The Visible and Invisible Impacts of Tourism-Driven Commercialization

Eulalie Dulnuan discusses the visible impacts of tourism-driven commercialization on both the landscape and the environment, particularly in Banaue. She describes how the desire to sell goods to visitors has led many residents to construct makeshift roadside stalls—often tin-roofed structures that resemble shanties—creating an increasingly cluttered and visually unappealing landscape. Beyond aesthetics, Dulnuan highlights the environmental strain caused by the rising demand for carved souvenirs, which has depleted essential local tree resources. As a result, artisans are forced to venture outside the province in search of suitable wood, accelerating the demise of valuable tree species and illustrating the ecological consequences of unchecked commercial tourism.

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    PERSON

  • Eulalie Dulnuan wearing a white shirt and a necklace with multiple strands of beads, her hands are raised as if caught gesturing while talking

    Eulalie

    Dulnuan

    Tourism and Cultural Officer

    President of the Ifugao Intangible Heritage and Performing Arts Society