Community Perceptions and Participation in Management Practices of Adventure Tourism Destinations in Gloria, Oriental Mindoro

Abstract

An emerging industry with great potential for economic development and community development is adventure tourism in Gloria, Oriental Mindoro. This paper explores local community opinions and involvement in two important adventure tourist sites: Twin Panton Cave and Walang Langit Waterfalls. Data were gathered from one hundred inhabitants using a mixed-methods approach by means of structured questionnaires and focus group talks. While quantitative findings show modest satisfaction with regard to people management and sustainability, they expose weaknesses in risk management and marketing initiatives. Positive views of management and active community participation revealed a noteworthy positive association (r = 0.48, p < 0.01). Qualitative observations highlight the community’s respect of environmental preservation initiatives, worries about visitor safety, and need of improved training and inclusive decision-making. The results emphasize the need of open, inclusive, and capacity-building management strategies to support environmentally friendly travel growth. Among the recommendations are enhancements of infrastructure and facilities, reinforcement of safety procedures, extension of marketing campaigns supporting local culture, and running continuous community training courses. This study provides useful advice for legislative leaders and destination managers trying to strike a balance between tourist expansion and environmental preservation and social equality as well as clarifies the important part of community involvement in adventure tourism management.