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Considered a first of its kind, Palau is now offering exclusive offers to visitors if they treat the environment and the culture accordingly.
According to authorities, the initiative, called O’lau Palau, is a step to emphasize to tourists that kindness, above all, is valued and rewarded in their country.
The Republic of Palau is home to only 20,000 citizens. It is a pristine destination comprised of over 300 islands with white sand beaches and rich culture. The country is a home of firsts. Apart from being the world’s first country to adopt the anti-nuclear constitution in 1979, it has now launched a new program – the world’s first – that changes the way tourists travel to their country.
Upon entry, travelers sign a pledge stamp where they promise to the country and the children of Palau to proceed with care and “preserve and protect” the Palauan islands.
O’lau Palau is managed through an application where tourists can gain points if they show good deeds when in the country, like using bio-friendly sunscreen, visiting heritage sites, and consuming sustainable food made by locals.
Tourists can redeem the points and unlock offers that have not been made available to the public until now. ‘Good tourists’ are offered hikes, a chance to enjoy a secret cave, dine with locals, or enjoy a time at an exclusive fishing spot. The program also lets tourists access Palauan cultural activities like a first birth ceremony, among others.
According to authorities, the initiative came about after seeing an increase in tourists before the pandemic struck. Over 150,000 visitors visit them every year. However, as observed by both locals and authorities, some travelers did not treat the country’s environment with respect. Authorities said that some people do not understand how the people of Palau value their environment and their culture.
The people of Palau are hospitable, and they value respect above all. Still, as per authorities, many locals turn to them in several instances where under-educated tourists erode their environment.
Laura Clarke, the co-founder of the Palau Legacy Project, said that the country’s challenge is now to educate tourists and get their attention. That is why O’alu Palau was launched.
O’lau in Palau means inviting a person into your place. Clarke explained, “So if you’re on a beach, for example, and someone calls out O’lau, it means, ‘Hey, cover here, come be with us….”
The Palau Legacy Project hopes that the initiative will change the way some tourists treat Palau when they visit. The country is ramping up efforts as they open its borders to tourists.
The country is highly dependent on its tourism industry, and authorities announced their re-opening last April 2022. Experts and scientists report that the sceneries in Palau have improved. “The corals are flourishing, and the reefs are beautiful,” said Scott Arni, a captain who led several dive expeditions in Palau for over ten years.
The country has also reminded tourists to travel with no trace. Furthermore, Palau commits itself to a clean and green ecology as it has encouraged local hospitality management companies to focus on green practices. Amid the climate crisis, Palau is hopeful that the O’lau Palau program would help them encourage travelers and even locals to prioritize the safety of the environment and respect for culture.
Before planning to go to Palau, tourists need to be vaccinated. Palau also requires travelers to present a negative PCR a few days before departure and be tested again upon arrival.
Opinions expressed by NY Weekly contributors are their own.
