ISST, DOT in partnership to promote farm tourism

CEBU, Philippines -  Tourism and agriculture stakeholders are looking to further promote the farm tourism sector given its potential to drive inclusive economic growth.

In a statement, the International School of Sustainable Tourism( ISST) said it would hold the 5th Farm Tourism Conference and Festival in October.

The conference, which is co-organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), will highlight earth-friendly organic farming systems in line with the event’s theme of “Improving Farm Tourism through Enrichment of Local Products and Culture.”

Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo said the conference would focus on the unique fusion of farming and tourism that would empower local communities, provide diversified income for farmers, and encourage sustainable practices for food security.

“The most important effect of promoting farm tourism is the economic benefit it will bring to the farmer and to the immediate community. The rural lifestyle and cultural traditions are appreciated by guests, and the environment is sustained,” Teo said.

Teo described the farm tourism sector as one of the country’s sunshine industries which could be developed because of the agricultural nature of the economy.

Among the featured speakers for the conference to be held at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City from Oct. 2 to 4 are Farm Tourism Act of 2016 author Sen. Cynthia Villar, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Undersecretary Eduardo Gongona, and Tourism Undersecretary Silvino Tejada,  who heads the agency’s  newly-created Ecotourism, Farm Tourism and Faith Tourism Advocacy portfolio,

“Major topics include climate change and agriculture, preserving natural and cultural heritage, opportunities in farm tourism, marketing and trading, product innovation, and food security, and urban farm technology,” ISST said.

The conference will also put emphasis on coffee, the world’s second most traded commodity.

Also set to speak at the conference are Pandurag Taware, India’s father of agri-tourism, and Jemy See, managing director of Taiwan’s Global Travel Management and Consultancy, who will share best practices in farm tourism in their countries.

Apart from the conference, a festival will also be held, featuring  a farmers’ market where fresh and locally-grown agricultural produce will be on sale.

“The three-day event will also visit successful farm resorts in Iloilo such as Damires Hills, Midway Hills, Ephrathah Farm Resort, and Garin Farm, which are known for their farm-to-table dining,” ISST said.