Exploring Tourism Opportunities: Perception of Potential Homestay Stakeholders in a Municipality in the Philippines

Travelers are looking for more authentic tourism experiences which include an encounter with true local culture in people’s homes because “Home is where the heart is”. Homestays are becoming a popular form of hospitality and lodging where travelers stay and rest in the home of a local family for a moment, becoming part of their lifestyle and daily work activities. This study focused on assessing the prior knowledge and acceptability of a potential homestay program in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro using the ASEAN Homestay Standard criteria through the eyes of its stakeholders. The factors tested whether the chosen municipality could widen accommodation choices for tourists. This study aimed to determine the demographic profile and the level of perception of the forty-five respondents (potential homestay providers, community members, and tourism officers) who were selected through purposive sampling for the homestay program. This study employed a descriptive-correlational approach through face-to-face administration of the adopted questionnaire. The results revealed that there is no significant relationship between the demographic profile and the level of prior knowledge and program acceptability on potential homestay except for their educational attainment. The researchers conclude that despite demographic background, the community can still participate in the Homestay program if they meet the ASEAN Homestay Standard criteria. However, proper education and information dissemination should be taken into consideration before deploying programs that will involve various stakeholders. The researchers firmly recommend undertaking further study on the stakeholders’ preparedness on homestays in different aspects like culture and infrastructure as well as safety and security.