The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 2, in collaboration with the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST), successfully conducted Farm Tourism 110: Effective Customer Service on 25-26 August 2022, 8:30-12nn, via Zoom.
This module is a part of the Farm Tourism Webinar series that aims to capacitate farm tourism stakeholders with the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to efficiently develop and manage their existing or potential farm tourism sites.
“The customer service completes the farm tourism experience,” expressed RD Leah Pulido Ocampo in her message that was delivered by DT R2 ARD Winston Singun. RD Ocampo also highlighted that the feedback of the tourists, or “word of mouth”, plays a significant role in marketing farm sites.
ARD Singun mentioned that as service providers, preempting customers’ demands and anticipating clients’ wants lead to a better provision of innovative solutions and a more remarkable customer experience.
Moreover, the DTI R2 vigorously promotes farm tourism because the industry catalyzes and sustains the inclusive economic growth of the region. The development of Farm Tourism through the provision of the much-needed livelihood to other rural folks, women, and youth in agri-tourism sites, the region could provide income to the local community.
“We in DOT are hopeful that we can generate a proactive outlook on farming as an economic and social driver in advancing tourism and agricultural performance. By mentoring our farmers with the endless benefits of farm tourism, we will have a bright future in the Cagayan Valley Region, your islands and valley of fun,” said Department of Tourism Region 2 (DOT R2) RD Fanibeth Domingo as she highlighted how the industry has increased investment as well as employment and additional income, not only in urban but as well as rural areas.
RD Domingo also added that farm tourism also preserves and promotes cultural tradition and fosters a sense of pride—pride of place and ownership—among the people of the community. She also encouraged the interested participants to register their farm tourism site with DOT.
Furthermore, this module capacitated some 157 farm tourism stakeholders on the effectiveness of customer service in the industry. Through this activity, the industry players learned to plan and prepare their tourism sites, services, products, and staff to meet the satisfaction of the guests and customers. Other topics discussed were destination profiling, image branding, and hospitality.
Speakers during this activity were Ms. Mina Gabor, PhD., President of ISST, and Mr. Carlo Sumaoang, CEO of MNLGrowkits. ♦
Date of Release: 16 September 2022