Farm tourism plus sustainability on list

CEBU CITY -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) will reach out to more destinations and communities through sustainable tourism programs, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat said during her first visit to Cebu since being appointed to head the agency.

“Tourism will become an agent to reduce poverty and inequality...We will bring sustainable tourism on board,” said Puyat during the inauguration of Terminal 2 of the MactanCebu International Airport last Thursday.

The former Department of Agriculture undersecretary said rural and farm tourism will be prioritized as these programs are mandated by law and are part of the Duterte administration’s 10-point socio-economic agenda.

“It is our commitment to elevate the development of tourism along the path of greater sustainability,” said Puyat, who earlier said in reports that she would put a limit on visitors allowed in a tourist destination.

She, likewise, promised to give the country’s food industry an opportunity to grow alongside other tourism products.

Besides rural and farm tourism, Puyat said her office would also maintain working closely with partners in government and the private sector to improve policies on access, connectivity, and security.

The DOT targets 12 million inbound visitors and 89.2 million domestic travelers by 2022. Secretary Puyat said these “are now within closer reach as we move to upgrade gateways, develop more destinations, and uphold international tourism standards.” SunStar Philippines