The Department of Tourism (DOT) Farm Tourism Program hosted the National Farm Tourism Summit and Trade Fair at the Ayala Malls in Bacolod City.
Organized through the Department’s Office of Tourism Regulation, Coordination & Resource Generation (TRCRG), the summit gathered farm tourism operators, stakeholders, policymakers, and partner agencies nationwide with the aim to foster meaningful dialogues and actionable resolutions to emergent issues impacting farm tourism, as well as provide an avenue for collective action towards the growth and development of the sector.
The summit likewise aimed to provide comprehensive updates on farm tourism programs, enhance awareness about its business potential, and engage in collaborative problem-solving for the industry’s advancement.
Delivering her keynote address, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, emphasizing the pivotal role of farm tourism in the country’s sustainable growth, as she expressed the DOT’s commitment to lead in further developing and supporting the sector.
“We, at the Department of Tourism, welcome the mandate to lead and administer farm tourism development in the country.”
“Since the advent of the farm tourism development after 2016, we have witnessed the transformation of farm tourism into a dynamic industry, offering diverse products and services beyond traditional farming. The law recognizes the synergies between agriculture and tourism for growth and development. We, at the Department of Tourism, welcome the mandate to lead and administer farm tourism development in the country. The commitment of our President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. to this market is evident,” Frasco said.
The DOT has officially accredited 231 farm tourism sites across the Philippines.
As of December 2, 2023, the DOT has officially accredited 231 farm tourism sites across the Philippines, highlighting the sector’s growth and potential.
The Summit underscores the mandates of the Tourism Act of 2009 and the Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016, which advocate for sustainable tourism, economic growth, and community development through the integration of agriculture and tourism.
Recognizing farm tourism as a priority niche market for domestic travelers, the DOT has continued to prioritize its development and promotion, in tandem with culinary tourism, through various initiatives and collaborations.
