Beyond Awareness: Lived Experiences of Tourism Students at President Ramon Magsaysay State University in Advancing Climate-Responsive, Ecosystem-Based Tourism Development

Abstract

Climate change has become one of the greatest threats to the sustainability of tourism destinations,
necessitating the development of climate-responsive and ecosystem-based tourism practices. As future
tourism professionals, university students play a crucial role in promoting sustainable destination
management, biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and responsible tourism. Higher education
institutions, particularly State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), are increasingly integrating
sustainability and climate resilience into tourism curricula to prepare graduates capable of responding
to environmental challenges. President Ramon Magsaysay State University (PRMSU), whose mandate
includes tourism education, research, and sustainable regional development, has likewise strengthened
its commitment to sustainability through research and tourism initiatives. Despite these efforts, little is
known about how tourism students experience climate-responsive and ecosystem-based tourism
education beyond environmental awareness. This study explores the lived experiences of tourism
students at President Ramon Magsaysay State University in advancing climate-responsive, ecosystem-
based tourism development. Employing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the study
gathers narratives from purposively selected tourism students through semi-structured interviews.
Findings are expected to reveal students' learning experiences, environmental values, adaptive
competencies, challenges, and aspirations in promoting sustainable tourism. The study contributes to
tourism education, climate change adaptation, ecosystem conservation, and Education for Sustainable
Development while supporting Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 13 (Climate
Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land).