Agritourism: Tools for Promoting your Agribusiness

Agritourism Promotion Opportunity

Defining Agritourism

• Agritourism: The practice of touring or visiting agricultural areas to see working farms and often to participate in activities
• Applies to any food and non-food agricultural, horticultural or agribusiness operations

Agritourism Examples

• Tours for families, school and groups
• Day camps and experiential activities
• PYO/CYO and CSA
• Agritainment
• Overnight lodging
• On farm stand or retail space
• Special events, educational activities and the list goes on…

2012 Agritourism by Industry Segment

Benefits of Agritourism

• Additional source of income
• Builds awareness of your products and farm
• Helps to educate the public about farming
• Brings economic opportunities to the surrounding area by attracting the public
• Can reach multiple generations and customer demographics

Agritourism Costs

• Really, its up to the Farmer or Owner
• Farmer sets their cost limits
• Farmer sets the agenda
• Farmer determines the admission costs
• Farmer evaluates what they can afford for promoting

Consider Risk

• Create a risk management plan
• Consult legal guidance
• Review local and state laws
• Review area of risk
• Obtain appropriate insurance

Opportunities

• Industry Partnerships
• Hotels, Motels, Travel Related
• Schools/Youth Organizations
• Sponsorships
• Statewide Tourism

What Visitors Expect

• An authentic farm experience
• An educational experience
• Excellent customer service
• Adequate public facilities
• A safe and accessible environment

Promoting your Agritourism Activities

• Social Media
• Advertising
• Direct Marketing
• Free Online Tools
• Press & Travel Agents

Notify the Press & Travel Industry

• Press Release

- Sell the story

- Who, what, when, where and why

- Provide contact information

- Welcome community involvement

Knowing your customers

• Connecting through Agritourism
• Keep communications open
• Provide a way to give feedback
• Modifying your plan and strategy

Thank you for attention!