By Myracle S. Mugol
Pacific island economies must adopt “responsible tourism” by targeting “environmentally conscious” visitors, according to former Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr., who set a policy to seek the high-end market during his two-term tenure in office.
“We need to dwell on quality, not quantity. It’s about attracting visitors who respect and value what we have to offer,” said Remengesau, who is back on the campaign trail, running against his brother-in-law, the incumbent President Surangel Whipps Jr.
The former president spoke at the University of Guam School of Business & Public Administration on Aug. 23 during this year's first Dean's Speaker Series.
In his presentation titled “The Emphasis on Tourism in the Pristine Paradise,” Remengesau argued that high-end tourism was more sustainable and beneficial for both the local population and the environment.
Remengesau shared examples of Palau’s successful high-end tourism initiatives, such as luxury cruises that offer unique and environmentally friendly experiences to visitors.
These initiatives, he noted, not only generate significant revenue but also help protect the environment by attracting visitors who are willing to pay more for a sustainable and responsible tourism experience.
Remengesau is renowned for his pioneering work in environmental conservation and sustainable tourism, with a legacy that has positioned Palau as a global leader in these areas.
During his tenure as president, he implemented several groundbreaking initiatives, including the Palau Pledge and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, which have become models for other nations worldwide.
In his address, Remengesau emphasized the critical importance of responsible tourism, which he described as essential for the sustainable development of island nations.
“If you don’t emphasize 'responsible', then it’s not sustainable tourism,” he warned.
“The environment is the economy, and the economy is the environment. You cannot differentiate one from the other,” he said, underscoring the deep interconnection between a healthy environment and a thriving economy.
Remengesau shared the success of the Palau Pledge, an initiative that requires all visitors to Palau to commit to protecting the environment and respecting local culture.
Another innovative measure under Remengesau’s term was the Pristine Paradise tax, which levied a $100 fee tacked into every visitor’s ticket to Palau.
The Pristine Paradise tax directly supports environmental protection efforts, ensuring that tourism revenues are reinvested into preserving the resources that make Palau such a desirable destination.
“We did a survey before we instituted that fee, and the response was overwhelming. Visitors were willing to pay the fee as long as it was used to protect what makes Palau special,” Remengesau noted.
He called on students and faculty to take an active role in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development, both in Guam and across the Pacific.
“Tourism is the bread-and-butter industry for everyone in the region, but it has to be a win-win situation. It has to be good for our local people, our local culture, and our environment,” he emphasized.
Reflecting on the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Remengesau noted that the public health crisis had forced island nations like Palau to rely more heavily on their natural resources.
With international travel at a standstill and imports severely restricted, Palauans turned to the ocean and land to sustain themselves. This experience, he explained, was a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving natural resources and maintaining a sustainable way of life.
“Covid-19 taught us the importance of the ocean, the importance of the land, and the importance of our culture as island people,” Remengesau observed.
He said the conservation policies his administration had implemented, such as closing 80 percent of Palau’s waters to commercial fishing, were vital to ensuring the long-term sustainability of both the environment and the economy.
During the Q&A session, Remengesau addressed the ongoing debate between conservation and economic exploitation, particularly regarding Palau’s fisheries.
While there is pressure to reopen Palau’s waters to commercial fishing, Remengesau stressed the benefits of keeping them closed far outweigh the potential revenue from fishing licenses.
“Right now, we’re getting $8 million a year from the Parties to the Nauru Agreement because Palau’s waters are closed,” he explained, highlighting how conservation efforts can lead to greater economic benefits through international partnerships.
He further explained that the fish that spawned in the closed water of Palau migrated to neighboring islands’ shores and Palau’s as well.
Remengesau cautioned against prioritizing short-term financial gains over long-term sustainability. He emphasized that conservation is an investment in the future, not only for the environment but also for the economic well-being of future generations.
“It’s not just about making money; it’s about ensuring that our children and grandchildren can enjoy the bounties we have now,” he said.
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