DOT, DA, DTI launch roadmap for farm tourism growth

The Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), together with private sector members of the Farm Tourism Development Board (FTDB), launched the Farm Tourism Strategic Action Plan (FTSAP) 2026 to 2031 on Monday, 16 February 2026, aiming to expand farm and gastronomy tourism and support rural communities.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the launch, which seeks to operationalize the country’s farm tourism framework into a coordinated national strategy linking tourism demand with agricultural production and rural enterprises.

The roadmap builds on Republic Act No. 10816, or the Farm Tourism Act of 2016, by strengthening accreditation systems, integrating farm tourism sites into structured circuits, and aligning infrastructure, enterprise development, and market access. The plan also seeks to ensure tourism demand translates into sustained income, employment, and livelihood opportunities for Filipino farmers.

During the launch, Frasco cited global trends in agritourism, noting that the sector is projected to grow from USD 69 billion in 2019 to about USD 197 billion by 2032. She said linking tourism demand for food and culinary experiences directly to farmers and rural enterprises can strengthen local economies.

“When tourism demand for food and culinary experiences is intentionally linked to Filipino farmers and rural enterprises, visitor spending strengthens local economies. Farm tourism allows agriculture to participate directly in this higher value tourism model,” Frasco said.

Secretary Tiu Laurel highlighted the plan’s potential to stabilize market opportunities for farmers.

“This is not simply about adding tourist spots to farms. It is about creating stable institutional demand for local produce. It is about encouraging value-adding, strengthening supply chains, and integrating agriculture into the broader service economy. When hotels and restaurants consistently source from Filipino farmers, they stimulate rural investments, generate employment, and expand economic activity beyond primary production,” Tiu Laurel said.

A Joint Technical Working Group of representatives from DOT, DA, DTI, and private stakeholders will oversee implementation, coordinate stakeholders, and develop work plans.

As of February 2026, DOT has accredited 138 farm tourism sites nationwide. The FTSAP also formalizes the partnership between DOT and DA through a Memorandum of Agreement on Farm, Food, and Gastronomy Tourism, which strengthens coordination across production, enterprise development, infrastructure, and tourism demand.

“For small business owners in rural communities, whether operating a family farm, a cooperative producing coffee or cacao, a rural café sourcing local ingredients, or a community offering harvest experiences, this convergence we’re forging today creates structured access to markets, contracts, certification, training, and sustained demand,” Frasco said.