Assessment of the potential of Bucari area as ecotourism destination in the municipalities of Leon and Alimodian: Bases for the formulation of Bucari area tourism development plan

Abstract

This study evaluated the ecotourism potential of Bucari, Leon, Iloilo through a mixed methods approach involving surveys and interviews with stakeholders. Results show that Bucari has strong natural assets like a cool climate and scenic landscapes, along with active community conservation. However, challenges such as limited infrastructure, cultural integration, and market visibility hinder its readiness. Compared to accredited ecotourism sites, Bucari meets baseline criteria but falls short in social preparedness and tourism product variety. Qualitative analysis highlighted the significance of natural attractions, community involvement, cultural-agricultural integration, and local governance. The findings suggest Bucari has promising ecotourism potential, provided that key improvements are made in capacity-building, product development, and policy implementation.