The College of Business and Management – Tourism and Hospitality Management (CBM-THM) organized another activity for the members of Guimaras Homestay Association entitled, “Homestay – ASEAN Standard: Business Plan Workshop” on March 20, 2023 at Agri-Eco Convention Hall which was attended by 40 members of the said association.

This activity is a continuation of the previous pilot activity of Homestay Training Program – ASEAN Standard last August 13-19, 2022 wherein a partnership between GSU and Guimaras Homestay Owners and Workers Association (Guimaras Homestay Association now) was established and sealed by a Memorandum of Understanding.

This 1-day training workshop enabled Homestay Owners to create their business plan and define their business objectives. Also, they learned how to plan and achieve their goals prior to putting up their respective homestay establishments with the help of professional and intellectual knowledge and skills provided by the faculty and staff of CBM-THM Department. The Guimaras Homestay Association was assisted by the said department to create a holistic output in which would help them reach their goals.

During the training, the members of Guimaras Homestay Association formulated a SWOT Analysis to identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This will help them boost local quality of life through income generation, support local culture, arts, and enterprises. This will also encourage the restoration of local and historical sites, develop a comprehensive homestay standard, and identify the necessary requirements and qualifications to be a Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited homestay operator. Further, this will improve the knowledge, needs, and cultural diversity of ASEAN members as well as empower women by developing their skills in housekeeping.