A GROUP of BS Tourism Management students from the University of Santo Tomas placed fifth in the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s Students League competition held last month.

The Thomasian SDG Keepers — composed of Mary Maureen Cucio, Mark Endrinal, Floresca May Martin, Tiffany Montances, Gershei Mae Quirao, and Al Reile dela Torre — competed with 64 schools from various countries.

The team pitched its concept for sustainable tourism development of Barangay Tenani, Paranas in Samar through the marketing campaign titled “Mabighani sa Tenani.”

“Part of our inspiration was how tourism changed the lives of the community and how it gives them a better future to look forward to,” the students said.

“From being lost with illegal or unwanted jobs, the community has used the opportunity to become tour guides, boat drivers, teachers, cooks, and researchers,” they added.

In crafting the marketing plan, the team collaborated with the Department of Tourism-Region 8, the municipality of Paranas, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Tour Guides and Board Operators for River Protection and Environment Development Organization, and the Tenani Association for Women and Development.

They were mentored by Arnulfo Ricardo A. Butiong, Avi Ben P. Andalecio, and Jame Monren T. Mercado.

The UNWTO Students’ League is a competition of travel and tourism students from around the globe that aims to foster creative, innovative, and sustainable solutions to pressing concerns that the tourism sector is facing. Such solutions must be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.