SEARCA and ISST to partner in 2 international farm tourism meets

The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) is set to formalize ties with the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) to jointly organize two landmark international conferences on farm tourism.

Farm tourism or agritourism is the business of attracting visitors and travelers to farm areas for recreational or educational purposes that encourages economic activity and can provide both farm and community income.

SEARCA, a treaty organization founded in 1966, is mandated to promote inclusive and sustainable agricultural and rural development (ISARD) in Southeast Asia through its core programs on graduate education and institutional development, research and development, and knowledge management.

SEARCA Director Dr. Glenn Gregorio asserts that “agritourism is an innovative pathway to ISARD.”

He added that in addition to advocating agritourism to diversify farmers’ sources of income and livelihood, SEARCA sees it as a way to promote sustainable agriculture with community involvement and participation.

On the other hand, the non-profit ISST, headed by former Philippine Tourism Secretary, Dr. Mina T. Gabor, provides education and technical training to develop, promote, and viably operate sustainable tourism in the Philippines and other ASEAN countries.

SEARCA and ISST will thus attempt to jointly shine a spotlight on farm tourism through a Philippine Farm Tourism Conference in November 2020 and an Asia Women Leaders Meet in December 2020. Experts, practitioners, and stakeholders in the industry worldwide are expected to attend and participate.

SEARCA and ISST welcome the support of other international development organizations, government agencies, and private entities to these important conferences.