ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

INTRODUCTION

Resort is a place for vacation and recreation where people from urban areas
come for relaxation; it is a popular destination to spend holidays for vacationers to
increase its number. However, most resorts are common and because of that people
tend to find a type of resort that varies and what it may offer.

People from different places want to spend their leisure activities in certain
places that can give them a dynamic experience. In addition, resorts can be classified
into several categories; it could be Sports Resort, Mountain Resort, Health Resort,
Theme Park Resort, Nature Resort, Beach Resort and etc.

The growth of tourism in Zamboanga City will rapidly increase if an Eco-

tourism mountain resort and vacation complex can be established. In addition,
integrating biodiversity considerations into design decisions for the resort
developments is important not only for the continued viability and conservation of the
ecosystems, but also for the long-term financial success of the resort.

The tourism industry, including the hospitality sector, depends strongly on

healthy ecosystems, because those wildlife, habitats, landscapes and natural
attractions that comprise them are often the very thing that draws tourists to the
destination in the first place.

A mountain resort that can evolve into something that will give new
experience cannot be ignored, a resort located in a mountainous area that can satisfy
people watching natural scenic views and vacation complex that can provide
vacationer's wants and let them feel the contentment of what they really desire from
the resort.

A. THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

a. Background of the Study

Resorts have come a long way from years when this has just a minimal impact
to society. But nowadays, it is a growing part of the Filipino tourist scene, and can
provide an increasingly attractive alternative to resorts in other places.

1
 ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

Beach resorts are mostly visited here in Zamboanga City in seasons like
summer vacations and holidays, aside from beach resorts, there are number of
mountain resorts existing in the city which offers different accommodations and
amenities, but people nowadays are in great search of variety and new sensation and
started exploring and looking for places which can give dynamism to their leisure
time.
The proposed “eco-tourism mountain resort and vacation complex” is a good
resort which can satisfy people. Gives feeling of intimacy, and never urge them to
move away from its boundary.
b. Statement of the Problem

In the Philippines, we have many existing resorts in many part of our country.
In Zamboanga, we have lots of Beach Resorts, Hotel Resorts, Mountain Resorts and
Farm Resorts just like La Vista Del Mar Beach Resort & Restaurant, Woodland
Resort and Restaurant, Vernell Farm and Mountain Park, Lutong Pinoy Resort,and
many more.

Zamboanga city has a great potential in establishing different resorts in the

area, there were numbers of resorts existing in different parts of the city including the
mountain type.

Nowadays, resorts are modernized and have the high technology facilities and
services which the way of life in resorts is becoming more exclusive like in other
countries, but Zamboanga resorts don’t have to adapt the other countries development
with different climate and resources. Philippines is a tropical country and Zamboanga
city is blessed and fortunate to have these mountain views and intact forest which can
be considered as beautiful attractions that should be developed in an appropriate way
by designing a structure that can conserve its natural habitat and at the same time we
can use the environment to attract people to go into nature through sustainable
architecture.

This study is made up to gather data on how to create a resort with

biodiversity considerations that varies where tourists can experience nature friendly
facilities, varieties and adventures that await them that other resorts in the city. This
study aims to answer the following questions:

2
 ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

1. How will this project proposal conserve the natural environment through
sustainable architecture?
2. How will the “Eco-tourism Mountain Resort and Vacation Complex” project
captivate tourists?
3. What are the different features of this project proposal with biodiversity
considerations differ from other local resort spots for tourist to spend their
holidays and leisure time?
4. How will this project proposal sustain itself when the lean months come?

c. Architectural Thesis Goals/Objectives/Strategies

The main goal is to achieve an innovative mountain resort design that
should solve all design problems through sustainable architecture and adopt
nature based solutions to stand out from the other resorts to promote and show
off the beauty of the eco- tourism of Zamboanga City.

Specifically, it aims to achieve the following

 Incorporate sustainable architecture

 To help conserve and protect the natural environment within the
tourism zone through waste reduction and proper management
 To minimize waste, water and energy usage of the resort by
integrating the 3R’s which are Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
 Improve the Accessibility and Utilities
 To prioritize the road project along the tourism road
 To improve the telecommunication signal in the tourism area since it
will be developed.
 Develop a design of structure that is conducive for learning
 To help people learn how to take care and preserve environment
 To give the tourist a view for them to observe nature of the
environment.
 To have fun and experience an educational tour in the mountain and
other recreational facilities of the resort.

3
 ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

d. Scope and Limitations

The main purpose of this study is to create a mountain resort and vacation
complex with different features for leisure and tourism. Swimming and overnight stay
is not only the main focus of this resort but also concern in day adventure activities
and entertainment. It involves Site Planning and designing structures with ambiance
that will create an atmosphere which is to enjoy by vacationers with their family with
a lot of the different amenities. The study will not be including structural and non-
architectural detail.
The research study does not aim to discourage resort particular in Zamboanga
city or replace major resort tourist hotspot on the Philippines instead develop the
beautiful features of the city.

e. Purpose/Relevance/Significance of the Study

This Eco-Tourism Mountain Resort and Vacation Complex thesis proposal

aims to boost up the eco-tourism in Zamboanga city. People seek ways to find breaks
and refreshments from their everyday living stress. They want to spend their leisure
activities in certain places that can give them a dynamic experience.
The proposal will be able to open the chance in increasing employment to the
local communities. This will help the people in their daily livelihood and can also
give a support growth as a contribution to the resort and this operating presence in
ecotourism is acceptable in the field of business and management.

This proposal will be able to provide information needed to better understand

the relationship of architecture to the conservation and promotion of the Zamboanga
culture. The incoming architecture students who will be studying related from this
would be of big help. This will provide more information to the next generations
especially to the target beneficiaries such as the succeeding batches of architecture
students that would aim to propose or to students that are given the chance to study
such topic.

4
ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

f. Assumptions
The proposed Eco-Tourism Mountain Resort and Vacation Complex
will not come up for just an imagination project. This proposal will become a
realistic project and will be one of the iconic resorts with all resort facilities
which will ultimately promote tourism.
g. Definition of Terms & Concepts

RESORT – a place with pleasant environment and atmosphere conducive to

comfort, healthful relaxation and rest, offering food, sleeping accommodation and
recreational facilities to the public.

ECO-TOURISM – a form of tourism that focuses on volunteering, personal

growth and saving the environment, typically involves travel to destinations where
flora, and fauna and cultural heritage are the primary attractions; the idea that
tourism revenue can promote conservation.

ECO-TOURIST -The World Tourism Organization (WTO) defines a tourist as a

person "traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not
more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes.

TOURISM-is the activity of a travel to a place for pleasure or business.

WILDLIFE - life in nature and varieties of flora and fauna including those are in
captivity.

CONSERVATION-is the careful use of natural resources to prevent them from

being lost or wasted.

SUSTAINABILITY - represents a social and cultural shift in the world order and
also a concept increasingly used as a measure of worth when it comes to
evaluating the contemporary built environment.

SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE –creating and responsible management of a

healthy built environment based on ecological and resource-efficient principles.

5
 ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

B. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Foreign Literature
The Search for the Perfect Resort System

According to John Inge “The tantalizing search for the all-encompassing re-
sort system has been going on for many years. We’ve caught glimpses of it as vendors
have expanded their integrated systems to cover more functions and developed better
integration with other products. However, resorts continue to push the goal further
away as their operations become ever more complex”.

The author says about the resort system and management through technology
to upgrade the hospitality business in the relationship between the resort and the
customers. The different accommodation facilities, amenities or activities to be
offered at the resort, services, the ambiance of its environment or if there’s something
new also tickles the tourist interest but still wants to maximize the guest satisfaction
and come up with combined features. Resort Web sites often used for reservations and
it turns out to be more like retail operations where any visitor can purchase gift cards
and retail items such as logo wear or spa products. They’re not just for reservations
any more”. It’s clear that resort management is only going to become more complex
over time, and the benefits of a completely integrated operation will become ever
more apparent”. (john,2007). Resort amenities, and new ways of management are
transforming in a technological way, but the resorts structures, cottages and other
buildings are getting more native to blend in the nature, to use nature as its core asset.
Sustainable architecture is never new but technology is.

Siting and Design of Hotels and Resorts

According to Gillian Cooper and Yves Renard, Green Park Consultants, authors of
Siting and Design of Hotels and Resorts, integrating biodiversity considerations into
siting and design decisions for hotel and resort developments is important not only for
the continued viability and conservation of the ecosystems, but also for the long-term
financial success of the hotels and resorts. The tourism industry, including the
hospitality sector, depends strongly on healthy ecosystems, because those ecosystems

6
 ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

– and the wildlife, habitats, landscapes and natural attractions that comprise them –
are often the very thing that draws tourists to the destination in the first place.

Biodiversity is important for human life and society and plays a significant role in our
ecosystem, biodiversity is also vital in everyday life of a hotel and resort in which
way it attracts, provide guests with opportunities for recreation and enjoyment as well
as a learning ground to preserve and appreciate mothers nature’s natural beauty. The
authors of this book said that “Nature should be recognized as a key element of the
tourism attraction and resources conserved to benefit the tourism and hotel sectors”
and “Hotels and resorts can have significant negative impacts on ecosystems and
natural resources”. At the time of planning the siting and design of a hotel or resort
development we must look and pay attention at every angle of the environment
impact. In this research it states about the five principles for Siting and Design of
Hotels and Resorts in carribean which we could apply in our city or country.

The IUCN Biodiversity Principles for Siting and Design of Hotels and Resorts are as
follows:

1. Adopt an ecosystem-based approach in tourism development planning

2. Manage impacts on biodiversity from hotel development and attempt to
achieve an overall positive contribution
3. Design with nature and adopt nature-based solutions
4. Respect, involve and support local communities
5. Build collaboration among stakeholders

The Principles seek to provide guidance in the planning and construction stages
of the hotel life cycle. They are targeted at all relevant stakeholders, including
planning authorities, tourism development agencies, developers, investors, hotel
managers and management companies, project managers and consultants,
architects and construction firms.

7
 ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

Developing Successful Resort

Hotels in resort destinations show wide diversity, responding to the tourist attractions
of the locality as well as the marketing requirements. Hotels in rural surroundings,
isolated from business and local users used to create their own individual amenities.
(Lawson, 2000)
This book talks about the development of the resort-from increasing of tourist arrivals
and how the traditional resort which tended to serve a singular purpose, offering one
type of recreation or one form of property ownership to a single market changes to a
multi-use resort which gives higher expectations by providing activities and
experiences, special amenities and added features. In response to the increasing
arrivals of consumers, “Multi-use resorts are of higher value because they create more
revenue streams” says the author.
In creating a multi-use resort, certain features were established as integral components
of successful delivery.
(1) Integrated Design & Operation, resorts are more likely to deliver a return on
investment if development takes place within the context of a logical layout. The
village should incorporate an attractive, pedestrian-only core that creates a natural
flow of human traffic and draws attention to facilities attached to the periphery.
(2) Second Home Ownership, Fractional ownership options, be they residences, hotels
or clubs, have revolutionized the market, affording consumers the opportunity to
enjoy a luxury, serviced holiday home without the enormous costs incurred by
outright purchase.
(3) Big Brands, the emergence of the mixed-use resort model has been driven and
cemented by the industry’s key players with brand association now being an integral
component of most resort developments.
(4) Spanning Generations, Development and operation should be undertaken with the
full scope of the extended family in mind, acknowledging the appeal of resorts as
destination where relatives and friends can assemble.
(5) Entertainment & Cultural Programming, the sense of sophistication penetrating
the consumer market will naturally translate to expectations of resort entertainment.
Events such as musical and cultural festivals, performances, visual arts and
celebrations of local history can help to provide unique visitor experiences and
encourage repeat visitation.

8
 ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

(6) Business and Pleasure, Business tourism is a growing industry and a lucrative
venture for resorts that are able to offer state-of-the-art facilities within the context
of a unique physical environment.
(7) A Sense of Community, Multi-use resort destinations can benefit greatly from
having a prominent village center, which helps to engender a genuine sense of
community and place, encouraging interaction between visitors and residents.
(8) Sustainability, Consumer consciousness of climate change and related
environmental issues continues to grow, it is imperative for all resort destinations to
protect their natural surroundings and demonstrate a genuine commitment to
sustainable operational practices.
(9) Access and Mobility, physical infrastructure to ensure quick and convenient
access to the resort - usually the first component of a positive visitor experience.

ECO-RESORTS: PLANNING AND DESIGN FOR THE TROPICS

We humans are only a part of the world, who took design cues and inspiration
through the surroundings. The author of this book believes that “together, using this
respectful and considerate approach, we can save the beauty and diversity of the
tropics for ourselves and for the generations to come”.
“Building need not look exactly like a tree but should work like one” (Wright)
This book covers a lot of topics about resorts for the tropical climate and tourism,
including the approaches and impact to the environment, siting a location for the
resort and what things are to be considered and etc. The author also defined, clarifies,
elaborates and discusses about sustainability which the author used as an approach in
planning and designing eco-resorts for the tropical areas. Sustainable Architecture as
defined by the author is the creating and responsible management of a healthy built
environment based on ecological and resource-efficient principles. Resorts in tropical
countries like the Philippines, are increasingly visited by the tourists’ and amongst
them wants to get closer to nature and culture of the region whilst at the same time
being conscious of the need to preserve what is left of it, tourist development is also
moving in undeveloped areas that’s why facilities built for tourists have to be
designed to cope with the climatic stress of the tropics yet must provide a lifestyle
compatible with tourists’ requirements, and do it in the most economical way
(Zbigniew, 2009) where operational issues take’s in.

9
 ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

The eco-resort has to draw on and blend with the local natural and cultural
environments by employing principles of Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD).
Building should respond to the environment in which it is built by taking full
advantage of any useful climatic conditions at the site and eliminating or minimizing
the influence and effects of undesirable phenomena, says the author. Nature is indeed
a masterpiece but fragile, in planning and designing eco-resorts one must consider
every detail of his works from the site location, building construction to-most
especially the environmental impacts. The world has a lot of intact and undeveloped
wildlife forest, amazing scenic tourist spots, caves, waterfalls and other hidden and
undiscovered treasures of nature, the cities are sprawling its opportunities in many
ways, architecture is one way to answer these opportunities. Here are some topics and
sub topics extracted from the book that the researchers could apply in their proposals.
 Sustainability
Sustainability objectives, relevant to the built environment, can be both tangible and
measurable. Apart from others, which are not less important, in the technological area
they are:
* conservative management of the natural environment;
* minimizing non-renewable resource consumption;
* reducing embodied energy and total resource usage;
* reducing energy in use;
* minimizing external pollution and environmental damage;
* eliminating or minimizing the use of toxins; and
* minimizing internal pollution and damage to health.
Developing low-impact or sustainable buildings involves resolving many conflicting
issues and requirements as each design decision has environmental
implications. Figure 1.1.

10
 ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

Fig.B.1 Various environments impacted on by environment.

 Water management
Key recommendations in brief:
* Carefully select services that require water: opt for waterless solutions when
available;
* Retain on the site as much water as you can;
* Find resort uses for water you harvested, including grey water;
* Only water for direct consumption should be subject to purification and treatment.
The reusable water from the kitchen, laundry and bathroom is referred to as ‘grey
water’. Due to the recently reported worldwide shortages of groundwater, grey water
has become a more explored avenue in water usage. There are definitely many
benefits of reusing this water. They include:
* lower fresh water use
* less strain on septic tank or sewage treatment plant
* highly effective purification
* less energy and chemical use
* groundwater recharge
* plant growth
* reclamation of nutrients
* increased awareness of and sensitivity to natural cycles
* sites not suitable for septic systems, and
* economics.

11
 ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

The main source of grey water is anything that is not connected to the toilet (there are
systems that make reclamation of toilet water possible). Main sources of recyclable
grey water are shown in Figure 1.2.

Fig. B.2 Main sources of grey water

.
 Impact of building materials and construction technology
Key recommendations in brief:
* Select materials in small modular sizes that do not require heavy machinery to
handle;
* Select technologies, either vernacular or prefabricated, with low water requirements;
* Select reusable and recyclable materials with low energy content;
* Select materials that are durable and require minimum maintenance.
Making Tourism More Sustainable: A Guide for Policy Makers
Tourism and Sustainability are the two main topic of this book, were it covers a
little of tourism background, and the support of the two organizations to make tourism
of the world as what it is today by providing policies, principles, strategies and
guidelines. According to the author’s “all tourism should be more sustainable.
Sustainable tourism is not a discrete or special form of tourism. Rather, all forms of
tourism should strive to be more sustainable.”
The government both the national and local policy makers are the first target
reader of this book to provide them guidelines as well as the framework for the
development of policies and policies implication guide, this could also be a guide to

12
 ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

the developers, planners and most especially architects. The book explains about the
massive growth of tourist until the coming year 2020 were the environmental impact
is a concern as well as the local communities. Sustainable tourism was introduced as
the key to lessen and avoid the environmental impact and to preserve and protect
what’s left on nature. Sustainable approach of the structure and its environment is
encouraged by these book, thus sustainable architecture is taking part of their
envisioned eco-tourism resort. Consideration of the general concept of sustainable
development, the special position of tourism and the agreements reached at
international flora, helps to set an agenda for more sustainable tourism.
 An agenda for sustainable tourism
The World Tourism Organization and United Nations Environment Programme sets
an agenda for sustainable tourism. This agenda needs to embrace two, interrelated,
elements of the sustainability of tourism:
• the ability of tourism to continue as an activity in the future, ensuring that the
conditions are right for this; and
• the ability of society and the environment to absorb and benefit from the impacts of
tourism in a sustainable way.
Based on this, an agenda for sustainable tourism can be articulated as a set of twelve
aims that address economic, social and environmental impacts. The agenda
formulated in this way can then be used as a framework to develop policies for more
sustainable tourism that recognize the two directions in which tourism policy can
exert an influence:
• minimizing the negative impacts of tourism on society and the environment; and
• maximizing tourism’s positive and creative contribution to local economies, the
conservation of natural and cultural heritage, and the quality of life of hosts and
visitors.
The twelve aims for an agenda for sustainable tourism are:
1) Economic Viability
To ensure the viability and competitiveness of tourism destinations and enterprises, so
that they are able to continue to prosper and deliver benefits in the long term.
2) Local Prosperity
To maximize the contribution of tourism to the economic prosperity of the host
destination, including the proportion of visitor spending that is retained locally.

13
 ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

3) Employment Quality
To strengthen the number and quality of local jobs created and supported by tourism,
including the level of pay, conditions of service and availability to all without
discrimination by gender, race, disability or in other ways.
4) Social Equity
To seek a widespread and fair distribution of economic and social benefits from
tourism throughout the recipient community, including improving opportunities,
income and services available to the poor.
5) Visitors Fulfillment
To provide a safe, satisfying and fulfilling experience for visitors, available to all
without discrimination by gender, race, and disability or in other ways.
6) Local Control
To engage and empower local communities in planning and decision making about
the management and future development of tourism in their area, in consultation with
other stakeholders.
7) Community Wellbeing
To maintain and strengthen the quality of life in local communities, including social
structures and access to resources, amenities and life support systems, avoiding any
form of social degradation or exploitation.
8) Cultural Richness
To respect and enhance the historic heritage, authentic culture, traditions and
distinctiveness of host communities.
9) Physical Integrity
To maintain and enhance the quality of landscapes, both urban and rural, and avoid
the physical and visual degradation of the environment.
10) Biological Diversity
To support the conservation of natural areas, habitats and wildlife, and minimize
damage to them.
11) Resource Efficiency
To minimize the use of scarce and non-renewable resources in the development and
operation of tourism facilities and services.

14
 ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

12)Environmental Purity
To minimize the pollution of air, water and land and the generation of waste by
tourism enterprises and visitors.

Global Hospitality Insight: Hospitality Going Green

This book talks about when and how sustainability started and how it journey’s up
to this year. The book also has given examples of countries who embraces
sustainability and green practices as their core strategies in their hotels and resorts and
how they use the environment in their businesses in an eco-friendly way, the concept
of “Green Hotel” were widely used by most of the independent hotels and resorts in
Asia. Those rich economic, socio cultural and environmental consequences of tourism
in general and presenting known subtitles in tourism including nature tourism, green
tourism, neutral tourism, ecotourism all make sustainable tourism as the main subject
with all its principals, objectives, characteristics, executive obstacles and priorities
inevitable.
(Toulaee.S, 1386, 2007)
 Embracing Green
Across Asia, many independent hotels have also embraced green practices as one of
their core strategies. Damai Lovina Villas in Bali, Indonesia, for example, has
effectively reduced cost by decreasing waste and energy usage.
The resort partners with a local research center that provides the resort with
environmentally safe agricultural and household products. The resort’s restaurant
source 80% of its ingredients from its own organic garden and local farms. By
practicing sustainable farming, such as using permaculture to reduce water
consumption and increase crop health, and composting in lieu of chemical fertilizers,
the farm was able to reduce crop production cost by 90% and increase crop
production by 20%. The resort’s recycling efforts have eliminated the need to send
solid waste to a landfill seven hours away. The El Nido Resorts in the province of
Palawan, Philippines also adopted the green practices which actively protects Palawan
giant-clam gardens and supports the reintroduction of endangered cockatoos.
Stanley Selengut in 1976 first thought the concept of “green hotels” in the opening
of Maho Bay Camp in St. John. Credited by many to have coined the phrase
“ecotourism” (the idea that tourism revenue can promote conservation), Selengut

15
 ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

developed an ecologically friendly 18-keys tent resort (now 14-keys) that appealed to
travelers willing shed first-world convenience for a more rustic experience. Maho Bay
Camp utilizes low-flush composting toilets, spring action faucet and shower, rain
water catchments and solar-heated water to conserve natural resources and
minimizing the footprints that the hotel and visitors live on the island. The Resort’s
Trash to Treasure Art Center recycles the resort’s waste materials into craft items.
In Japan, the Hotel Nee Otani is also actively practicing eco-friendly policies. In
2007, Otani installed a new air conditioning and kitchen system, through which it
targets a 14% savings in energy and 30% carbon emission reduction. The project also
involved construction of 2,800 sq.m green roof, wooden water storage tanks, a
compost plant and a water recycling plant which produces 1,000 tons of recycled
water daily from kitchen sewage to be utilized in gardens or staff lavatories. Different
hotels have come up an environment efficient ways on how to operate their buildings
without harming the environment as well as reducing the building and management
cost.
Capstone Project Research Al- ‫ح‬abala Eco-Mountain Resort
The author states his design approach in his proposal which is the “Eco-Friendly
(Eco-Mountain) Architecture”
Eco-Friendly Architecture Principles
1. Conserve energy.
2. Adaptation to climate.
3. Minimize the use of new resources.
4. Respect the site.
5. Respect the users of the building.
6. Comprehensive design.
Eco-Friendly Techniques
1. Using solar energy
2. Recycling water
3. Integrating green space
4. Incorporating recycled building materials
5. Harnessing wind power
6. Maximizes daylight.
7. Geothermal wells.

16
 ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

8. Garden terraces.
9. Retaining walls & cascading exterior decks.
10. Piles for geothermal heating and cooling, it also utilizes chilled sails.
Eco-Friendly Architecture Guidelines:
Water
Water is also used to irrigate home gardens, and beautify the building, and moistened
by water fountains, and ponds or waterfalls or even in swimming pools operations.
Water has aesthetic and environmental uses. It helps to adjust the relative humidity
site, also leads to purification and cooling the air passing through it.
Recycled water

Fig. B.3 Illustration of the recule water system used in buildings

1. Re-using wastewater, which is called Grey Water. Grey Water results from the use
of bathrooms, showers, and kitchens, which have a significant impact in reducing
water consumption of buildings. They are assembled into a cistern, and are processed
and filtered using a sand and gravel and biological filters, and then reused to irrigate
gardens or used again in the package boxes,
2. Collecting rainwater is also important processes in the reduction of water
consumption, where the water is falling in some dry areas in the form of dense
showers, and for a short time, where they are collected, and stored in different ways.
The most famous of these methods are wells and ground reservoirs, where they can

17
 ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

use this water in the bathrooms, garden irrigation, and car washing. It can also be used
after making sure they are free from contaminants in swimming pools, and water
fountains.
Guidelines for designing with nature
Ken Yeang, famous Malaysian architect and one of the pioneers in ecological
architecture, has
a set these groups of principles:
1. The ecological approach to design is about environmental bio-integration.
2. Our built forms and systems need to imitate nature’s processes, structure, and
functions, as in its ecosystems.
3. The process of designing to imitate ecosystems is Ecomimesis. This is the
fundamental premise for eco design.
4. There is much misperception about what is ecological design. We must not be
misled and seduced by technology.
5. The other common misperception is that if our building gets a high notch in a
greenrating system, then all is well.
6. Ecosystems in the biosphere are definable units containing both biotic and abiotic
constituents acting together as a whole.

Inverted triangle
The owners emphasize an inverted triangle
(Figure 1), in which the guests are at the top,
representing the boss. The employees serve
the guests, the management serves the
employees, and the owners serve the
management, all working from the bottom
up to exceed the guest’s expectations

Fig. B.4 Inverted Triangle

18
 ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

Local Literature
National Accommodations standards

A sustainable tourism is an industry which by considering facilities, fulfills different

economic-social, cultural needs and tourists’ expectations and simultaneously protects
ecological unity, environmental health, cultural identity and totality of the host society
and leads to economic development, eradication of poverty and welfare of society
members. (Toulaee.S, 1386, 2007)

This book basically talks about the general provisions and basic guidelines, rules and
regulations in Star Grading System for Hotels, Resorts and Apartment Hotels,
Accreditation standards for arrival and departure, public areas, bedroom, bathroom,
food and beverage, amenities and services and business practice and the accreditation
process of the resort.

There are five levels of accommodation standards ranging from one to five stars
applicable to hotels, resorts and apartment hotels. To obtain higher stars,
progressively higher service and facility quality, facility condition and improved
business practices like environmental management, which are determined by a points
system should be provided across all areas. A total of 1000 points have been set as the
maximum number of points that can be achieved by Hotels, Resorts, and Apartment
Hotels.

Development of Tourist Resorts and Other Facilities DOT

Hotels, resorts and other types of accommodation facilities especially in the regions
will have to be built to address the lodging requirements of both foreign and domestic
travelers. The need for improved accessibility will likewise open investment
opportunities in air, water and land transport operations. In response to worldwide
demand for integrated tourism development, the Department of Tourism likewise
encourages investments in tourism estates and eco zones, historic – cultural heritage
projects as well as ecotourism, agrictourism, and health and wellness projects.

19
 ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

Banyan Tree Hotel and Resort Project, Palawan

The researcher was inspired by the banyan hotel and resort mission statement “We
want to build a globally recognized brand which by inspiring exceptional experiences
among our guests, instilling pride and integrity in our associates and enhancing both
the physical and human environment in which we operate, will deliver attractive
returns to our shareholder”. (Kieth, 2008)
The journal stated the qualities of their resort that leads them to success, their strength
and weakness and other considerations that will help them improve and remain
competitive along with the greatest view in providing the best that the resort and hotel
can offer, starting from the location itself and to the services and amenities offered. It
is related in a way that the hotel and resort is a mountain resort situated in Palawan
similar to the researchers proposed thesis project.

C. THEORETICAL/CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

20
 ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

D. METHODOLOGY OF RESEARCH

The researchers discuss the methodology that was used in gathering research
data from various resources in this section. Different kinds of approaches were used to
be able to do this research, these includes the research tools and instruments, process
of interviews, surveys, investigations and observations. All the tools and methods are
the following:

RESEARCH TOOLS/INTRUMENTS

1. LAPTOP -A machine use for research and stored all the acquired information
of the project proposal.
2. CAMERA - A device, this is an important tool for site visiting in order to take
pictures of the 3 possible sites.
3. USB - This is a device used for stored data’s such as save documents or files
and pictures gathered.
4. PRINTERS - A machine used for printing in all the needed documents and
research data’s or files as a requirements for the research.
5. CELLPHONES /TABLETS - A gadget uses for taking pictures, recording the
thesis and class advisers’ discussions about the research.

21
ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

RESEARCH PROCEDURES

 INTERVIEWS AND SURVEYS

The researchers are intended to do interviews to highly reliable people
that expertise on the stated project. The researcher will provide
questionnaires, and the answer will be analysed and interpret to suffice
the research problem.
 INVESTIGATION AND OBSERVATIONS
The researchers conduct several observations about the collected
primary data as a basis to conclude how the proposed project will be
successful. The primary sources of data were collected to the following
department agencies:

 Zamboanga City Hall

o City Assessors’ Office

The researchers requested the office to provide them all the data’s of
the chosen sites such as base maps, lot area and lot title for their
proposal.

o City Planning and Development Office

The researchers approach to several personnel in the office for them to

provide the necessary information or data’s as a guide for their
research proposal such as Zamboanga city’s profile and maps (i.e
general land use map, geological map, slope map, erosion map, and
barangay profile of the chosen sites)

 Barangay Hall
The researchers gather all the facts,informations and datas about all
the three selected sites (Pamucutan, La Paz, Baluno) such as
population, economy, physical characteristics and current condition.

22
ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

 Department of Tourism
The researchers requested the tourism status, developments and datas
providing the tourist spots and tourist inflow. The researchers also
conduct an interview and asked several questions to Mr. Antonio
Fernando M. Blanco, director of DOT that would help us in our
research with his answers and advices.
 Department of Land Registry and Deeds
To gather data and provide the reserachers the copy of lot title
showing the lot bearings and size of each barangay
 Office Of The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical And Astronomical
Service Administration (PAG-ASA)
The researchers requested a rainfall and climate condition in
Zamboanga City to be able to know the weather condition in the
possible sites that have chosen.
 Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
The researchers acquire information, implemented rules and
regulation by the national government.

E. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Gillian, Yves, and others. Siting and Design of Hotels and Resorts: Principles

and Case Studies for Biodiversity Conservation. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland,

2012

Department of Tourism, National Accommodation Standard: Resort. Manila,

Philippines, 2012

Asian Productivity Organization, Linking Green Productivity to Ecotourism:

Experiences in the Asia–Pacific Region, Tokyo,2002

National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Espasyo: Journal of the

Philippine Architecture and Allied Arts. Vol.6, Philippines 2014-15

23
ECO-TOURISM MOUNTAIN RESORT AND VACATION COMPLEX E&E

Bromberek, Zbigniew. Eco-Resorts: Planning and Design for the Tropics.

Jordan Hill, Oxford. Elsevier Linacre House, 2009

Jon Inge, The Search for the perfect Resort System. Hospitality Upgrade,

2007

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Tourism

Organization (WTO). Making Tourism More Sustainable: A Guide for Policy

Makers.

Adam Walker, Developing Successful Resort. Locum Destination Review,

(computer software). httpwww.colliers.com

mediafilesemeaukresearchdestination-consultingdeveloping-successful

resorts.pdf

Keith Bergh, Banyan Tree Hotel and Resort Project, Palawan. 2008

Ernst and Young Global Limited, Global Hospitality Insight: Hospitality

Going Green. EYGM Limited, 2008

Yasser Mahgoub. “Hyper Identity: The Case of Kuwaiti Architecture”

Architecture Planning Built Environment Studies. Vol. 1, issue 1(March 2007)

70-85

Wallace McHarg, “Plan for the Valleys” quoted in McHarg, Design with

Nature, 82.

Capstone Project Research

Aram M. Al-Shareef, “Al- ‫ح‬abala Eco-Mountain Resort” Undergraduate

Thesis. Effat University, 2015

24