Holguín committed to tourism development on farms
- Written by Yenny Torres
- Published in Holguin
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Agrotourism farms constitute a space of confluence between Tourism and environmentally friendly practices, which is why several criteria are taken into account to identify them in Holguín.
José Walker Olaguibel, representative of the Ecovalor Project in the Mintur Delegation in Holguín, explained that the first step lies with the owner, who must be willing to carry out the process for the legalization of tourist activity on his lands; that he has access to the main tourist corridors, poles and cities of importance in that sense; and that some type of production or process is carried out on the farm that is of particular interest because it is rare or unique.
The activities to be developed include participation and interaction of the productive activity itself: sowing, harvesting, forestry care, milking, feeding animals, explanation of production processes and characteristics of crops, as well as recreational activities such as horseback riding, walks along trails or crops, sighting of fauna and landscapes, bathing in rivers, boat rides in dams and rivers, participation in activities of the local culture, etc. For rest and relaxation activities planned include hammocks and tasting of typical dishes, fruits and food.
"It is important that the principles of sustainability and agroecology are present in the agro-productive work of these farms: chemical-free productions, use of renewable energy, fertilizers and controls of pests of natural origin", added Olaguibel.
According to what was exposed in the Workshop on Biological Diversity and Tourism, Ecotur in eastern Cuba has 28 destinations. In Holguín, it includes Gibara, Finca Alcalá, Mensura Piloto National Park, Pico Cristal National Park and Alejandro de Humbolt National Park. And among the actions carried out are bird watching, visits to caves, horseback riding and hiking, among others.
Supported by the Ecovalor Project, the Tourism sector in Holguín also works on what is established for the protection of the natural resources that are exploited, in accordance with the Territorial Ordering plans and the regulations binding with the Cuban legislation for the Protection of the Environment.
