‘Tourism with a purpose gaining popularity’

Cebu eyed in Gawad Kalinga ‘Enchanted Farm’ project

The Network of Independent Travel Agencies  in the Philippines (Nitas) is banking on a project that will capitalize on “social tourism” in partnership with Gawad Kalinga.

In an interview yesterday, Nitas chairman emeritus consul Robert Lim Joseph said that they will be initiating a project that will put more emphasis on tourism with a purpose.

“We will be setting up at least 28 Enchanted Farms all over the country in partnership with GK,” said Joseph.

The project took inspiration from the first and only Enchanted Farm in the country today that is located in Bulacan.

“The farm is a community that aims to teach the poor how to start a business and rise above poverty,” he said.

In Cebu, they have already talked with Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale to partner with them for an Enchanted Farm here.

“We are asking Vice Governor Magpale to donate at least a six-hectare lot where we can develop the Enchanted Farm,” he said.

Joseph said that the vice governor, who heads the provincial tourism committee, has yet to give them feedback.

Knowing how supportive Magpale is on any project that will benefit many people especially the poor, Joseph said they are confident to have her support on the initiative.

PARTNER

Being a foundation in the country today that has succesful interventions with the poor and has attracted a lot of volunteers from around the world, Joseph said GK will be a great partner for the endeavor.

According to Joseph, the location for the farms will be carefully studied and should be located in areas where there is maximum benefit in terms of job creation.

He added that preferably, they will partner with local government units to help them identify the areas.

“When they (tourists) come, they get to experience how people in the community live. It’s like an immersion experience for them. That is what most tourists especially the Europeans look for, to be able to experience culture and that’s something very meaningful to them,” said Joseph.

Joseph said they will also be working with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the necessary livelihood trainings for the people in the community.

FARM

The Enchanted Farm will include areas for housing and livelihood including a convention hall that can hold at least 500 people for trainings.

“Then we should have at least three to four breakout sessions for them for specific trainings,” said Joseph.

Joseph said social tourism is already something big in Thailand which attracts at least 60,000 tourists every year to volunteer and help communities.

He said these are the tourists who seek for more meaning when they travel.

“Now we get a lot of British and French tourists coming and visiting GK communities. They live with the people and see Filipinos as very happy people despite the problems they encounter. They have often wondered why and with this project, they experience it themselves,” he said.

EXPERIENCE

“Their experience sitting in the sand, have a bonfire and drink Tanduay while singing is something they are already happy about. Most of them found meaning here, why don’t we also push for more of that?”Joseph asked.
To promote the offering, Joseph said they will be working with the Department of Tourism through the Tourism and Promotions Board to soon include a booth or a table during international fairs to promote social tourism.