Traditionally known for surfing options in La Union, island-hopping in Pangasinan, and historical monuments in Ilocos Norte and Sur, Ilicos is a treasurebox of authentic countryside experiences that allow visitors to catch glimpses of the daily local life. Recently a growing number of farm tourism sites invites visitors to explore Ilicos fruit culture.
Farm tourism merges elements of educational and entertainment tourism. Farms open their doors to visitors inviting them to taste fruits of the season and learn about agriculture and fruit growing technics. Some farms offer visitors an opportunity to participate in daily farm activities like fruit picking, weeding, watering, etc.
Part of 'the back-to-basics concept' that makes vitiros acquainted with life in a rural community, farm tourism has great potential. The Farm Tourism Development Act was signed in 2016, and since then the number of accredited sites in the Ilocos Region reached 18. Each of these farms is in some way unique to the region – some grow dragon fruits, others specialize in grapes, etc.
As of September 2019, the Department of Tourism has accredited a total of 174 farms across the country. As the demand for “low-impact tourism” grows, it is expected that more places of the kind will be created in the course of several years.
Ilicos, Philippines Develops Fruit Farm Tourism
News in Asia
Ilocos, the Philippines Region 1 administrative division in the the northwestern section of Luzon island, invites tourists to explore its 18 fruit farms.