Alt text: Photo of the 27MWdc utility-scale solar installation powering sustainable tourism in Bohol, Philippines

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Tourism is a vital economic engine for many Asia-Pacific destinations, but it's also one of the most resource-intensive. As remote resorts, heritage islands, and nature parks scale up to meet growing demand, their energy use is increasing fast – and often rely on diesel-based grids that are fragile, expensive, and unsustainable. Solar power becomes a lifeline for energy security, cost control, and long-term conservation for these destinations.

How Does Solar Power Sustainable Travel and Tourism?

As lower-impact, environmentally responsible experiences grow in demand, tourism hotspots, especially those in remote and ecologically sensitive regions, face a critical question: how can they scale visitor infrastructure without undermining the natural beauty that draws people in?

Solar makes it possible to sustain tourism, empower communities, and safeguard the very ecosystems that make travel worthwhile.

What Are the Benefits of Solar Energy in Ecotourism?

1.     Energy resilience

Local utility-scale solar farms improve energy independence and grid stability, essential for remote islands, resort hubs, and other areas prone to blackouts.

2.     Sustainability branding

75% of travelers plan to travel more sustainably, according to Booking.com's Sustainable Travel 2024 report. Solar visibly reinforces your destination's commitment to climate goals and environmental responsibility, attracting these eco-conscious travelers.

3.     Environmental protection

According to InfoLink Consulting, large-scale solar farms emit 94% less carbon throughout its lifetime compared to coal-fired plants, directly supporting conservation efforts and climate goals.

4.     Local community empowerment

Solar installations create skilled jobs, support local education, and fund micro-economies, from hospitality to maintenance, ensuring tourism uplift is inclusive and long-term.

By reducing fossil fuel dependence and enhancing energy reliability for ecotourism infrastructure, solar power supports resilient, low-impact tourism growth, especially for islands and remote regions.

 What Solar-Powered Ecotourism Looks Like in Practice: Bohol, Philippines

On the island of Bohol in the Philippines — home to the surreal Chocolate Hills and the wide-eyed tarsier — a quiet transformation is taking place. Once dependent on imported energy and diesel, Bohol is now powering its tourism growth through clean energy.

Tourism contributed 8.6% to the Philippines’ GDP in 2023. As arrivals surged 313% that year, Bohol's energy demands rose sharply, especially across its hotels, transport hubs, and landmark attractions – placing pressure on an already fragile energy system reliant on imported energy and diesel-based generation.

To grow sustainably, Bohol launched its first utility-scale solar farm, the Dagohoy Solar Power Project (DSPP). A collaborative effort between Dagohoy Green Energy Corporation (DGEC), a member of the Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC), and the Department of Energy (DOE), this 27MWp large-scale solar farm features:

• 40,000 Trinasolar Vertex modules
• 41,000 MWh of solar power generated annually
• Enough power for 18,000 homes and iconic tourism attractions

Alt text: Photo of the 27MWdc utility-scale solar installation powering sustainable tourism in Bohol, Philippines 

Caption: The Dagohoy Solar Power Project powers Bohol's top attractions with clean, renewable solar power (Photo: PetroGreen Energy Corporation).

DSPP's environmental benefits are matched by tangible local gains:

• Over 28,600 metric tons of CO₂ emissions reduced each year
• 600+ jobs created during DSPP's construction phase
• Improved energy independence and grid stability for Bohol

Bohol's transformation shows how large-scale solar farms can drive both economic uplift and climate resilience in rural and tourism-centric regions. For an island where nature and culture form its economic foundation, such dual-impact projects offer a promising path towards uplifting both people and planet.

Why the Right Solar Modules Matter in Ecotourism Projects

From mangroves and wetlands to national parks, many ecotourism sites are in remote and underdeveloped areas that experience challenging environmental conditions:

• high salinity
• heavy rainfall
• high humidity
• logistical limitations that restrict access

Without the right technology, clean energy infrastructure could fail prematurely, undermining performance, guest experience, and sustainability goals.

Solar modules that can withstand harsh climates without frequent maintenance – like Trinasolar's Vertex modules used in DSPP – are key to minimizing downtime and protecting both reputation and revenue. That's why the Vertex bifacial modules were selected for DSPP — specifically for their:

• Proven energy efficiency in harsh environments
• Dual-glass structure for corrosion resistance
• Stable long-term output in off-grid regions

Bohol's success demonstrates how choosing the right solar modules from the start forms the foundation for sustainable tourism that scales. By applying this model with confidence, other ecotourism destinations across APAC facing similar environmental challenges can ensure clean, reliable energy for decades, improving visitor experiences and advancing long-term sustainability goals.

What Can Other Tourism Destinations Learn from Bohol's Ecotourism Model?

As more destinations face the dual pressure of growth and sustainability, Bohol offers a proven roadmap for sustainability in travel and tourism. By integrating solar power into its tourism framework, the island offers a model for how destinations can scale without sacrifice. It shows the world that solar-powered tourism can be profitable, resilient, and regenerative for every destination serious about sustainable growth. 

Key Takeaways for Ecotourism and Solar:

• Utility-scale solar can directly support tourist infrastructure
• Durable solar modules reduce maintenance in harsh climates
• Clean energy makes destinations more attractive to eco-conscious travelers
• Job creation and energy reliability enhance local resilience
• Partnerships between governments, energy companies, and technology leaders like Trinasolar are key to success

Ready to power a greener destination?

Trinasolar can support your sustainable tourism roadmap with our smart solar and storage solutions.

Get started with Trinasolar:

• Explore Trinasolar's Solar Module Solutions
• Read the Dagohoy Solar Power Case Study
• Contact Our Solar Experts 
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