‘FARM tourism attracts visitors to farm areas for educational and recreational purposes, which encourage economic activity to provide farm and community income. It is one of the country’s sunshine industries that can be developed because of the agricultural nature of the economy.”
This is one of the messages of the International School of Sustainable Tourism President Dr. Mina Gabor, as she leads the organizing efforts behind the fourth Farm Tourism Conference set at the Summit Ridge Hotel in Tagaytay City from July 14 to 16.
According to Dr. Gabor, the conference will focus on low-impact travel that will empower local communities socially and economically. She also noted that the event is an ideal opportunity to learn and share best practices on farm tourism from the international and local experts in the field.
Supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Tourism Promotions Board, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) and the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), the confab expects the participation of farmers, cooperatives, farm-tourism operators, representatives from different local government units, restaurants and hotel managers, landowners and entrepreneurs.
The keynote speakers of the three-day confab are Cavite Gov. Jesus Crispin F. Remulla, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon T. Teo and DOT Regional Director Rebecca Labit.
Entrepreneurs who blazed the trail and helped mainstream farm tourism will share their experiences, namely, Cathy Turvill of Nurture Wellness Village, Robert Yupangco of the Zoomanity Group, Nenette Aguirre-Graf of Motag Living Museum, Rico Omoyon of Milea Bee Farm, Ramon Peñalosa of Peñalosa Farms, Ginny de Villa of Gourmet Farms, Gigi Morris of MoCA Family Farm, Ria Bagatsing of Kahariam Farms and Irish Baguilat of the International Institute for Rural Reconstruction.
Other resource persons are authorities on bee culture, such as Philippine Bee Board President Anna Locsin, Apimondia Commission for Asia President Prof. Cleo Cervancia and Asian Apiculture Association President Prof. Siriwat Wongsiri of Thailand. “Bees are an integral part of farming, but sadly, it has been noted that the number of bees in our farms is decreasing. Thus, the conference will also address this alarming situation,” Gabor said.
There will be sessions with experts on honey-bee propagation, marketing and promotions, basic layout of farm-tourism destinations, creating tour packages, and in-depth discussions on the newly signed Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016.
Noted Chef Chris Caraingan will do a farm-to-table cuisine demonstration to showcase organic and healthy cooking.
This year’s conference coincides with the celebration of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) International Year of Pulses that would help heighten the public awareness on the nutritional benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production aimed toward food security and nutrition.
The confab will visit successful farms in Cavite, namely, Nurture Wellness Village, The Flower Farm, Paradizoo Residence Inn and Gourmet Farms, to offer participants a firsthand experience on innovative activities and products they offer.
There will also be a farm-tourism exhibit showcasing destinations and tour packages, as well as a Farmers’ Market, where fresh and locally grown agricultural produce will be on sale.
The conference will also honor Sen. Cynthia Villar, AAMBIS-OWA Party-list Rep. Sharon Garin, former Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez and Costales Nature Farms founder Ronald Costales for championing farm tourism.
It is said that the Costales Farm in Majayjay, Laguna, is one of the industry leaders of farm tourism in the country. “Aside from Costales, there are a lot of farm-tourism sites in the country and their number increases every year. Each one is quite unique, offering different experiences to tourists who are into nature, organic farming and healthy living,” added Rebecca Villanueva-Labit, regional director of DOT Region 4A.
The event is also supported by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Trade and Industry, the provincial government of Cavite, the city government of Tagaytay, East-West Seeds Philippines, Zest-O, Pulse Association of the Philippines, the United Nations Dry Bean Council, the USA Dry Pea and Lentil, and Philippine Airlines as the official carrier.
Carla Mortel
1 comment
Farm tourism is a good business concept. There are many idle lands, even in urban areas, where farming can be promoted. Landowners should read about this article to give them an idea.