EFFECTS OF DIGITAL PLATFORM IN PROMOTING AGRICULTURAL TOURISM IN GREENHOUSE GARDEN AT CALUMPIT, BULACAN

Abstract

The growth of agricultural tourism through a greenhouse garden in Calumpit, Bulacan offers a unique opportunity for the local tourism sector to promote the agricultural heritage and environmentally friendly practices of the area to a larger audience. To take advantage of this opportunity, the researchers advertise their goods and services on Facebook to reach a wider audience. By creating a dedicated Facebook page for their greenhouse garden or agricultural tourism business, the researchers can share videos and information about their products and services with potential tourists. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of digital platforms in promoting agricultural tourism in a greenhouse garden in Calumpit, Bulacan, in terms of the growth of the local community, tourist activities, and helping farmers increase their income by improving production efficiency. The study utilized a descriptive research method, which was employed with 52 local farmers/residents in Calumpit, Bulacan. Each person in the population had an equal probability of being chosen using the sampling technique. The results of this study reveal that most respondents agreed on the promotion, awareness, fostering of economic development, and sustainability of the environment when using digital platforms as a tool for effectively promoting the greenhouse garden in Calumpit, Bulacan. The researchers found that a greenhouse garden can boost the tourism industry through social media promotion, as visually appealing locations and well-designed gardens help connect potential tourists with information about the greenhouse garden. Additionally, the primary benefit for the local community and residents is education and skill development, as the greenhouse garden provides a platform for educational programs. This study recommends that the local community should gain benefits regarding future employment, safety and security for their protected agricultural tourism, and the opportunity to practice gardening skills to enhance their knowledge in preserving farm tourism and promoting a sustainable environment.