Farm operators, tourism leaders, policymakers, and development partners gathered in Baguio City on Wednesday for the 9th International Farm Tourism Conference. The event highlights how farm tourism can provide livelihood opportunities for rural communities while connecting travelers with the food, culture, and landscapes of the Filipino countryside.
Organized by the International School of Sustainable Tourism under Dr. Mina Gabor, the conference also aims to share best practices and map the sector’s next phase following the launch of the Farm Tourism Strategic Action Plan 2026–2031. The plan serves as a roadmap to enhance farm-based tourism across the country.
The Department of Tourism said the conference represents a crucial step in translating strategy into tangible benefits for farmers, rural enterprises, and local communities. Developed in collaboration with the Departments of Agriculture and Trade and Industry, the plan focuses on standards, infrastructure, enterprise development, and market integration for farm tourism destinations.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said farm tourism strengthens the link between agriculture, gastronomy, and travel. She noted that Filipino cuisine begins with farms and fisheries, and farm tourism supports supply chains, enables direct sourcing, and integrates rural communities into the tourism economy.
Secretary Frasco highlighted that tourism is regaining momentum as a pillar of the economy. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the sector contributed USD 91.8 billion to the Philippine economy, nearly 20 percent of GDP, supporting over 11 million jobs. She said farm tourism ensures that growth reaches rural communities.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong emphasized the importance of farm tourism in the Cordilleras, where agriculture and culture are closely linked. He said responsible agro-tourism initiatives can strengthen farmers’ livelihoods, protect landscapes, and enhance climate resilience.
The DOT is aligning tourism development with agriculture through initiatives such as farm-to-market roads, irrigation, post-harvest facilities, and cold chain logistics. The Tourism Champions Challenge has allocated Php 255 million in the first cycle and nearly Php 400 million in the second to support transformative tourism projects, many focused on rural and farm-based destinations.
The conference, themed “Highland Harvest: Cultivating Sustainable Agriculture and Tourism,” runs from March 4 to 6 at the Hotel Supreme Mall and Events Center. Secretary Frasco stressed that sustainable growth requires investing in people, supporting local enterprises, and protecting natural landscapes, ensuring that tourism development strengthens rural livelihoods and community prosperity.