Journal Details
Download: 24
Views: 61
Pages: 1-15
Abstract
Tourism is an important driver of local economic growth in rural areas, notably at sites such as Taytay Falls in Majayjay, Laguna. As a popular ecotourism destination, the area supports a variety of small-scale businesses and community-based activities that rely significantly on visitor traffic. This study was carried out to evaluate the economic sustainability implications of tourism on the local communities near Taytay Falls, with a focus on employment prospects, business growth, seasonal income patterns, and local company development. A quantitative research design was used, with 100 respondents selected using purposive sampling from residents and company owners. Data were collected using a validated survey questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation to examine the association between tourism activities and economic sustainability. The findings revealed that tourism activity in the area is generally high, with respondents firmly agreeing that it increases daily sales, creates job opportunities, and fosters entrepreneurship. The surge of tourists has been proven to directly help local businesses, particularly sari-sari stores, rentals, food booths, and hotels. Despite its good contributions, the study identified issues caused by seasonal swings in visitor arrivals, which result in income volatility, particularly during rainy and off-peak seasons. Nonetheless, respondents saw tourism as a crucial driver of longterm economic development and community expansion. The findings underscore the importance of increased stakeholder collaboration, diversification of livelihood options, and smart tourism planning to guarantee that the local community's economic advantages are secure and sustained.