HRRAC vows to help promote farm tourism

CEBU, Philippines — The Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association in Cebu (HRRAC) commits to further promote farm tourism in Cebu.

HRRAC president Carlo B. Suarez believes that although Cebu is not an agricultural province, farm tourism could still thrive by developing the small farm lands and aquaculture facilities within the province to accommodate tourists.

“Farm tourism is the way to go,” Suarez said noting that tourist, both local and foreign are increasingly interested on visiting farm destinations regardless of distance.

If Cebu could fully develop this attraction, tourists will not be only limited to sightseeing, visiting the cultural heritage, enjoying the beach, but also be captivated by farm lands.

On the other hand, the Farm Tourism Association of Cebu (FTAC) recently appealed to the government to ease accreditation of farms to capitalize on tourists’ high interest on farm immersion activities.

FTAC president Jun Ayag said that amid the government’s pronouncement of boosting farm tourism as additional attraction, farm operators are having difficulty in getting accreditation with government agencies, particularly the Department of Tourism (DOT).

According to Ayag, farmers, who are interested to have their farms accredited with DOT as part of farm tourism destinations, are received with “lukewarm” welcome. In fact, the industry is not yet being well recognized.

Farm tourism, as defined by the law, is the practice of attracting visitors and tourists to farm areas for production, educational, and recreational purposes which involves any agricultural or fishery-based operation or activity and may also provide a venue for outdoor recreation and accessible family outings.

Apparent from its title, the Act recognizes that combining tourism with agriculture can disseminate the value of agriculture in the economic and cultural development of the country, serve as a catalyst for the development of agriculture and fishery communities, and provide additional income for farmers, farmworkers and fisherfolk.

Ayag added that getting accredited is one of the major challenges faced by farm operators here.

According to Suarez, full development of farm tourism in Cebu could also help stretch the length of stay of tourists in Cebu. (FREEMAN)