Benchmarking Total Quality Service of Agritourism Sites in Calabarzon Region

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

To equip farm-bound stakeholders and entrepreneurs with the knowledge and expertise in enhancing the quality of experience in their farmlands thru tourism and travel, discovering livelihood opportunities in farm tourism, best practices and success farm sites in CALABARZON. In this study, one model from the local province provided inputs on how they were able to improve the living conditions of their farmers and farm owners using tourism as their benchmark.

METHODS

A content analysis of the papers was undertaken to learn from best practices in CALABARZON. Structured questions were used to enable the theme editors to reflect on the rationale for the theme issues and questions. The study used the comparative method in presenting the data. The survey was conducted in each agritourism site through a purposive cluster sampling. The respondents of the study were the tourists inside the farms during the administration of the survey. The study used a Likert scale to attain the desired output. Percentage and frequency were used to determine the profile of the respondents while the weighted mean was used in the determination of the perception of the respondents in the uniqueness of products and services of each farm.

RESULTS

This summary highlights the most significant outcomes in terms of the contributions to knowledge and/or professional practice, and also the implications for management action and applied research aroused from the review of best practices in CALABARZON. Some of the innovative approaches were identified which can be adopted by agritourism from Costales Nature Farm in Majayjay, Laguna. While sites from Teofely Nature Farms in Silang, Cavite, Kahariam Realty Farms in Lipa, Batangas Flor's Farm and Garden in Antipolo, Rizal and Lukong Valley Farm in Dolores, Quezon highlighted factors that have prevented agritourism from flourishing. These include lack of marketing and infrastructure support, capacity building of local government units, and technical vocational training for farm tourism operators and practitioners. There is also inadequate knowledge on manpower needs and sustainable practices, lack of integration of hospitality programs and assistance for farm sanitation and energy management.

DISCUSSIONS

This study envisioned to close the gap and to guarantee a harmonized approach of development, monitoring, and evaluation across all partner agencies that will make the Philippines benchmark with progressive farm tourism.

Therefore, better implications for management action and applied research arising from the review of best practices in Costales Nature Farm in Laguna a premiere farm tourism sites in the CALABARZON may be adopted.