Sustainable Tourism Takes the Spotlight as Baguio Hosts the 9th International Farm Tourism Conference 2026

The City of Baguio is preparing to host the 9th International Farm Tourism Conference from March 4 to 6, 2026. Around 500 tourism stakeholders from various regions across the Philippines are expected to gather in the country’s summer capital for this significant event. The conference is being organized by the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the City Government of Baguio. Its central goal is to advance farm tourism while reviving appreciation for the simplicity and meaningful experiences of rural farm life.

Promoting Sustainability Through “Highland Harvest”

With the theme “Highland Harvest, Cultivating Sustainable Agriculture and Tourism,” the 2026 conference will serve as a platform to emphasize the growth and potential of the tourism industry within the Cordillera region. The focus will be on integrating sustainability into farming and tourism practices while encouraging communities to preserve agricultural traditions alongside the evolving environmental and cultural landscape.

This year marks a milestone for the ISST, as it will be the first time the conference takes place in the highlands. The choice of Baguio and the Cordillera region underscores the importance of highland agriculture and its role in sustainable food production and experiential tourism. Through this event, farm owners, agricultural workers, tourism professionals, and students are expected to gain richer insights into how these sectors can work hand in hand to promote inclusive economic development.

Expanding Knowledge and Learning Opportunities

According to ISST President Mina Gabor, the 2026 conference aims to create a comprehensive knowledge base for farmers, farm owners, and tourism stakeholders. This initiative seeks to empower local communities by integrating education into farm tourism activities. By focusing on learning, the event will strengthen the understanding that farm tourism extends far beyond leisure—it also represents a means to spread valuable knowledge about sustainable farming and environmental stewardship.

The ISST envisions this conference as a way to build bridges between agriculture and tourism. Since both sectors depend heavily on natural and cultural resources, the collaboration between them is expected to improve productivity, expand employment opportunities, and attract new markets for eco-conscious travelers. The program is designed to promote best practices and spur innovations that align agriculture with emerging tourism trends.

A Regional Spotlight on the Cordillera

The Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) views the upcoming conference as a key opportunity to present Baguio and the broader Cordillera as a unified destination. DOT-CAR Regional Director Jovita Ganongan highlighted that the event will not only boost the visibility of Baguio but also place the entire region in the national spotlight.

The conference will allow farmers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to exchange expertise, especially at a time when the Farm Tourism Strategic Action Plan for 2026–2031 has just been launched. This alignment between the conference and the new action plan points to a strategic focus on long-term sustainability and innovation within the farm tourism ecosystem.

The Cordillera region, with its fertile highlands, culturally vibrant communities, and celebrated biodiversity, has long been associated with agricultural excellence. Regions such as Benguet have already become models of farm tourism, demonstrating how local traditions, natural beauty, and sustainable practices can work together to attract travelers seeking authentic rural experiences.

Policy Focus and Legislative Agenda

The 9th International Farm Tourism Conference will also bring attention to public policy, with Senator Francis Pangilinan, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, expected to lead discussions on legislative efforts for food security. By highlighting policy frameworks, the event aims to foster stronger national collaboration to ensure a sustainable and secure food system for future generations.

Insightful Panels and Discussions

A series of panel discussions will take place throughout the three-day event, focusing on key issues relevant to farm tourism in highland regions. Participants will explore topics such as highland coffee innovations, the intersection of tradition and modern technology, and the adaptation of cultural practices to changing agricultural conditions.

Other vital discussions will cover the Six Pillars of Sustainable Farm Tourism, strategies for digital transformation in farm tourism, and methods for preserving the natural and cultural heritage of rural regions. These sessions are designed to equip attendees with actionable insights that can be applied across the Philippines and other Asian nations facing similar environmental and economic challenges.

Integrating Science, Business, and Community

In addition to policy and industry perspectives, the conference will incorporate scientific and technical presentations focused on subjects such as Sustainable Food Systems for Food Security and climate-adaptive agricultural practices. Marketing and communication experts will also contribute by sharing knowledge on brand storytelling and effective promotional strategies that can enhance visibility for farm tourism enterprises.

Community resilience will be another cornerstone theme, with sessions exploring how highland communities can strengthen their capacity to withstand the impacts of climate change while maintaining productivity and cultural integrity. Such integration between science, business, and community engagement represents a holistic vision for sustainable rural development.

Honoring Leaders in Farm Tourism

A major highlight of the conference will be Asia’s Farm Tourism Awards, an annual recognition honoring exceptional entrepreneurs and organizations in the field of farm tourism across the region. The awards aim to celebrate innovation, sustainability, and leadership while inspiring others to pursue excellence in promoting agricultural tourism.

This recognition program serves not only as a motivation for participants but also as an affirmation of the growing importance of farm tourism as an avenue for generating income, preserving traditions, and building cross-cultural connections.

Celebrating the Cordillera Experience

In parallel with the main conference, an exhibition will showcase agricultural products, processed foods, native handicrafts, and other finished goods sourced from the Cordillera region. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience local creativity and craftsmanship firsthand. This exhibition is set to highlight the region’s capacity to offer both cultural authenticity and economic innovation.

Through this diverse program of discussions, exhibits, and awards, the 9th International Farm Tourism Conference is expected to strengthen partnerships between agriculture and tourism while reaffirming Baguio City’s commitment to sustainable development. The event promises not only to share ideas but also to spark lasting collaborations that will help shape the future of Philippine farm tourism in the years ahead.

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