POTENTIAL farm tourism sites in Davao Region are encouraged to convert to become one to further push for sustainable tourism.
Department of Tourism (DOT)-Davao director Tanya Tan said the establishment and development of farm tourism sites is one of the department’s priority projects that is why they continue to encourage more farm owners in the region to see the advantages of converting farms into farm tourism sites.
“Normally, where you see these sites, there is also a community there working in the area. We are promoting kasi local products na healthy and sustainable and we see farm tourism sites as a help,” she said.
Tan said even before she became the head of the department, it was already one of the priorities and that she is following the direction for continuity of development projects.
At present, DOT already has few accredited farm tourism sites. One of these is the Lao Integrated Farms in Davao del Sur.
“Everything coming from the Lao farm is organic. They do not even need to market their products anymore because people go to their farm to buy. Hindi pa naman ganoon kalaki ang production but it is a very interesting place,” Tan said.
“Aside from tourism, there is also educational aspect in farm tourism sites. You learn how these things work,” she said.
The department has been collaborating with other government agencies and stakeholders to conduct focused-group discussions with farm owners to be encouraged to convert their farms into farm tourism sites.
“We also also conduct assessments and trainings. May mga interested farm owners talaga after all these and we give support to them,” she said. (LHC)