Participants of the second safety and risk management for the Philippine agritourism sector training held in Baguio City.

In a landmark collaboration, FAO and the Department of Tourism (DOT) have wrapped up a comprehensive site safety and risk management training series aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges of safety, health, security, operational, and reputational risks in the booming agritourism sector of the Philippines. The second of the three-part training series on Farm Tourism Development was held from 26 July to 17 August 2023 in Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Baguio, and Lucena cities.

Agritourism -- the nexus of agriculture and tourism -- has seen an exponential rise globally. The Philippines, with its rich agricultural heritage and attractive tourist destinations, is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this trend. Recognizing its potential and inherent challenges, FAO Philippines, under the project "Support to enhancing farm tourism in the Philippines for inclusive rural development" and in partnership with the DOT, initiated this nationwide training series.

Beyond just boosting tourism, a safe and robust agritourism sector can invigorate local economies, provide employment opportunities, and showcase sustainable agricultural practices. Ensuring safety, health, and operational excellence in this sector has ripple effects, cementing the Philippines' reputation as a top agritourism destination and setting a precedent for other countries to emulate.

The tailored program highlighted vital health and safety facets, readying stakeholders to handle varied hazards effectively. It also introduced key measures in safety communications, hazard identification and mitigation measures, emergency responses, and agritourism's distinct challenges. It also underscored the importance of topnotch security and operations, especially given agritourism's rising global profile. Participants delved into cutting-edge security practices, crowd handling, and effective communication to enhance visitor experience.

While the trainings had a consistent foundation, regional specifics were integrated, ensuring relevance across different locales. Feedback lauded the program's hands-on approach and actionable insights. Complementing this and recognizing the role of digital and social media in the vital aspect of reputational risk management, the training guided participants on crisis handling, online presence, and swift response protocols.

Additionally, attendees brushed up on current regulations, including DOH 2023-0324, DOLE Advisory 18/2023, and DOT-DA Circular 2020-004, underlining FAO Philippines' commitment to sustainable growth in agritourism.

At the end of the training program, participants charted their vision for a transformed and progressive Philippine agritourism sector, with FAO Philippines championing sites that are not only attractions but also exemplars in safety and operational best practices.