Agritourism

Agritourism

Agritourism consists of traveling to farming establishments in order to enjoy their natural, cultural and productive values. This service is provided in typical rural buildings which have been especially equipped to accommodate tourists, but which also are a home to farming families. These buildings are called tourist ranches or farmhouses. They provide accomodation, meals (local cuisine), activities connected to farming in which tourists can actively take part (food production, milking, harvesting, cattle rounding up, fishing, etc.) as well as other additional services. It is a form of traveling which allows tourists to enjoy a relaxing vacation in a homely environment. It is an attractive option for all kinds of travelers who have spare time, need some peace away from the city wish to get to know the rural environment and nature in depth.

Agritourism is also known as "farm tourism". Its surge is connected with the times in which farming activities have had a low profitability together with the beautiful natural and cultural characteristics of certain rural areas. Farm producers sought to diversify the source of their income and also to supplement the revenue derived from farming production.

Agritourism is usually confused with rural tourism. Agritourism arises from very specific problems (the economic crisis of rural areas, especially the most isolated ones) and has particular business management parameters (small family-owned businesses) which have specific effects on its running and development.

Rural tourism, on the other hand, is a general model in which agritourism plays only a small part. In other words, agritourism is a particular offer of rural tourism.