THE State recognizes the importance of agriculture in making available food and other products to sustain and enhance human life, and in providing livelihood to a major portion of the population. Further, the State believes that tourism coupled with agriculture extension services can disseminate the value of agriculture in the economic and cultural development of the country. Farm Tourism has three priority sectors namely: tourism-related services, agriculture development and countryside development.
The practice of attracting visitors and tourists to farm areas for production, educational and recreational purposes is called Farm Tourism. It involves any agricultural or fishery based operation or activity that brings to farm visitors, tourists farmers and fisherfolks who want to be educated and trained on farming and its related activities and provides a venue for outdoor recreation , accessible family outings and farm-to-table cuisines.
Farm tourism activities have potentials to generate jobs and produce goods and services in agriculture and fishery and contribute to countryside development. The potential benefits derived from farm tourism activities are expected to contribute to the goals of the Philippine Development Plan, the Regional Development Plan and keep up with the vision of the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP).
The Dept. of Tourism Region 7 is on the next phase of development by launching FARMS7 and OUTDOORS7 “Farm-Fork-Fitness Circuit” in the coming week (June 15-21,2022) here in our Province. The weeklong activity will start with a Product Development and Validation Workshops and a 4-day Farm Tour in Bohol.
It is envisaged to enhance the value of current product offerings by integrating visitor preferences in the New Normal which includes safe stay in open spaces, low-density facilities and activity areas and curated experiences for overall wellness.
The enabling activities for tourism stakeholders are aligned to the visions of our newly elected President, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and newly appointed Tourism Secretary, our very own Cebuana, Atty. Cristina Garcia Frasco to build initiatives to promote local employment and improve performance of our SMSEs.
Being the President of Central Visayas Farm Tourism Association, I would like to welcome all local and foreign visitors and media influencers, Come, Visit Central Visayas; Enjoy Bohol, Philippines’ Little Paradise.
