African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, GCBSS Special Edition (2019) ISSN: 2223-814X Copyright: © 2020 AJHTL /Author/s- Open Access- Online @ http//: www.ajhtl.com 1 Developing Community-Based Ecotourism in Minalungao National Park Regina B. Zuniga Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Tourism, Hospitality and Transportation Management M.H. del Pilar Campus, Valencia St., Mesa Manila Philippines, 1016 Email: rbzuniga@pup.edu.ph Abstract The study dealt with the present socio-economic status, perceptions and opportunities of maximizing the benefits of ecotourism to the local community. Responses from the local community, officials of the local government unit, and visitors using quantitative and qualitative method, particularly the inductive approach through survey, observation and interview was used. Local community involvement in tourism activity is limited to tour guiding, particularly the children, while the rest of the population are into farming, fishing and harvesting forest products. The park was categorized as “Protected Landscape” under Republic Act 7586, now gaining its popularity and one of the fastest growing ecotourism sites in the Philippines is under the supervision of a private company. Visitor satisfaction and potential risk on environmental degradation were observed due to lack of regulation on the observance of carrying capacity. Tourism Action Plan for the destination was prepared but allocation for project for the local community that would contribute to their present socio-economic status was not evident. The geographical unit of the destination, its breath-taking view, the presence of various distinct flora and fauna made it to be labelled as the “Hidden Paradise and Mystical Eco-tourism in Nueva Ecija”. Sustainability in ecotourism, involves the participation of the communities that protect and manage the natural resources, cultural and indigenous knowledge and practices, environmental education and ethics. Community involvement equipped with proper education and conservation awareness, training, and employment opportunities may sustain the destination and enhance visitor satisfaction. Keywords: Community-based, hidden paradise, Minalungao, protected area, socio-economic benefits Introduction One of the pressing matters concerning the tourism industry is how to think of possible plans to destinations that appropriately optimize equitable benefits for the local communities while reducing adverse impacts of tourism. The United Nation’s declaration of “International Year of Ecotourism” in 2002 gave rise to the popularity of ecotourism worldwide and a new term” Community-based Ecotourism (CBET)” with a principle of active community participation (Suansri, 2002). Despite its growing popularity it remains impoverished and still had limited access to resources and benefits from conservation areas. Sustainability of the environment while improving the community’s livelihood are among the aspects that should be considered. Guidelines for Community-based Ecotourism Development (WWF International, 2001) showed the result of the studies conducted to different countries such as Malaysia, Namibia and Brazil, in determining whether ecotourism is an appropriate option prior to preceding stages such as planning with communities and other stakeholders; developing viable community-based ecotourism projects and strengthening the benefits to the community and the environment. This is to assure that community-based ecotourism will be in the “context of conservation, sustainable development and responsible tourism.” What is Community-Based Tourism? Community-Based Tourism (CBT) is tourism activity, community owned and operated, and managed or coordinated at the community level that contributes to the well-being of