I recently attended the First Community-Based Rural Tourism Seminar in Cebu from March 26-28, 2008 and I saw light at the end of the tunnel which could possibly spur the Philippine economy to progress specifically in the rural areas. The idea is to actively promote Community-Based Rural Tourism (CBRT) by identifying unique, indigenous, natural, cultural, archaeological, agricultural or any other signficant local attractions which maybe in a form of sites, natural spots such as falls, rivers, mountains, rainforests and the like; customs and traditions; local practices; economic endeavors; agri-based activities; heritage structures such as churches, ancestral houses and even ruins; sports and adventures; food and many others which are locally available. Ably explained by Former Department of Tourism Secretary and now President of Philippine Small and Medium Business develoment Foundation (PHILSMED) Dr. Mina Gabor, the particpants felt a ray of hope in today's economic difficulties through the development of rural tourism.
The good thing about CBRT is the fact that it entails not only the promotion but also the protection of local attractions. It speaks of Heritage Conservation, Environmental Protection, Agricultural Development and Tourism Management.
4As of Rural Tourism
According to Dr. Mina Gabor, the basic characterestics of Communtiy-Based Rural Tourism(CBRT) are the following:
*Attraction (Natural/Mandmade)
*Activities (Adventure, Agritourism, Ecotourism, Cultural)
*Authentic Food, Products, Songs and Dances
*Amenities (Accomodations, Transport, Guides, etc.)
The local governments will be playing an important role in promoting CBRT. Tourism in the barangay level is a great challenge to pursue.
HOMESTAY PROGRAM
A hometay program could very well complement rural tourism. Through this program, visitors are given the chance to experience the life of the local folks in a given community. They live with a family in a local community during their stay in the host country. Learn their way of life, customs, traditions, culture and daily routines, eat or play with them, and be a part of the family.
Aside from earning income for these services, local families will be able to promote their community through tourism. Takers of this kind service are usaually foreign students who want to learn from experience.
THE VIGAN EXPERIENCE
Vigan has so much to offer when it comes to rural tourism. The idea of promoting Vigan as a tourist destination is communty-based in nature. It is not limited in showcasing its built heritage, the centuries-old ancestral houses, its immovable heritage such as its priceless religious statues and icons, furnitures and jewelry but also its traditional industries such as Jar(burnay)-making , pottery-making, and "abel" loomweaving. It boasts of having authentic good food, rich history & legacy, and a unique culture. Basic amenities such as hotel accomodations, transportation services, tour guides, internet access, automated teller machines(ATMs) and other necessary services are readily available. Activities and festivals such as the Longganiza festival, Binatbatan Street dancing, Semana Santa, Solidarity day, Viva Vigan festival, Heritage amazing race, traditional games, food festival amd many others in a year make Vigan a major tourist destination. Vigan is not only a World Heritage Site, it is a Better Place to Live In and a Better Place to Visit.
(The Hidden Garden of Bulala,Vigan. An example of community-based rural tourism)
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