| | | Agritourism

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Agritourism refers to vacations on farms where vacationers get involved in various farming activities like horse riding, picking fruits and vegetables and creating hand crafted gifts among other things. Agritourism is considered to be a major component of the tourism industry today and is growing at a fairly rapid pace. Agritourism is primarily promoted in order to attract travelers to areas agricultural areas which also encompasses vital aspects of eco-tourism which in most cases in focused on education. A few examples of agritourism activities include lodging and camping sites, camp sites, bed and breakfast, farm vacations, rental cabins for picnics/day trips etc. Other activities may also include hay rides, music festivals, harvest festival, roadside produce stands, biking, skeet shooting, bird watching, hiking, cross country skiing, hot air balloon rides, archery and hang gliding among other things.

1 Agritourism (U.S.A)
2 Vermont for Agritourism
3 Wine Tasting
4 Other Features and Activities
5 Agritourism in Argentina, Italy and Other Parts of the World
6 References

Agritourism (U.S.A)

The rural backdrop offers an ideal vacation destination. The surreal sunset against a nebulous horizon, the wonderful wildlife, the greens and the freshness is something that any city dweller would yearn for. Rural parts of the United States are fast becoming a popular tourist destination. According to USDA statistics, about 52,000 U. S. farms or 2.5 percent of total farms earned income from agritourism (2004) generating revenue of up to $13.5 million. Montana is a destination which is highly favored as an agritourist spot with 10.3 million vacationers visiting the state and spending an average of $2.9 billion. The Glacier Parks and Yellowstone are the most preferred destinations. Main tourist activities in this state include hiking, shopping and wild life views.

Vermont for Agritourism

Vermont is yet another state which generates income of up to $19.5 million. Statistics also reveal that the 2,200 farms in Vermont generated an average income of $8,900. Vermont produces Christmas trees, maple products, maple syrup, cheese, vegetables, cut flowers and nursery products among other items.

Wine Tasting

Other features like family-owned wineries, weddings hosted on a farm, and recreation-based tourism are other related aspects of agritourism. The wine-producing vineyards do not only offer wine tasting to tourists but also serves various educational purposes. Wine, the most dominant agricultural product, has an economic impact of $51.8 billion and agritourism related to the wine industry in California accounts for 19.7 million visitors and expenditures of $2 billion per year. Various farm tours are arranged for kids and families as part of the vacation package. Other attractions include day camps, self harvesting of produce, overnight stay in bed & breakfasts, hands-on chores, sleigh rides and hay rides among other attractions.

Oklahoma is famous for its agritourism destinations, comprising more than 500 Oklahoma farm and ranch vacations, events and other attractions. With so much to offer in terms of copious abundance of natural beauty, it makes it perfect for week-long vacations or a weekend getaway. With its deep rooted agricultural heritage, vacationers can revel amidst the luscious greens and attend the wonderful ranch events including musical entertainment programs, carnival rides and other major attractions. Hunters should consider the Island Guest Ranch, Boxcar Hunting Club, Double E Outdoors, Addison Ranch, Eagon’s High Point Ranch, and Howard Ranch Enterprises. The Angel’s Way Guest Ranch in Oklahoma offers gourmet meals, horseback riding, family reunions, church retreats and much more.

Kansas too comprises of various agritourism destinations and has a lot to offer to the avid vacationers. The pristine surroundings and rich resources are the best attractions for the urban vacationer. This turn also aids in improving the economic viability and incomes of the rural communities. For farm owners, it has proven to be a highly lucrative enterprise.

Other Features and Activities

Other farms are also an ideal spot to hold private parties, weddings and other fun filled activities. The corn maize is yet another amazing feature that visitors just love to see. Some farms also feature antique furniture and farm tools making it an attraction to the urban tourist. Homemade gift items, pickles, jams, cookies, ice creams and other drinks are offered for sale on the farms and this further promotes the popularity of agritourism. Weekend festivals, pony rides, visits to animal petting zoos and wine tasting sessions make these farms a highly attractive and adventurous destination for urban travelers. Relax near the bonfires, and simply soak up nature amid the freshness and purity of a rural surrounding.

A perfect connection between agriculture and tourism and thereby expanding the tourism revenue is the prime focus of agritourism and this in turn protects the farms from the fluctuating markets.

Agritourism in Argentina, Italy and Other Parts of the World

Agritourism in Argentina offers amazing tours for vacationers. Besides getting a chance to view the harvesting, growing, and processing of foods that are grown locally, this also offers educational purposes.

Similarly, Italy too offers unique, adventurous and quality agritourism options. Get to witness the plum, kiwi and olive orchards amid a vast expanse of greens. The informal meals, breakfast sweets, and homemade jams remain favorites among tourists. Also some ranches and farms sell local wines, fruits and oils. The accommodations on most of these farms are well equipped and can range from basic to high-end amenities, while retaining the feel of a farm vacation. Some farm vacations offer added privacy in a bid to offer luxury. For example, The Margius Gardens is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys.

Visitors are looking for new experiences in farm vacations and quality lodging are passionate about capturing these life-long memories. Agritourism is promoted in most countries across the globe as it offers the combined advantage of relaxation, education, adventure and enjoyment.