Agritourism to boost Cebu as a destination

CEBU, Philippines - Although Cebu is not largely an agricultural province, the idea of promoting Farm Tourism could actually work and may even pave way for other opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to venture into tourism related services.

"To a certain extent, farm tourism could work well in Cebu. This comes in various forms and helpful to agriculturists, farmers, ecologists and small and medium entrepreneurs of farm products and by-products," said Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry CCCI chairperson for tourism committee Milagros Espina.

However, Espina said while this is a good extension to several eco-tourism packages, it should be studied further by both the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Tourism.

Espina said these two government agencies should get their acts together and explore the possibilities of maximizing the rich agriculture resources in the Philippines, giving another window for farmers and SMEs to make money.

CCCI president Ma. Teresa Chan said that this idea is another innovative step in advancing tourism, specifically for Cebu, which is at the forefront of the country’s tourism sector.

As an entrepreneur, Chan said she actually thought of a similar idea for business 10 years ago, but was not able to pursue it due to other priorities.

"It’s a great idea. In fact, I wanted to make that project about 10 years ago but I got busy with my socio-civic works. That can answer the need of those who would like to be farmers but cannot due to time and cost constraints. It’s a good itinerary package for tourists especially on weekends," said Chan in an interview with The Freeman yesterday.

Recently, AAMBIS-OWA representative Sharon Garin announced the introduction of House Bill 3745 or the Farm Tourism Act. AAMBIS-OWA is a party list for marginalized farmers.     

“Milking cows, fruit-picking, harvesting vegetables, fishing, horseback riding, watching butterflies, tending bees, tasting wines or juices, and sight-seeing are just some of the exciting recreational and educational activities tourists can do in farm tourist spots,”  Garin said.

Cebu on the other hand is not new to this idea, said former DOT-7 regional director Patria Aurora Roa, recalling that in 1996 a similar program was introduced by DOT during the leadership of secretary Mina Gabor promoting the agricultural lands in the country as tourist destinations.

In fact, Roa said travel agencies in Cebu have included agricultural or farm trips to Busay highlands in Cebu like Mango picking, and tree planting among others in their itineraries.

Tourism capitalist Jay Aldeguer said that reviving the interest of Farm Tourism could make Cebu a much more attractive destination.

"Any new product offering for Cebu will always be good and will help draw in more interest. But just like any new product, it should be well curated and marketed," Aldeguer said,

The House Committee on Tourism concluded the hearing on HB 3745 with farm owners, tourism officers, agriculture experts and other stakeholders and government officials last August.

Cebu Business Club president Gordon Alan Joseph said that farm tourism is not at all a new concept as other countries like Sri Lanka and India and other places in the world have tea, coffee and cacao plantation resorts.

"We can adapt this to the Cebu setting: coffee, coconut, sugar, vegetables, flowers plantations, and others, " Joseph said. (FREEMAN)