Agri-Tourism Brings Jobs and Growth to Atok, Benguet

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Learn how the town of Atok is benefiting from its shift to agri-tourism and why it’s attracting more visitors every year.

Benguet Town Mayor Credits Agri-Tourism Boost for Economic Growth

The once quaint farming town of Atok in Benguet province, known primarily for its cold weather and the frost phenomenon that occurs during the colder months of the year, has now transformed into a sought-after agri-tourism destination. This change can largely be attributed to the rise of attractions such as “Northern Blossoms” and “Sakura Park,” which have successfully placed Atok on the map for both local and international visitors.

In an exclusive interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Atok Mayor Franklin Smith discussed the significant economic impact that tourism, especially agri-tourism, has had on the town’s growth. He emphasized that tourism is now a vital part of their local economy. As the town continues to promote sustainable tourism, the resulting economic benefits are clear: increased revenue from environmental fees, a rise in local businesses, and a broader range of employment opportunities for residents. 🌿

Agri-Tourism Takes Off in Atok

Atok’s journey to becoming a premier agri-tourism destination began in 2018, with the opening of Northern Blossom, a stunning flower garden that showcases the famous rose cabbage and a variety of other flora. The beauty of the place, highlighted on social media platforms, quickly captured the attention of tourists, attracting thousands of visitors who wanted to experience the unique beauty of the area firsthand.

Mayor Smith explained that the steady rise in popularity has had significant financial benefits for the municipality. In 2023, Atok collected PHP3.2 million in environmental fees, a figure that surged to over PHP8 million in 2024. By May 2025, the town had already earned more than PHP5 million in environmental fees alone. These funds are crucial for supporting the town’s tourism infrastructure, environmental management, and further development projects.

In line with its Tourism Development Plan, Atok has appointed a dedicated tourism officer to handle the growth of its tourism sector, ensuring that development is managed sustainably and effectively. As part of this plan, the number of transient homes has risen from just 11 to over 20 accommodation establishments, providing tourists with an opportunity to stay overnight and experience Atok’s cool climate and picturesque sunrise views.

Mayor Smith proudly shared that despite Atok being only a few hours away from Baguio, many visitors choose to stay overnight because of the peaceful atmosphere and the unique experience offered by the combination of flower gardens and vegetable farms. This shift to overnight tourism is a direct result of the town’s blossoming tourism industry and has helped boost local businesses and create more jobs.

Local Economic Impact of Tourism

The rise in tourism has not only benefited the local businesses but has also spurred job creation for the residents, especially the youth. With the boom in agri-tourism activities, especially at Northern Blossom and Sakura Park, local youths have found new opportunities in tour guiding and hospitality, which was previously uncommon in the town. This new source of livelihood has also contributed to the empowerment of the locals, who are beginning to come out of their traditionally shy shells to engage with tourists and showcase their culture and natural beauty.

Moreover, the revenue generated from tourism has been instrumental in managing the town’s waste, particularly as Atok faces challenges due to the absence of an engineered sanitary landfill. Mayor Smith noted that the funds collected have allowed the town to invest in garbage trucks and implement waste segregation programs to ensure a clean and sustainable environment for both locals and tourists.

Agri-Sales: A Booming Sector

Aside from the economic benefits generated through tourism, Atok’s agricultural sector has also flourished. The increased number of tourists has created a higher demand for locally grown vegetables, flowers, and potted plants. This, in turn, has allowed the residents of Atok to sell their produce at better prices, eliminating the need to transport it to larger markets outside the municipality.

The town’s cool climate is especially conducive to growing carnations, which have become one of Atok’s most popular flower species. In addition, the area is known for its heirloom rice and other highland vegetables, which are not only consumed locally but also exported to nearby cities and beyond.

Northern Blossom: A Success Story

Lany Ganayan, the owner of Northern Blossom, shared that her family has been involved in the flower and vegetable industry for decades. Initially, their farm was focused on supplying produce to Metro Manila and other markets, but everything changed when a local journalist took photos of their iconic cabbage roses and shared them with a vlogger. The vlogger’s feature of their farm sparked an influx of visitors, catapulting Northern Blossom to fame.

While initially overwhelmed by the surge in tourist arrivals, the Ganayan family adapted with the help of local residents. Their improvement of the site, in terms of facilities and services, ensured that the influx of visitors was manageable. As a result, Northern Blossom became a major tourist attraction, contributing to the local economy and providing jobs for Atok residents.

Aside from Northern Blossom, the Sakura Park, also known as the Japan and Philippines Friendship Garden, has become another widely visited destination. The park, which features beautiful cherry blossoms planted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of friendship between the Philippines and Japan, continues to draw visitors seeking a picturesque spot to relax and enjoy the view.

Mayor Smith expressed gratitude to the private agri-tourism destinations like Northern Blossom and Sakura Park for the significant impact they have had on Atok’s economic growth and community development.

The Broader Impact of Tourism on Atok

The inclusion of Atok in the larger Baguio tourism loop has had a ripple effect, attracting more visitors to the town and further boosting its economic activities. As more people come to experience the beauty of the town, its economic activities expand, offering more opportunities for local residents. With the continued growth of agri-tourism, Atok is well on its way to becoming one of the most sought-after destinations in Benguet.

Benefits of Agri-Tourism for Atok

  1. Increased Revenue: The rise in tourism has led to a significant increase in municipal revenue, which is reinvested into local development projects.
  2. Job Creation: New employment opportunities, particularly in the areas of hospitality, tour guiding, and agriculture, have been created for the local population.
  3. Cultural Empowerment: As the youth become involved in tourism activities, they are gaining confidence and skills in interacting with visitors.
  4. Business Growth: Local businesses, including accommodations and agriculture, have thrived due to increased demand from tourists.
  5. Sustainability Efforts: Tourism revenue has enabled the town to implement waste management programs and invest in eco-friendly initiatives.
  6. Preservation of Agriculture: The growth in tourism has provided an economic incentive for the continued cultivation of high-quality local produce.
  7. Boost to Local Crafts: Local artisans can now sell their crafts to visitors, further diversifying the town’s economic base.
  8. Improved Infrastructure: Increased tourism has encouraged investments in better roads, accommodations, and public services.
  9. Strengthened Community Ties: The tourism boom has fostered a sense of community pride as residents work together to improve their town.
  10. Environmental Awareness: The need to maintain clean and sustainable environments has promoted awareness of environmental conservation among locals.

Tips for Experiencing Atok’s Agri-Tourism

  1. Book Accommodations Early: Given the rising number of tourists, it’s best to book your stay well in advance.
  2. Explore Local Produce: Don’t miss the opportunity to try heirloom rice, fresh vegetables, and the famous carnations.
  3. Learn About Agri-Tourism: Take a guided tour to understand the processes behind Atok’s agricultural successes.
  4. Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local practices and show respect for the environment and community.
  5. Visit During Peak Flower Seasons: Plan your visit during the blooming season of the cabbage roses and cherry blossoms.
  6. Support Local Businesses: Purchase souvenirs and products made by locals to help sustain the town’s economy.
  7. Bring a Camera: The scenic views of the flower gardens, sunrise, and mountainous landscape are perfect for photos.
  8. Stay for an Overnight Experience: Enjoy the cool climate and tranquil atmosphere by staying overnight in one of the town’s accommodations.
  9. Engage with the Locals: Speak to local tour guides and farmers to gain a deeper understanding of the town’s history and culture.
  10. Practice Sustainable Tourism: Be mindful of waste disposal and avoid littering in tourist spots.

FAQs

  1. What is Atok known for?
    Atok is known for its cold climate, beautiful flower gardens like Northern Blossom, and its agri-tourism activities.
  2. How has tourism helped Atok’s economy?
    Tourism has boosted the local economy by generating revenue, creating jobs, and supporting local businesses.
  3. What attractions should I visit in Atok?
    Key attractions include Northern Blossom and Sakura Park, both famous for their unique floral displays.
  4. Is there accommodation available in Atok?
    Yes, there are now more than 20 accommodations in Atok, offering overnight stays for visitors.
  5. What agricultural products are sold in Atok?
    Atok offers a variety of flowers, including carnations, and highland vegetables like heirloom rice.
  6. Why is Northern Blossom popular?
    Northern Blossom gained popularity due to its stunning rose cabbage and beautiful flower gardens, which are often featured on social media.
  7. When is the best time to visit Atok?
    The best time to visit is during the flower blooming season, especially when the cabbage roses and cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
  8. What waste management practices does Atok follow?
    Atok implements waste segregation programs and uses tourism fees to maintain a clean and sustainable environment.
  9. Can I tour the agricultural sites?
    Yes, guided tours are available for visitors to explore the local farms and learn about the agricultural processes.
  10. What are the benefits of staying overnight in Atok?
    Staying overnight allows you to experience the cool climate, early morning sunrise, and peaceful atmosphere in the flower and vegetable gardens.

Conclusion

Atok’s remarkable transformation into an agri-tourism hub highlights the power of sustainable tourism in driving local economic growth and preserving cultural and environmental heritage. With its unique combination of flower gardens, agricultural experiences, and cool climate, Atok offers visitors a refreshing escape while simultaneously providing valuable opportunities for its residents. The future of Atok looks bright, with agri-tourism continuing to play a pivotal role in the municipality’s growth and success. 🌸

Link Resources

  1. Philippine Department of Tourism
  2. Northern Blossom Flower Farm
  3. Atok Municipal Tourism
  4. Sakura Park Overview
  5. Sustainable Tourism Practices

Key Phrases

agri-tourism, Northern Blossom, Atok Benguet, sustainable tourism, cherry blossoms, local agriculture, flower gardens, eco-tourism, tourism revenue, local economy

Best Hashtags

#AgriTourism #NorthernBlossom #AtokBenguet #EcoTourism #SakuraPark #SustainableTravel #PhilippineTourism #AgriSales #BaguioTourism #FlowerGardens

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