Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) has taken another step forward in its foray into the resort and leisure segment. The company recently entered into a partnership with the Asian Conservation Company (ACC), owner of the El Nido Resorts, for the development of responsible tourism destinations in Northern Palawan.

“We are excited to have ACC as our new partner, not just for their unique experience in managing island resort properties but also for their strong adherence to a quadruple bottom line approach in preserving the environment around their resort properties," said Antonino T. Aquino, President and Chief Executive Officer of ALI.

Ayala Land first ventured into the resort and leisure segment with its development of Anvaya Cove, a premiere residential enclave and resort in Morong, Bataan, that is also active in marine conservation in the area. The company quickly followed this with a similar development called Amara in Cebu.

Vicente S. Perez, Chairman of ACC, welcomed the partnership with ALI. "We are pleased to have ALI as our strategic partner, given their strong corporate philosophy on sustainability and their proven track record of building world-class real estate projects," he said.

ACC, through its subsidiaries under the Ten Knots Group, owns and operates the multi-awarded El Nido Resorts in Lagen and Miniloc Islands in Northern Palawan, serving as a model for environmentally sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia. It has been adjudged winner of the Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award in 2009 and was one of 15 Favorite Green Hotels recognized by Travel + Leisure magazine in 2007.

The partnership between ALI and ACC is expected to develop more eco-friendly resorts and help boost tourism in the country.