POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

College of Tourism, Hospitality, and Transportation Management

Junior Tourism and Hospitality Management Association of the Philippines

AGRITOURISM: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE AND HOLISTIC TOURISM

Tourism is one of the most prominent and expanding industries in the world economy. It is
a significant component of our global culture, which enables us to travel to other locations, interact
with people from all backgrounds, and take part in new customs and pleasures. It is typically
viewed as a force for good because it offers several advantages to both travelers and
communities. On the Week 1 of JTHMAP’s JLIST workshop, the face of tourism and hospitality in
contemporary times was discussed by Ms. Pristine Marie Lim Tumakay, a well-experienced
practitioner in the Hospitality field. She presented the current Tourism and Hospitality overview;
this include the different forms of tourism that are yet to be known on the mass media.

The 11 forms of tourism she discussed are engrossing as it portrays the continuous
development and evolution of the industry. However, among the different forms of tourism that
were discussed, I personally think that Agritourism has the most potential to improve the
industry’s well-being. As the industry evolves, we should be more and more conscious of the
threat posed by climate change and our part in it as the years go by. We should consider new
methods to have a less environmental effect across all industries while promoting sustainability
approaches.

Agritourism is a sector that is becoming more popular as businesses strive to diversify and
boost revenues. Agritourism, which combines agriculture with tourism, provides new revenue
streams but also exposes operators to possible issues and regulatory complexities. The following
four elements should be a part of agritourism: combines the key components of the agriculture
and tourist industries; draws the general people to agricultural enterprises; is intended to boost
farm income; offers tourists opportunities for amusement, relaxation, or education. (National
Agricultural Law Center, 2022).

.
 Source: https://www.aesanetwork.org/extension-
and-agri-tourism-in-india/

Around the world, people are curious to learn more about the environment, how to live
more sustainably, and how human activity affects the environment. Recent years have seen a rise
in environmental awareness as younger generations want to protect the planet's future.
Environmental responsibility has evolved from taking on large businesses to speaking on a
global platform and inspiring governments to take action. This study shows that we are interested
in education, which is poised to become one of the most effective instruments in the battle against
climate change and environmental damage. (Ellsmoor, 2019).

AGRITOURISM IN THE PHILIPPINES

Philippines has world-class beach, diving, and shopping areas, making it a developing
tourism hub. The nation is currently researching another rapidly expanding agritourism field.

Since the 1990s, agritourism has existed in the Philippines, but it was not institutionally
recognized at the time. In order to expand tourism in a way that is ecologically sustainable, the
United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Philippines Department of Tourism
(DOT) collaborated to create the Philippine Tourism Master Plan (TMP) in 1991. (Asia Research
Media, 2013).

The Philippines is ideally situated for agri-tourism as a tropical nation with a wealth of natural
resources, biological variety, and a rich cultural legacy. There are now 32 agritourism destinations
in the Philippines, including 27 protected areas with organic vegetable and strawberry farms in
Benguet, as well as coffee and pineapple plantations in Bukidnon. (Asia Research Media, 2013).
 Another example of Agritourism which also compels an opportunity for art recognition is the
Yamang Bukid in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Source: https://www.rappler.com/tachyon/r3-
assets/C15C6119A8AC4B83B509ECCB36F82034/img/F7F2E5
A96D5C4BFFBE81B9ACE0F87ABA/palawan-farmers-
agritourism-feb222020-010.jpg?resize=1400%2C933&zoom=1

Helping farmers discover their artistic talent is a means for the local artists in Yamang
Bukid in Puerto Princesa to empower marginalized workers. Children of farmers are also given
training by Yamang Bukid in addition to farmers. (Fabro, 2023)

With these all Agritourism that the Philippines can offer, it can provide tourists the chance
to see, experience, and take part in some agricultural operations, which enhances their overall
enjoyment of the location. Moreover, if Agritourism will be patronize and immensely developed,
holistic growth for sustainability in tourism can be pursued.

AGRITOURISM ADVANTAGES

Agritourism has many advantages and benefits that can help the economy, society, and
environment. Here are some reasons why agritourism is advantageous why people should
consider it (Agritourism - UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life, n.d.):

• Agritourism benefits the environment and wildlife

Land management is necessary for wildlife-focused agritourism, such as wildlife

photography, bird viewing, and fishing. Even financial incentives for reserving property for conser-
vation might be offered by the federal government and nonprofit organizations

• Agritourism provides social benefits to local communities

Through agritourism, one may teach people about agriculture; school groups frequently visit
nearby agritourism destinations. One may employ direct marketing with agritourism to support
regional sustainable markets. It promotes job creation and nurture the culture of the place.

AGRITOURISM DISADVANTAGES

Before establishing your agritourism business, one should be informed of the advantages
and disadvantages of every industry. Here are some challenges when it comes to Agritourism:
managing visitors, risk of liability for accidents, marketing problems, theft, and a poor location.
(Agritourism - UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life, n.d.).

AGRITOURISM IMPORTANCE

Agritourism offers a unique chance to integrate components of the tourism and

agriculture industries to give a variety of financial, educational, and social benefits to travelers,
farmers, and communities. Agritourism offers producers a way to reach consumers directly and a
chance to make additional money. By boosting the number of visitors and the length of their stays,
it benefits the tourism sector. Communities may be able to grow their local tax bases and create
new jobs thanks to agritourism. Agritourism also helps to maintain agricultural lands, gives the
general public educational opportunities, and enables states to create commercial ventures.
National Agricultural Law Center, 2022).

By and large, the tourism and hospitality industry have a huge opportunity of development
in the sustainability alongside Agritourism. Incorporating our environmental responsibility as
humans, it should be our ultimate goal to promote sustainable and holistic nurturement of every
industry we belong in.
References:

Admin. (2013). The Rise of Agri-tourism in the Philippines. Asia Research Media. https://www.asia-
research.net/the-rise-of-agri-tourism-in-the-philippines/

Agritourism - UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life. (n.d.).

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/archive/hot_topics/agriculture/agritourism.shtml#:~:text=Agritourism%20pr
ovides%20social%20benefits%20to%20local%20communities.&text=Typical%20pros%20of%20
agritourism%20include,theft%2C%20and%20a%20poor%20location.

Ellsmoor, J. (2019, July 23). 77% Of People Want To Learn How To Live More Sustainably. Forbes.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesellsmoor/2019/07/23/77-of-people-want-to-learn-how-to-live-
more-sustainably/?sh=198376d42b01

National Agricultural Law Center. (2022, March 14). Agritourism Overview - National Agricultural
Law Center. https://nationalaglawcenter.org/overview/agritourism/

Fabro, K. a. S. (2023, May 25). How an agritourism spot empowers Palawan farmers through art.
RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/moveph/252418-agritourism-empower-palawan-farmers-art/

Images Sources:

https://www.aesanetwork.org/extension-and-agri-tourism-in-india/

https://www.rappler.com/tachyon/r3-
assets/C15C6119A8AC4B83B509ECCB36F82034/img/F7F2E5A96D5C4BFFBE81B9ACE0F87
ABA/palawan-farmers-agritourism-feb222020-010.jpg?resize=1400%2C933&zoom=1