The 2024 ECOViP BootCamp, dubbed “Ala Eh, DI’NE! Developing Innovation in eNtrepreneurship & Ecotourism,” was hosted by the Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas from July 22 to 27. This 6-day event brought together bright minds and innovators in ecotourism and entrepreneurship from universities in the Philippines and Vietnam. Participating universities included Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas (LPU-B), Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Manila (PUPM), University of San Carlos (USC), Cần Thơ University, Nha Trang University, and Thai Nguyen University of Sciences (TNUS).
The aim of the ECOViP Boot Camp 2024 was to foster innovative entrepreneurial ventures in the ecotourism sector by uniting students from diverse academic disciplines including Tourism, Natural Sciences, and ICT. Through this project, students had the opportunity to embark on real-world entrepreneurial journeys and gain awareness of the potential for sustainable tourism projects within the natural environment.
Specific guidelines were disseminated to each participating Higher Education Institution (HEI) to ensure the practicality and viability of the projects. The teams underwent comprehensive training and mentorship related to business development and ecotourism initiatives, aimed at guaranteeing that their projects were not only innovative but also feasible and impactful. Our participants were mentored by the experts from University of Alicante, University of Portucalense, Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Manila, University of San Carlos, and FH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences.
In addition to the rigorous training sessions, the boot camp encompassed visits to local ecotourism sites, including the Monte Maria Shrine, Lagadlarin Mangrove Forest, and Olo-Olo Mangrove Forest. Furthermore, students, trainers, mentors, and partners had the opportunity to explore the Heritage Town of Taal, Casa Recuerdos de Taal, Minor Basilica of St. Martin de Tours, and take a boat ride on Taal Lake.
The vision of the ECOViP Boot camp is to instill in our participants a renewed dedication to sustainable development. Equipped with new skills, ideas, and networks, these future entrepreneurs are anticipated to contribute to the progression of sustainable tourism within their respective regions.
List of Awardees
ECOViP Bootcamp People’s Choice Award
Runner Up – Team S.E.A.L (LPU-B)
Champion – Team BUKO PANDIN (PUPM)
ECOViP Bootcamp Eco-Tourism Award
Runner Up – Team Bahandi (USC)
Champion – Team SEAL (LPU-B)
ECOViP Digitalization Award
Runner Up – Team Bahandi (USC)
Champion – Team S.E.A.L (LPU-B)
ECOViP Bootcamp Progress Award
Runner Up – Team BUKO PANDIN (PUPM)
Champion – Team S.E.E TRAVEL (TNUS)
ECOViP Most Promising Project Award
Runner Up – Team S.E.A.L (LPU-B)
Champion – Team BUKO PANDIN (PUPM)
ECOViP Bootcamp Pitching Award
Runner Up – Team BUKO PANDIN (PUPM)
Champion – Team S.E.A.L (LPU-B)
The ECOViP Boot camp served as a testament to the potency of interdisciplinary collaboration and the significance of sustainable development, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and prosperous future for the ecotourism industry.
To know more about ECOViP, visit their website at https://www.ecoviperasmus.eu/ or follow their Facebook Page at Ecovip Erasmus.
