Can Philippine farm tourism revitalise its travel industry?

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

After a hiatus of five years owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bohol is gearing up to reinvigorate the tourism sector with the much-anticipated Philippine Farm Tourism Conference. Set to take place at The Bellevue Resort in Panglao from February 26 to 28, this year marks the event’s 7th iteration. The conference, an international affair, is organized by the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) and receives support from the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), based in Los Banos, Laguna.

Under the theme “Farm Tourism: Consciousness for Healthy Living and New Experiences,” the conference aims to showcase valuable lessons from the pandemic and share best practices for the social and economic empowerment of communities. The event has garnered support from several key organizations, including the Asean Centre for Biodiversity, the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, and others, with Philippine Airlines being the official carrier.

ISST president Mina Gabor highlighted that this year’s focus would be on fostering sustainable growth through various means. These include the cultivation of fruit and vegetable farms, aquaculture, artisanal fisheries, and green investments in farm tourism. The former tourism chief also mentioned a DTI-led exhibit featuring agricultural produce and by-products under its One Town, One Product program and a farm tour to visit notable farm tourism sites in the region.

The conference will cover a range of topics crucial for the revival of the tourism industry, such as the hospitality industry’s adoption of the sustainable farm-to-table concept, the significance of processing fruits and vegetables for food security, and the value-added benefits of artisanal fisheries. Discussions will also delve into the revival of the seaweed industry, the potential of pampano fish in aquaculture, and green investment opportunities in the Asian agricultural and tourism sectors.

Moreover, the conference will present the 4th Lakbay Bukid Awards to honor both local and foreign individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to the development of farm tourism in Asia.

This event is a beacon of hope for the tourism industry in Bohol and the Philippines, signaling a shift towards more sustainable and community-centric travel experiences. As the world recovers from the pandemic, such initiatives are pivotal in reshaping the future of tourism, focusing on health, sustainability, and new experiences.

« Back to Page

• Loboc River Cruise rate hike affects summer budgets