marketing plans. Participants identified their target audiences, refined their communication strategies, and developed plans to highlight the unique selling points of their businesses. - Understanding Customer Touchpoints
Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Quang of Nha Trang University emphasized the importance of customer interactions in ecotourism. Students learned how to enhance visitor experiences and build brand loyalty by focusing on critical touchpoints throughout the customer journey. - Sustainability in Practice
Prof. Harald Friedl of FH Joanneum introduced a sustainability assessment framework, enabling students to evaluate their projects’ environmental and social impacts. This framework was later applied during site visits to assess real-world sustainability practices. - Value Creation in Ecotourism
Dr. Makhabbat Ramazanova and Dr. Marília Durão from the University Portucalense helped students craft vision boards and value propositions, focusing on designing memorable and impactful ecotourism experiences.
Experiencing Batangas’ Ecotourism
A standout feature of the Bootcamp was the site visits to key ecotourism destinations in Batangas. Participants explored the Olo-Olo Mangrove Forest and Malabrigo Lighthouse, and also attended Batangas City Festival gaining firsthand insights into how sustainability can be integrated into tourism ventures. These excursions provided practical learning opportunities that complemented the classroom training sessions.
The Grand Showcase
The Bootcamp culminated in the ECOViP Ecotourism Entrepreneurial Projects Showcase, where teams presented their refined business plans to a distinguished panel of judges. This public, live-streamed event highlighted the students' innovative solutions for addressing sustainability challenges in ecotourism. Awards were given to projects that excelled in creativity, feasibility, and sustainability, marking a fitting conclusion to an impactful week.
Inspiring a Sustainable Future
By the end of the Bootcamp, participants had not only developed stronger entrepreneurial competencies but also formed lasting connections across borders. “This Bootcamp wasn’t just about training; it was about creating a network of change-makers committed to sustainable development,” said Dr. Cecilia C. Pring, Vice President for Academics and Research at LPU-B.
