Carrying Capacity of Farm Tourism Sites: Basis for Ilocos Norte’s Sustainable Development Plan

Abstract

Since the launching of Paoay Kumakaway tourism campaign in 2010, Ilocos Norte has experienced mass tourism and has challenged the province’s tourism carrying capacity. This has positively impacted the local economy but feared to have a detrimental effect to the environment when not properly managed. The study therefore aims to determine the current tourism carrying capacity of local farm tourism site. The study specifically looks to evaluate the top farm tourism sites like the REFMAD Dragon Fruit Farm in Burgos and Strawberry, Bugnay Farm in Adams. Aside from descriptive statistical tools, the tourism carrying capacity was computed using the Boullon's Carrying Capacity Mathematical Model. Purposive sampling was used and sample size was computed with a 5% margin of error based on the tourist/visitor arrival derived from the tourist destination. This study suggests the allowable number of visitors as this will not limit the attraction or a place from getting tourists. Results show that the Bugnay farm in Adams can accommodate 1,359 person per day for individual visit or 309 person per day for group visit of 6 members on average. The strawberry farm can accommodate 41,148 person per day for individual visit or 9,057 visitor par day for a group visit of 6 members on average. The REFMAD dragonfruit meanwhile can accommodate a total of 1,592 person per day for individual visit or 407 people for a group visit of 6 members on average. This number has not yet reached the maximum numbers that the facilities can accommodate. Since the farms in Adams and Burgos, are still not extensively promoted as a tourism destination, some management strategies can be applied. This is to increase the carrying capacity and come up with community development that does not compromise the environment, economy and culture and make the visitors visit more comfortable.