Abstract

Globally, the role of protected area is recognized as solutions to environmental, social, and cultural challenges based on the current 2011-2020 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Strategic Plan. The growing popularity of natural parks has proven to be both an opportunity and a threat to its resources. It is an opportunity to maintain the high quality of visitors’ experience, however, poses a challenge to conservation of resources for future generations. Hence, this study which employed mixed method of research looked into the present status of Bulusan Volcano Natural Park as a local conservation area and assessed the visitors’ experiences as to entertainment, educational, escapism, and esthetic. As a conservation area, it is committed to address park’s issues and concerns through its sound conservation strategies while fostering social and economic development with the active presence of Aggrupation of Advocates for Environmental Protection (AGAP) Bulusan, Inc. The good experiences of visitors within the park are enhanced by the sound conservation efforts and resource protection strategies. However, the strategies should also give more attention to cultural preservation as one of the dimensions of sustainability and in attaining high quality of visitor experience.

Keywords: conservation, ecotourism, Natural Park, protected area, visitor experience