© IJARW | ISSN (O) - 2582-1008 March 2025 | Vol. 6 Issue. 9 www.ijarw.com IJARW2355 International Journal of All Research Writings 190 EXPLORING VISITOR PERCEPTION OF ECOTOURISM INITIATIVES AND EDUCATIONAL TOURISM OF TOURISM OFFICE AT CENTRAL MINDANAO UNIVERSITY Maeri Aleyah Carreon Pellazar 1 , Joshua De Guzman 2 , Divine Pascua Gallezo 3 , Rhea Jean Bantilan Sacabin 4 , Donnil Jamaca Ayag 5 , Bryan JAmes Penas Ballega 6 , Annie Fritce A. Aballe 7 Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon. Philippines ABSTRACT The goal of this study was to assess the tourists’ perception of the tourism office at Central Mindanao University. The study used descriptive research to determine the tourist in terms of tourist perception of (1)Eco-tourism initiatives:( 1.1) Biking and (1.2) Hiking, and (2.2)Educational Tourism. The researcher used random sampling which resulted a sample size of 97 tourists. A survey type of questionnaire was created to complete the prescribed respondents. The recorded data were meant to be analyzed using mean and frequency, and statistical tools Nonparametric Test such as Kruskal Wallis Test and Mann-Whitney U Test. The statistical tests showed that tourists have a generally positive perception of the CMU Tourism Office and its offerings, particularly in terms of ecotourism and educational tourism in gender, age, and tourist type. However, this finding is significant because it suggests that CMU’s tourism initiatives appeal broadly to diverse demographic groups. This analysis provides useful information for the CMU Tourism Office to focus on maintaining their tour packages and improving their ecotourism initiatives. Keyword: Tourists' Perception, Eco-tourism Initiatives, Educational Tourism, Tourism Office 1. INTRODUCTION Ecotourism and educational tourism have become essential components of sustainable development, particularly in regions rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage like Mindanao, Philippines. Ecotourism focuses on responsible travel to natural areas, promoting conservation and enhancing the well-being of local communities (Buckley, 2020). This type of tourism not only delivers economic advantages but also raises environmental consciousness among tourists, making it an important topic for academic institutions like Central Mindanao University (CMU) to focus on. Visitor perception is vital to the success of ecotourism programs. According to research, visitors' impressions of environmental conservation efforts and the quality of their experiences have a substantial impact on their contentment. For example, a research done in Nepal found that both inhabitants and visitors had favorable attitudes of ecotourism's potential for biodiversity conservation and socioeconomic enhancement. However, their perspectives on cultural preservation differed (Dhakal et al., 2022). This demonstrates that recognizing the variations in tourist views might assist adjust ecotourism activities to better fulfill expectations. However, understanding visitor perceptions of these initiatives is crucial for their success and sustainability. Research indicates that visitor satisfaction