scope of agro tourism in india

A Comprehensive Guide to Rise of Agro Tourism Sector in India

India is an incredible piece of land for foodies and travelers. Diverse in culture, landscape, and ethnicities, it has been a hotspot for tourists from all across the globe. From spiritual destinations to the most scenic terrain and shiny beaches, India has it all. As per the records, India catered to around 10.93 million foreign tourists in 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the number down to 6.19 million in 2022. The rise is expected within the next couple of years. Thus, all governments are implementing new strategies to attract the largest number of domestic and foreign tourists. One such strategy is Agro Tourism.

What is Agro Tourism?

Agro tourism, or agritourism, involves visiting farms, agricultural areas, and rural landscapes. It is an immersive experience of farmland and participating in farming activities and rural life. It is a form of niche tourism that allows tourists to learn about agricultural practices, food production processes, and the rural way of life while enjoying recreational activities in the countryside. Agritourism destinations may include working farms, vineyards, orchards, ranches, and other agricultural settings.

Objectives of Agro Tourism

The primary objective of the agro-tourism sector is to provide tourists with an educational and entertaining experience. Furthermore, supports local farmers and rural communities by generating additional income and promoting sustainable agriculture and cultural exchange. Visitors to agritourism sites can often engage in activities such as picking fruits, vegetables, or grapes. In addition, they can participate in farm chores, take farm tours, and enjoy farm-fresh food and products. They can even learn about traditional agricultural methods.

Agritourism has become increasingly popular worldwide as people seek to reconnect with nature, understand where their food comes from, and experience the slower pace of rural life. Additionally, it allows farmers to diversify their income streams and promote their products directly to consumers.

Why is Agro Tourism popular in India?

Agro tourism’s popularity in India can be attributed to its rich rural heritage, diverse agricultural practices, and authentic cultural experiences. With over 60% of the population dependent on agriculture, India naturally becomes an appealing destination for agriculture tourism. Moreover, visitors are drawn to immersing themselves in traditional rural life, witnessing various farming techniques, and engaging in farm-to-table experiences like harvesting crops and milking cows. However, agro tourism promotes education about agriculture and sustainable practices and offers a peaceful escape from urban life. In addition, the sector contributes to the economic development of rural communities and aligns with the growing interest in sustainable and responsible tourism. Thus, supported by the Indian government, it continues to gain popularity as it showcases the country’s agricultural diversity and cultural richness, making it a captivating destination for both domestic and international tourists.

A report published by IMARC says India’s agriculture and tourism could have a growth rate of 19.9% (CAGR) between 2023-2028. To understand the predicted growth, let’s try to understand how agro tourism operates in India.

Types of Agro Tourism in India

Each type of agro tourism in India offers a distinctive experience, allowing visitors to connect with nature, understand local culture, and gain insights into the country’s agricultural heritage. Moreover, these diverse options make India an attractive destination for tourists seeking authentic and enriching rural experiences.

Culinary tourism: This type of tourism centers around food experiences and culinary traditions. Tourists can indulge in farm-fresh meals, cooking workshops, and local produce and regional dishes tastings.
Wine and vineyard tourism: India has a growing wine industry, particularly in regions like Nashik in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Wine and vineyard tourism allows visitors to explore vineyards, learn about winemaking processes, and sample different wines.
Tea estate tourism: India is renowned for its tea production, and tea estate tourism allows tourists to visit tea plantations in places like Darjeeling and Assam. They can witness tea plucking and processing and learn about the tea culture.
Spice plantation tourism: In Kerala and other southern states, spice plantation tours offer visitors the chance to explore aromatic spice gardens, learn about various spices, and understand their culinary and medicinal uses.
Fruit orchard tourism: Certain regions in India, like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, offer fruit orchard tours where tourists can pick fruits, enjoy scenic landscapes, and experience rural agricultural life.
Ayurveda and wellness tourism: This form of agro tourism focuses on traditional Ayurvedic practices and wellness therapies. Moreover, tourists can engage in rejuvenating treatments and yoga retreats, as well as learn about Ayurvedic medicinal plants.
Sustainable and eco-tourism: Some agro tourism initiatives focus on promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Tourists can participate in eco-friendly farm activities, learn about conservation efforts, and support responsible tourism.
Rural craft and art tourism: This type of agro tourism involves visiting rural artisans and craftsmen to learn about traditional crafts like pottery, weaving, and handloom work and purchase unique handmade products.
Adventure tourism: Adventure tourism offers tourists the opportunity to engage in various outdoor activities amidst rural landscapes. These activities often involve exploring nature and agricultural areas in an adventurous and active manner.

Benefits of the Industry

Agro tourism in India promotes a symbiotic relationship between agriculture, tourism, and local communities. It fosters sustainable development, cultural understanding, and economic success while safeguarding the country’s natural and cultural heritage.

Economic Boost: Agro tourism generates additional income for farmers and rural communities, helping to diversify their revenue sources. It also creates employment opportunities through various services like farm stays, guided tours, and local crafts, contributing to the growth of the local economy.
Agricultural and Environmental Sustainability: Agro tourism encourages sustainable agricultural practices as farmers often showcase eco-friendly methods to tourists. This fosters awareness about responsible farming. Moreover, it emphasizes the conservation of natural resources and the importance of biodiversity preservation.
Cultural Exchange and Social Integration: Agriculture tourism facilitates cultural exchange between tourists and local communities. Thus, visitors gain insights into rural traditions, festivals, and customs, promoting mutual understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures. This social interaction helps bridge the gap between urban and rural populations.
Preservation of Rural Heritage: Agro-tourism plays a role in preserving traditional knowledge, crafts, and skills that might otherwise be at risk of fading away. By valuing and showcasing rural heritage, it helps maintain cultural identity and heritage for future generations.
Health and Well-being: Agro tourism promotes physical and mental well-being through outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and farm-related tasks. It provides a refreshing escape from urban life, offering tourists a chance to connect with nature and experience a healthier lifestyle.
Conservation of Agricultural Land: Farmers may be incentivized to maintain their agricultural lands instead of converting them into non-agricultural uses by promoting agro-tourism. This helps protect valuable agricultural resources and prevent further urban sprawl.

Top Agro Tourism States to Visit in India

India offers many captivating agro tourism destinations, each boasting unique agricultural landscapes, cultural experiences, and adventure opportunities. Here are some of the most popular states to explore:

Maharashtra: Maharashtra’s rich agricultural heritage makes it an ideal destination for agro tourism. Farm stays offer a glimpse into rural life, while heritage tours unveil the state’s cultural gems. Adventurous travelers can explore Maharashtra’s diverse Sahayadri mountain range and the scenic landscapes of Konkan.
Kerala: Kerala always surprises every tourist on their trip in its verdant hills and tranquil backwaters. In addition, tourists can enjoy farm stays amidst lush plantations, participate in heritage tours to learn about the state’s rich cultural traditions, and engage in adventure activities like hiking and river rafting.
Himachal Pradesh: Nestled in the northern region of India, Himachal Pradesh captivates with its majestic mountains, forests, and valleys. Moreover, agro tourism here includes farm stays that allow visitors to immerse themselves in rural life. Additionally, there are treks through scenic landscapes and camping in the lap of nature.
Uttarakhand: With its holy mountains, sacred rivers, and dense forests, Uttarakhand has a magical experience for every tourist. Visitors can indulge in farm stays, hike through breathtaking trails, and enjoy thrilling rafting adventures.
Tamil Nadu: Diverse agricultural practices and lush landscapes make Tamil Nadu an excellent destination for agro-tourism. Tourists can explore tea and coffee plantations in the Nilgiris. Moreover, visit spice gardens in Kerala and discover traditional agricultural practices in rural areas.
Assam: The tea gardens of Assam allow visitors to learn about tea cultivation and processing. Additionally, tourists can explore the rural life of the state’s tribal communities and indulge in traditional Assamese cuisine.
Karnataka: The state’s diverse landscapes contain every possible attraction, from beaches, and jungles to widely spread farm lands. Karnataka offers attractions such as visits to coffee and spice plantations in Coorg and exploring rural charm in the Malnad region.

Factors Driving India’s Agriculture Tourism

Key factors are propelling the agro tourism market’s growth in India:

Increasing Demand for Sustainable Tourism: Tourists are showing interest in sustainable tourism, recognizing its significance in preserving the environment and supporting local communities. Thus, agro-tourism, focusing on sustainable farming practices and rural experiences, aligns well with this trend.
Surging Popularity of Farm Stays: Farm stays have gained significant popularity among tourists, as they offer a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in rural life and engage in agricultural activities. These authentic experiences attract travelers seeking meaningful connections with nature and local culture.
Government Initiatives Promoting Rural Tourism: The Indian government’s proactive efforts to promote rural tourism foster the agro-tourism market’s growth. By incentivizing and supporting rural initiatives, the government aims to uplift the rural economy and preserve traditional heritage.

Final Thoughts

Agro tourism in India offers a diverse and enriching rural experience to visitors. With its vast agricultural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, tourists can engage in farm stays, learn about sustainable practices, and bridge the gap between urban and rural communities. States like Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan provide opportunities for adventure tourism, while Punjab showcases the impact of the Green Revolution. From tea gardens in Assam to spice plantations in Karnataka, each region offers unique experiences. This sustainable and educational form of tourism benefits local economies, promotes environmental conservation, and fosters cultural understanding in India’s countryside.

Keep Reading! Keep Growing!

Who is the Founder of Agro Tourism?

Ans: The founder of agro-tourism is considered to be Klaus Obermeyer, an American who first coined the term “agro-tourism” in 1983. Additionally, he is known for his pioneering work in fruiting trees and the development of the “Tobacco Control Act” in the United States.

Who is the Founder of Agri-tourism in India?

Ans: The founder of agri-tourism is Pandurang Taware, known as the “Father of Agri Tourism” in India. He has been a prominent figure in promoting agri-tourism and has received various awards and recognition for his work in this field. For instance, in 2010, he received the National Tourism Award from the Vice President of India.

Taware is the founder, managing director, and chief promoter of the Maharashtra State Agri & Rural Tourism Co-operative Federation Ltd. He is also working to create an international body to promote Agri-tourism.

Which country is famous for agro tourism?

Ans: The concept of agro-tourism has gained considerable attention in recent years. The countries like India, Australia, Malaysia, the USA, etc. are popular destinations for agro-tourism. However, rising infrastructure and government policies are building the ladder for India to develop agro tourism at its best.

What is the full form of Agro?

Ans: Agro is a shortened form of agronomy or agriculture. In English, “agro-” is a combining form that refers to fields, soil, or agriculture.

Parag Ahire

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Agri-Tourism: Best Tourist Destination Spots in India & Its Scope

Agriculture is the main sector of Indian Economy. Around 65 per cent of the population is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture. Out of total GDP around 13 per cent comes from the agriculture sector. Providing additional income-generating activities to existing agriculture would certainly increase the contribution of agriculture to national GDP.

Agri Tourism will serve this purpose. Agri Tourism is the latest concept in the Indian Tourism industry. It gives an opportunity to experience real enchanting and authentic contact with real life. Promotion of Agri-tourism needs conceptual convergence with rural tourism, health tourism and adventure tourism.

Tourism is termed as an instrument for employment generation, poverty alleviation and sustainable human development. The world tourism organization has estimated that the tourism industry is growing at a rate of 4 per cent a year. Whereas the Indian tourism industry is growing at 10.1 per cent which is 2.5 times more than the world rate. The tourism sector is one of the major foreign exchange earners for the country. Agri-tourism is one such form of tourism which has recently emerged in Maharashtra. It is a field with the potential to develop.

Certainly, as a newly developing field, it has its own share of challenges and management issues to face. The issues like a guest-host relationship, sustainability, economic feasibility are important for any new tourism development at a destination. It is more so in the case of Agri-tourism as it has a direct impact on the host culture and rural community as a whole.

Agri-tourism industry in India has a lot of potentials to develop rural India. This report gives an overall perception of agritourism, its opportunities, challenges and the role of Extension & Advisory services in promoting agritourism in India.

World Tourism Organization (1998) defines agri-tourism as “ involves accommodation being offered in the farmhouse or in a separate guesthouse, providing meals and organizing guests’ activities in the observation and participation in the farming operations.”

SCOPE OF AGRI-TOURISM (Source- Research Gate)

An inexpensive gateway - The cost of food, accommodation, recreation and travel is least in Agri-Tourism. This widens the tourist base. The concept of Agri-Tourism takes to travel and tourism to the larger population, widening the scope of tourism due to its cost-effectiveness.
Curiosity about the farming industry and lifestyle - The urban population having roots in villages always have had the curiosity to learn about sources of food, plants, animals, raw materials like wood, handicrafts, languages, culture, tradition, dresses and rural lifestyle. Agri-tourism revolves around farmers, villages and agriculture has the capacity to satisfy the curiosity of this segment of the population.

Strong demand for wholesome family-oriented recreational activities - Villages provide recreational opportunities to all age groups i.e. children young, middle and old age, male, female, in total to the whole family at a cheaper cost. Rural games, festivals, food, dress and nature provides a variety of entertainment to the entire family.
Health consciousness of urban population and finding solace with nature-friendly means - Modern lifestyle has made life stressful and average life span has come down. Hence, people are in constant search of pro-nature means to make life more peaceful. Ayurveda which is a pro-nature medical approach has roots in villages. Indigenous medical knowledge of villagers is respected.
The desire for peace and tranquillity - Modern life is a product of diversified thinking and diversified activities. Every individual attempts to work more, in different directions to earn more money to enjoy modern comforts. Hence, peace is always out of his system. Tourism is a means for searching for a peaceful location. Peace and tranquillity are inbuilt in Agri-Tourism as it is away from urban areas and close to nature.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE AGRI-TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Dewalokam Farmstay Retreat, Karimannoor, Kerala- Dewalokam is the organic ancestral farm of a welcoming Syrian Christian family. The name means "paradise" and the property certainly is that! This faultless farmstay is conveniently located only 90 minutes drive from Kochi airport, in the spice belt of Kerala, bounded by a placid river and nature reserve. Fruit, vegetables, spices, milk, and honey are all produced there. An extensive range of activities is available for guests, including spice walks, village walks, bamboo rafting, temple visits, cow milking, and swimming.
Vanilla County, Kottayam, Kerala- It's located two and a half hours drive from Kochi airport, near Vagamon in the lush Western Ghat mountain range. Guests can swim in natural rock pools, go on plantation walks, go trekking, birding, visit villages and a local meditation ashram, and cruise the Kerala backwaters.
Konyak Tea Retreat, Mon District, Nagaland- The host is the great-granddaughter of a tattooed headhunter, and she's actively involved in researching and documenting the various tattoo patterns of her tribe. The boutique farmhouse is located in the middle of a remote, privately-owned 250-hectare tea estate. However, tea isn't all that's grown there. The farm also has an orange tree orchard and organic vegetable garden. Guests can pick and eat during harvesting season (mid-November to December).
Maachli, Sindhudurg, Nagaland- The name "Maachli" means "elevated huts" in the local Malvani language. There are four architecturally designed hut-style accommodations on the property, built deep within nature among the Samant family's coconut, betel nut, banana and spice plantation. Everything revolves around nature, and there is a sweet water stream flowing through the property. Responsible tourism is also a strong focus. Activities include village walks, cooking lessons, farming experiences, trekking.
Enchanted Forest Farm, Gangtok, Sikkim- The tranquil setting, deep inside the forest with a waterfall, and delightful hosts are totally worth it though! The farm is completely organic and the property is pretty much self-sufficient. There's a fish pond, cows and goats. If you're a music lover, you're also in luck. The host plays the guitar and loves a good jam session. Guest accommodations consist of three rustic yet elegant standalone cottages.

(Source- tripsavvy)

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Embarking on a journey that blends agriculture and tourism, agri-tourism in India is sprouting as a beneficial, economical, and sustainable practice. This unique concept offers travelers an immersive experience into rural life, providing a lens into the vibrant tapestry of India’s agrarian heritage. From Himalayan terraced fields to sprawling tea plantations, agri-tourism ensures an authentic connection with farming communities, all while embracing breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures.

Agri-tourism, or agro-tourism, spans a spectrum of agricultural activities that beckon visitors to farms and ranches. From purchasing fresh produce to navigating corn mazes, the concept varies across regions. In India, agro-tourism takes on a distinctive form, allowing tourists to engage in activities like milking cows, ploughing fields, and savoring local cuisine, offering a genuine taste of village life.

Agri-Tourism in India: A Growing Industry

India’s foray into agri-tourism began around 2004 with the Baramati Agri Tourism Center, gaining recognition and accolades for its innovative approach. The Agri-Tourism Development Corporation in India has further championed this concept, collaborating with farmers to operate agro-tourism centers in Maharashtra. This not only provides visitors with firsthand rural experiences but also proves to be a boon for farmers seeking additional income streams.

Scope of Agri-Tourism: Beyond Boundaries

Affordable Getaway: Offering a cost-effective option, agri-tourism makes travel accessible to a broader population, catering to a diverse range of tourists.
Fulfilling Curiosity: Satiating the curiosity of urban dwellers about the origins of food, plants, and rural aspects, agri-tourism delves into the roots of diverse aspects of village life.
Family-Centric Recreation: With activities catering to various age groups, agri-tourism becomes a family-friendly destination, offering entertainment for everyone.
Health and Nature-Friendly Focus: Capitalizing on the growing trend of health consciousness, agri-tourism connects urbanites with nature, providing a holistic experience.
Pursuit of Peace and Serenity: Positioned away from urban hustle, agri-tourism becomes a sanctuary for those seeking peace and tranquility, away from the chaos of modern life.

Benefits of Agri-Tourism: Nurturing Growth

Diversification of Income: Farmers benefit from an additional income source, stabilizing earnings beyond traditional agriculture.

Rural Economic Development: Stimulating economic growth in rural communities, agri-tourism creates jobs, boosts demand for local goods, and encourages small businesses.

Preservation of Agricultural Heritage: Showcasing traditional farming practices, agri-tourism plays a role in preserving cultural and historical aspects of agriculture.

Educational Opportunities: Agri-tourism serves as an educational platform, providing insights into farming techniques and sustainable practices, fostering understanding of food production.

Connection to Nature: Enabling visitors to reconnect with nature, agri-tourism promotes environmental awareness and conservation efforts.

Cultural Exchange: Facilitating a cultural exchange between urban and rural communities, agri-tourism fosters understanding of diverse ways of life, traditions, and values.

Local Product Promotion: Visitors have the opportunity to purchase locally produced goods, supporting local farmers and businesses.

Strengthening Community Ties: Involving local communities in events and activities fosters a sense of pride and unity among residents.

Tourism Season Extension: Agri-tourism extends the tourism season by attracting visitors during periods when traditional tourist activities might be less popular.

Family-Friendly Entertainment: Offering family-friendly entertainment, agri-tourism becomes an attractive option for people of all ages.

Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles: By offering activities like fruit picking and farm-to-table dining, agri-tourism encourages healthy and active lifestyles.

Source of Job Creation: Agri-tourism enterprises contribute to job creation in rural areas, requiring a diverse workforce.

Tourism Revenue Generation: Generating revenue for the local economy through spending on accommodations, meals, activities, and transportation.

Reduced Urban Crowding: Diverting tourists from crowded urban areas helps alleviate over-tourism and distribute visitor traffic more evenly.

Promotion of Sustainable Practices: Many agri-tourism operations focus on sustainable and responsible practices, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship.

Incorporating agri-tourism offers a win-win scenario, enriching the experiences of tourists and bolstering the livelihoods of rural communities.

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Agriculture Tourism In India, Benefits of Agri Tourism

Table of contents.

Agriculture Tourism

The Need for Agriculture Tourism

Importance of agriculture tourism, benefits of agriculture tourism for the farmers:.

Benefits of Agriculture Tourism for the communities:
Benefits of Agriculture Tourism for Tourism Operators:

Benefits of Agri-tourism for the people living away from farms:

The scope of Agriculture Tourism
Services/Activities of Agriculture Tourism
Principles of Agriculture Tourism
Main factors of Agriculture Tourism

Agro Tourism Resorts in India:

agriculture tourism.

Today, let us discuss Agriculture Tourism In India and the need for agritourism.

Agricultural tourism is the one that is trending worldwide currently. This makes the urban people get out of their daily routine and go back to their rural roots. It would be a very good market for tourists. There is an aspect of education as it involves interaction with individuals. Individuals will start enjoying the processes and also learning about the various items. Agricultural tourism is becoming an important part of the development of tourism and brings back the people who have completely moved to urban areas and lost contact with agriculture. Tourism in Agriculture is the one that has a set of social and economic activities which occur. Their products, experiences, and services will get linked to travel.

Agricultural tourism is the one which makes people stay close to the functions of the farm so that they can monitor the works and all the activities that take place in the daily business of agriculture.

Agriculture tourism will be the best opportunity to get experience and also get to know about the lifestyle of the farmers and how it is different from the ones who stay away from rural areas. This brings a lot of education to the people as they get to view all these farming functions in beautiful and peaceful locations.

Recreation in farms will include the activities which occur on lands of agriculture, which may also insist the individuals stay awake overnight, and also few activities of education. This particular category of tourism is one of the sections of a large industry called Agri-Tourism.

Agriculture tourism is an enterprise that is set up for a commercial purpose on a functioning farm for the entertainment of the tourists or visitors which would generate an additional income to the owner.

Agriculture tourism is one of the sections of a bigger industry called rural tourism, which will again include resorts, markets of the off-site farmers, agricultural tours which are conducted expecting no profit, business which are made for the leisure and hospitality of the visitors which come from the countryside.

There are two differences between rural tourism and agricultural tourism.

The enterprises of rural tourism will not place on the farm or agricultural plant necessarily.
Rural tourism will not provide any sort of additional income to the owners.

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Nature is an open opportunity for learning without any closed doors or walls. If nature is observed carefully, you can explore the treasures which are hidden in it and get to know more things about it. As India is a country that has a majority of the population depending on agriculture, people would get to learn more information from it. The population belonging to urban areas is increasing on a daily basis and the children belonging to the urban families are able to view nature on television. This is because they are very much restricted to closed buildings, video games, junk foods, the internet, and all the activities which would spoil them physically and mentally. People living in urban areas also stopped visiting their relatives in rural areas as they got habituated to a comfortable life in the cities. These days, Agriculture is becoming a business and most of the poor people are not in a position to afford it. There is also a slow decrease in the fertility of the soil and land which is decreasing the yields. There is a major need for the farmers to start a business that would support the farm by generating income and also make the people know about the importance of agriculture and the life of farmers.

As agriculture these days is being commercialized by completely concentrating on large productions, agri-tourism will give an opportunity for the farmers to share the works done on a farm with the individuals. Agricultural tourism will allow the farmers to sell the vegetables or any other products grown on the farm to the tourists or visitors. This would again be a source of income for the farmers. The education has completely included the technology courses to a more extent and as a result of this, children will grow without any sort of knowledge regarding the farm animals or farm life. Hence, tourism in Agriculture will give an opportunity to the children to learn about the farm culture to some extent at least.

There would be a chance for the farmers to expand the operations of farming.
There would be an increase in the revenues of the farm.
There would be development in the consumer markets and as a result, employment increases.
The awareness about the agricultural goods which are produced locally will increase.
People living in urban areas will get to know about the importance of agricultural land.
The living conditions of the farm will increase, which would, in turn, lead to an increase in the opportunities for farm recreation.
The skills of management and the spirit of entrepreneurship will be improved.
The businesses of the farm will have an opportunity to sustain themselves for a long time.

Benefits of Agriculture Tourism f or the communities:

It generates supplementary income for the local businesses as they need to provide services for visitors or tourists.
There would be an upgrade in the facilities of the communities for the sake of tourists.
There would be an improvement in the protection of the landscapes in the rural areas as it needs to serve the tourists.
The traditions which are followed locally in terms of art and craft will be preserved as they will have an opportunity to create markets if tourism is developed.
This promotes inter-regional and intercultural communication.
There would be an increase in awareness about the issues related to agriculture and also the values followed.
The local products and services which are part of agriculture can be promoted.
The rural economy can be strengthened which would create income through jobs.

Benefits of Agriculture Tourism for Tourism Operators:

There would be a chance to mix the services and products of tourism to visitors.
Tourism will be improved even in rural areas.
Tourism markets will have a unique place in rural areas
The length of the season will increase mainly in the off-peak business times which are traditionally followed.
The currency, which is non-local will be flowing into the businesses which are set up in the rural regions.
The farm which is a part of agri-tourism will provide urban people to interact with nature. Though they directly will not participate in the farming activities, they would watch closely the operations of farming and get to know about the importance of it. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic beauty of nature and farming.
Farming will create an opportunity for tourists or visitors to learn about how farming operations are carried. It also helps to educate visitors about how to combine tourism and the preservation of the environment.

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The scope of Agriculture Tourism

In agri-tourism, the costs of accommodation, food, and travel will be very low. This is to enhance the tourist population. The current concept of travel and tourism is just to urban areas which are just a section of the population. Hence, the Agri-tourism will take travel and tourism to a huge population which will enhance the scope of tourism.
The urban population, which have their roots in the rural areas will always show interest in learning about the sources of food, wood, languages, arts, crafts, dresses, etc. Agri-tourism will satisfy the urban population who are curious to learn about farming.
Rural areas will give an opportunity for recreation at a low cost to the children, middle and low-class families. The festivals, dresses, games which are conducted as a part of agri-tourism will entertain the whole family.
The people living in urban areas have a lifestyle that includes stress due to which the average life span has decreased. The individuals trying to earn more to live a comfortable life, due to which they work for more hours and miss peace in their lives. Agri-tourism will help these people to achieve peace as it would be away from all these polluted areas.
The urban population is searching for the means of healthy living and interaction will villagers would help them to know about their medical knowledge which is indigenous. The foods which are cultivated organically have much demand among the urban populations due to which they are approaching the villages for the solutions.
The urban population who have a busy lifestyle are always trying to be close to nature in their free time. Mountains, crops, rivers, lakes, birds will make the urban population forget about their busy life and be close to nature.
The urban population is overcrowded and hence as they do not want to disturb each other’s peace, they are going beyond the cities for the sake of resorts. Good efforts are made to create the village atmosphere in the name of resorts in which farmhouses are built which would be the same as the farms.
Agri-Tourism in the future would bring a much urban population to farming which will technically improve the farming operations. As agri-tourism makes the people believe in the magic of nature, this would not only help the people commercially but also the agriculture operations increase.

Services/Activities of Agriculture Tourism

Rides on Bullock cart.
Bullock ploughing.
Riding on Horseback.
Buffalo riding
Watching the animals which are grown on the farm for domestic use.
Fishing in rivers or lakes or ponds.
Camping/picnicking (combined)
Rides in Jeep
Games in the rural areas
Riding Motorcycles on the off-road
Tours with schools
Tours to gardens or nurseries.
Tours to wineries.
Agro-technical tours
Exhibitions of agriculture in history.
Tours to Micro-breweries
Visits to Poultry Farm.
Visits to Sugar Factory.
Visits to Wine or Liquor Factory
Silk formation can be viewed.
Entertainment in the form of festivals of harvest etc.
Services of hospitality include stay on the farm, guides for the tourists etc.
Sales of the farm products directly.

Principles of Agriculture Tourism

Agri Tourism should make sure that the below principles are followed:

The appeal is in the form of both visual and physical:

Agricultural tourism should make sure that the visitors or the tourists are provided with something which is unique to the sight and also the feeling which comes physically. For example, good grains or oilseeds are grown in various stages, medicinal plants, various vegetables, fruits, flowers, animals, lakes will attract the youngsters and the kids. Crafts, games, art, apparel will create sufficient interest and excite many tourists.

Participation and Involvement of the tourists: Agri-Tourism should be in such a way that it gives an opportunity for the visitors or tourists to participate in the activities of the farm. The farm activities would be like ploughing, harrowing the fields, buffalo riding, cooking, making crafts so that they would enjoy.

Provision of Sales Counter: There should be an option to pick and choose the cultivation which is done by the farmers of their own choice. Here, the tourists will harvest the produce of their own choice on the basis of payment. Hence the farmers can sell the foodgrains, seeds, vegetables, fruits, etc.

Main factors of Agriculture Tourism

There are a few main factors that contribute to the success of Agri Tourism.

The farmer is the first one in the important factors of Agri-tourism. He is the one who is not educated well and is also innocent. He treats the guests with the utmost respect and with a complete heart. He not only entertains the guests but also entertains himself while explaining to the tourists or visitors about the farming process. The farmer is not a businessman which itself makes the touristy atmosphere clean and pure.
The village is the one which is very far from the cities and has very few facilities which are provided in the urban areas. The investment for Agri-tourism is made by nature itself in the form of water-bodies, mountains, crops, etc. The villagers, when given a responsibility to host people, will treat the guests with due respect as they consider it as a part of their culture.
The resources of agriculture which are in the form of land, plants, and water will be unique and will be changing from place to place. Each agricultural field is different which attracts tourists in a different way.
Malshej Agro Tourism (Pune).
Deorai Farms & Agro Tourism-Agro Resort (Pune).

In case if you are interested in this: How To Grow Strawberries in Greenhouse .

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Great article, it contains all the information which one can know about organic tourism. Agro Tourism is a section in tourism industry which have a potential to grow a lot in near future as in this fast moving world where people spread themselves too thin and don’t have time to spend time with themselves and there family members and living a stressful life it will be a amazing experience for them to spend some time with nature and clear their mind of any distraction and revitalizing and energizing their mind and body. it is rightly said above that farmers are an important factor of agro tourism but in my opinion it is a duty of others as well to come forward and support farmers in spreading awareness and their are some amazing people who are supporting this as i was going through an article of an interview of Mr. Kan Singh Nirwan who is known for his new and revolutionary ideas in agriculture on Organicindiastory.com where he has shared his views on agro tourism and the potential this sector have and we need more people like Mr. Kan Singh to step forward and give their support towards Agricultural Tourism.

Please provide the details of Agro Tourism of DPR model.

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AGRI TOURISM – FUTURE OF INDIAN TOURISM : SUSTAINABLE AGRI STARTUP OPPORTUNITY TO THE INDIAN FARMERS

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PRAWEEN SRIVASTAVA,CEO-LBCS

A growing number of farmers are turning entrepreneurs and earning big bucks from something they offered free to friends and relatives – a healthy and relaxing weekend to unwind in lush green farms, drive a tractor, ride a bullock cart, milk a cow and pluck fresh fruit from orchards.

Farm tourism, once a small niche, is expanding rapidly and getting a big push from the tourism ministry. Tour operators, including some who were farmers to begin with, are aggressively pushing farm tourism in India and abroad.

We have heard of coastal tourism, heritage, adventure and even heli-tourism. Now, the upcoming tourism policy will also include agritourism, which is gradually becoming a hit among children, urban families and even the corporate world.

In the last two years, many agricultural farms have come up in and around the city. Many schools have been organising trips to such places where children are made to understand rural life by spending time with farm animals like cattle, horses, birds and even reptiles. Some also do dairy farming and agriculture. Similarly, many urban families are taking their children to day-long tours to such agro-tourism farms where families get to spend quality time together. Many corporate firms have also started to turn towards this, instead of resorts, where at economical rates, team building and de-stressing activities can be done. The tourism department and companies have realised this has a lot of potential and are now working to regulate it and bring into the upcoming tourism policy.

Agriculture is considered to be the backbone of the Indian economy. Around 85 percent of the population is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture and allied activities and almost 26 percent of India’s GDP comes from agriculture. 90 million farmers are dwelling in 0.625 million villages producing more than 20 Metric Tonnes (MT) of food grains feeding the country. More than a profession or a business, agriculture is deeply rooted in the Indian culture. Farmers are now enthusiastic to try newer methods away from the typified and orthodox patterns to build relations with the consumers directly and earn extra. Hence, adding on to the agricultural income with some touristic activities is bringing in new hopes and better lives. Serious efforts are now being made in this direction and Agri-Tourism is one such activity that fits the bill. Agri-tourism as a concept is not very new although its reach is limited to only some places. Agri-tourism with its baby steps and the talisman of research can definitely bring changes in the life of farmers and consumers shall also reap the benefits of it.

The concept is considered as a supplementary to the primary source of income and caters to a niche market due to its exclusivity. The idea has a novelty attached to it in terms of nostalgia as well as village visits for consumers. A plethora of diversified activities amalgamated with scientific methods of cropping are paving a way for a mechanized and secure future. The plate is full with offerings like dairy practices, bird watching, wine trails, hay making and local handicrafts to woo the consumers with the simplicity of villagers hooked to it in the background. Promotion of Agri-Tourism involves some more important stakeholders namely Ministry of Agriculture and line departments at state and central governments and farmers. Promotion of Agri-Tourism needs conceptual convergence with Rural Tourism, Eco-Tourism, Health Tourism, Adventure Tourism and culinary adventures. Research is one of the key factors for development in any discipline as it helps students and practitioners to get involved in their areas of interest and search for all possible solutions for the benefit of local issues and communities.

Definition of Agri Tourism:

Agri tourism or agro tourism, as it is defined most broadly, involves any agriculturally based operation or activity that brings visitors to a farm or ranch. Agri tourism has different definitions in different parts of the world and sometimes refers specifically to farm stays as in Italy. Elsewhere, agri tourism includes a wide variety of activities, including buying produce direct from a farm stand, navigating a corn maze, slopping hogs, picking fruit, feeding animals or staying at a bed and breakfast on a farm.

Agri tourism is a form of niche tourism that is considered a growth industry in many parts of the world today, including India, Australia, Canada, the United States, and the Philippines. Other terms associated with agri tourism are “agritainment,” “value added products,” “farm direct marketing” and “sustainable agriculture.”

The Concept of Agro-tourism: The term ‘Agro-tourism’ is defined most broadly, involves any agriculturally based operation or activity that brings visitors to a farm or ranch and it has different definitions in different parts of the world, and sometimes refers specifically to farm stays, as in Italy. Elsewhere, agro-tourism includes a wide variety of activities, including buying produce direct from a farm stand, navigating a corn maze, slopping hogs, picking fruit, feeding animals, or staying at a bed and breakfast on a farm. Moreover, agro-tourism is a form of niche tourism that is considered a growth industry in many parts of the world. Here it is noteworthy that agro-tourism is possible where agriculture and tourism meet to provide us with an amazing educational experience whether it may be a tour of a farm, a festival or a fair in rural areas. In such type of tourism activity, farmers turn their farmland into a tourist destination which attracts a large number of commercial activities. Today agro-tourism is becoming very popular business activity at the global level and even in almost every state of India. It is a leisurely activity that helps a tourist to understand the rural life of a particular area.

Agro-tourism in India:

The idea of agro-tourism makes tourists live life like a villager, right from milking the cow, ploughing the field, bathing in a well, to climb a tree and plucking fruits from trees. Therefore, it is a new concept in Indian tourism sector which normally occurs on farms which gives an opportunity to experience the real enchanting rural life with the taste of local food including the familiar with the various farming tasks during the visit on a farm. India is a agriculturalist country and since 2004 Agro-tourism is operational, which started in Baramati Agri Tourism Center under the guidance of Pandurang Taware who received the National Tourism Award from the President Of India, for the most innovative Tourism Product. Agri-Tourism Development Corporation in India is pioneer in the development and marketing of agro-tourism concept in India which has 218 affiliated farmers and operates agro-tourism centers in their respective villages in the state of Maharashtra in 2014.

Scope of Agri Tourism in India:

Agri Tourism is to experience the real rural life, taste the local genuine food and get familiar with the various farming tasks. Agriculture is the backbone of Indian Economy. Around 75% of the population is directly or indirectly dependent on Agriculture and almost 26 percent of India’s GDP comes from Agriculture. 90 million farmers are dwelling in 6.25 lack villages producing food grains for feeding the country. More than a profession or a business, agriculture is India’s culture. Hence, adding additional income generating activities to existing agriculture would certainly increase contribution of agriculture in the national GDP. Serious efforts need to be made in this direction and Agri-Tourism is one such activity.

Tourism is termed as an instrument for employment generation, poverty alleviation and sustainable human development. During 1999-2000, direct employment created by tourism was 15.5 million. Besides, tourism also promotes national integration, international understanding and supports local handicrafts and cultural activities. During 2000, the number of foreign tourists that visited India was 26.41 lacks.

India’s share in world tour market is just 0.38 percent. With this meager share, foreign exchange earned is Rs.14, 475 crores. Turnover in domestic tourism is much more than this. To promote domestic tourism, thrust areas identified by Government of India are development of infrastructure, product development and diversification, development of eco-adventure sports, cultural presentations, providing inexpensive accommodation, streamlining facilitation procedures at airports, human resource development, creating awareness and public participation and facilitation of private sector participation.

In this process, important stakeholders are State and Central Department of Tourism, Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, Tourism Development Corporations, Foreign Embassies, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Tourists, Transport Operators Association, Indian Convention Promotion Bureau and Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

SCOPE OF AGRI-TOURISM (Source- Research Gate)

An inexpensive gateway – The cost of food, accommodation, recreation and travel is least in Agri-Tourism. This widens the tourist base. The concept of Agri-Tourism takes to travel and tourism to the larger population, widening the scope of tourism due to its cost-effectiveness.
Curiosity about the farming industry and lifestyle – The urban population having roots in villages always have had the curiosity to learn about sources of food, plants, animals, raw materials like wood, handicrafts, languages, culture, tradition, dresses and rural lifestyle. Agri-tourism revolves around farmers, villages and agriculture has the capacity to satisfy the curiosity of this segment of the population.
Strong demand for wholesome family-oriented recreational activities – Villages provide recreational opportunities to all age groups i.e. children young, middle and old age, male, female, in total to the whole family at a cheaper cost. Rural games, festivals, food, dress and nature provides a variety of entertainment to the entire family.
Health consciousness of urban population and finding solace with nature-friendly means – Modern lifestyle has made life stressful and average life span has come down. Hence, people are in constant search of pro-nature means to make life more peaceful. Ayurveda which is a pro-nature medical approach has roots in villages. Indigenous medical knowledge of villagers is respected.
The desire for peace and tranquillity – Modern life is a product of diversified thinking and diversified activities. Every individual attempts to work more, in different directions to earn more money to enjoy modern comforts. Hence, peace is always out of his system. Tourism is a means for searching for a peaceful location. Peace and tranquillity are inbuilt in Agri-Tourism as it is away from urban areas and close to nature.

Need and Importance of Agro-tourism in India:

It is said that agro-tourism is a better way to know about the traditional agricultural farming activities which brings us very close to mother-nature and it is also very essential thing for a sustainable living on this planet. Today, Indian cities are facing the problem of overcrowd and environment pollution. Now, it has become an assumed fact that agro-tourism can give us a relief from the hectic life of urban areas. That is why; agro-tourism, eco-tourism and rural tourism are emerging as key sectors of tourism business in India. Most of the studies have proved the due importance and need of agro tourism on the following basis: · Agro-tourism is a sustainable form of tourism business. · It provides an additional source of income for the farmers. · It gives prestige to rural life and creates new jobs at local levels. · It gives an opportunity to urban tourists to escape from hectic life of the city. · It enhances the quality of life for local residence. · It gives the tourists glimpse of village ambience, local cuisine, culture and art. · It expects the active involvement from the tourist, rather than a passive spectator, so a bond between guest-host is strengthened. · It is eco friendly which is very essential in the present environmental scenario. · It makes tourists familiar with the rural life and roots of early civilization. · It has a vast scope in the present scenario of tourism business in India. · It is less expensive gateway of tourism and the cost of accommodation, food, travel and recreation is very less in Agro-Tourism when compared to any other type of tourism. · It widens the tourist base by widening the scope of tourism due to its cost effectiveness. · It has a strong demand in the contemporary world scenario. · It provides all opportunities to all age groups i.e. children, young, middle and old age, female, male, in total to the entire family at a cheaper cost. · It makes tourists familiar with rural games, traditional dresses, festivals and food. · It brings tourists close to the nature and provides variety of entertainment to them. · It is a source of knowledge to get information about plants, animals, raw materials like handicrafts, woods, rural lifestyle and their languages, culture, tradition. · Agro-Tourism which generally revolves around farmers, villages and agriculture has the potential to satisfy the curiosity of this segment of population. · It is a way for tourists to look towards agro-tourism as a means for searching peace and tranquility. · It brings tourists very close to nature and crops, birds, animals, mountains, water bodies, villages provide totally different atmosphere to urban population in which they can forget their busy and hectic urban life. · It provides tourists an opportunity to visit villages and spend time with family. · It creates awareness about rural life and knowledge about agriculture science among urban children and it can effectively be used as educational and training tool to train urban tourists. · It provides variety of recreation to urbanites through festivals and handicrafts.

What is Agri Tourism?

Agri tourism is where agriculture and tourism meet to provide us with an amazing educational experience, whether it is a tour of a farm or ranch, a festival or cheese-making class. Farmers turn their farm lands into a destination and open their doors to the public in order to teach more about what they do.

Agri tourism is becoming an increasingly popular industry globally and even in almost every state in India. Agri tourism offers a unique experience from picking our own fresh fruit at an orchard, to trying your hand at calf roping, to a hay ride at a pumpkin farm. There are tons of unique activities waiting to be explored.

Agri tourism is leisurely activities in the rural areas that help a person understand and appreciate the land and the people who live on it. In recent years, travel has become much more than just ticking through the mandatory list of local museums and sites. Travelers want to slow down when they discover a new destination. They want to meet locals in their natural environments and become more involved with the land they are visiting.

With this in mind, agri tourism was born. At its most basic level, agri tourism is a style of travel that takes place on a farm or ranch and usually offers the opportunity to help with on-site farming or ranching tasks during the visit. It entails a meaningful visit with a producer of land-based products and services.

Agri Tourism is however not all about staying in a village and relishing the food, this is an opportunity to be close to where the 75% of Indians live. One of the best things about staying on a farm is that guests can contribute to the place through their involvement. The idea is to make tourists live life like a villager, right from milking the cow, ploughing the field, bathing in a well to climbing a tree and plucking fruits.

Agri tourism is the latest concept in the Indian tourism industry, which normally occurs on farms. It gives you the opportunity to experience the real enchanting and authentic contact with the rural life, taste the local genuine food and get familiar with the various farming tasks during the visit. It provides people the welcome escape from the daily hectic life in the peaceful rural environment. It gives the chance to relax and revitalize in the in the pure natural environment, surrounded by magnificent setting. See the real India and have the experience of the lifetime on the farm stay holidays.

Why Agri Tourism?

Mother Nature is open door school without brick walls! If observed carefully one can learn something or the other, moreover India is Agriculturist’s Country, it is expected that we should know the information related to agriculture.

Today urban children’s world has became limited in the closed door school, classes, cartoon programs on the television, video games, chocolates, soft drinks, spicy fast food, computer, internet and so on, they see mother nature only on television screen.

Now it has become very necessary that children know the traditional way of agricultural farming activities and other businesses dependant on agriculture. Here children come very close to Mother Nature and learn many new things in life for a sustainable living.

Why is Agri Tourism important?

As commercialism and mass production become the standards by which we live, agri tourism has given people who work in the agricultural and horticultural sectors a chance to share their work with the masses. Some agri tourism experiences allow guests to buy food products grown on the farm or hand-crafted products made by the farmers’ families; purchasing these goods helps provide farmers who rely on their land with another source of income.

Home and consumer education has given way to technology courses in middle and high schools and many children grow up without ever really knowing what the countryside is or what it’s like to interact with live farm animals. Agri tourism, therefore gives parents the opportunity to introduce their children to something other than the city life.

Agri Tourism Farms:

Agri tourism is a style of vacation that normally takes place on a farm, either domestically or abroad. Many people are growing more interested in how their food is produced or how the population of a foreign country produces food.

Agri tourism farms in India offer tours to allow a person to view the growing, harvesting and processing of locally grown foods, such as corn, coconuts, sugar cane and pineapple. Often the farmers provide a home-stay opportunity and general education on the workings of the farm.

Children who visit the farms often have not seen a live duck or Rabbit and have not picked an apple right off the tree. This form of expanded agri tourism has given birth to what are often called entertainment farms. These farms cater to the pick-your-own crowd, offering not only regular farm products, but also food, mazes, open-pen animals, train rides, picnic facilities and pick-your-own produce.

Agri Tourism Benefits:

The potential benefits of agri tourism development extend to farmers, rural communities, and tourism operators.

Benefits for Farmers: For farmers agri tourism is a potential way of:

Ø expanding farm operations;

Ø using farm based products in new and innovative ways;

Ø improving farm revenue streams;

Ø developing new consumer market niches;

Ø increasing awareness of local agricultural products;

Ø increasing appreciation of the importance of maintaining agricultural land;

Ø channeling additional on-farm revenues directly to family members;

Ø improving farm living conditions, working areas & farm recreation opportunities;

Ø developing managerial skill and entrepreneurial spirit; and

Ø Increasing the long term sustainability for farm businesses.

Benefits for Communities: From a community perspective, agri tourism can be a vehicle for:

Ø generating additional revenue for local businesses and services from tourists;

Ø upgrading / revitalizing community facilities for residents and visitors;

Ø increasing protection of rural landscapes and natural environments for tourists and residents;

Ø helping preserve and revitalize local traditions, art and craft;

Ø promoting inter-regional, inter-cultural communication and understanding;

Ø increasing awareness of agricultural issues and values among the public;

Ø promoting the on-going use of local agricultural products and services;

Ø helping to diversify & strengthen rural economy via job & income creation; and

Ø Providing a more energetic business environment for attracting other businesses and small industries.

Benefits for Tourism Operators: From a tourism industry view point, agri tourism can be a means of:

Ø diversifying the mix of tourism products and services available to visitors;

Ø increasing tourism flows into attractive rural regions;

Ø increasing season length during traditionally off-peak business periods;

Ø uniquely positioning rural regions in key tourism markets; and

Ø Bringing more non-local currency to local businesses.

Agri Tourism Information:

Agri tourism travel information includes listings of local convention and visitors bureaus for helping people to plan their Agro tourism vacation. Agri tourism blends entertainment, education and tourism together to provide a fun, exciting and memorable get-away for school trips and family outings. Agriculture and tourism together present unique opportunities for farmers to diversify and expand their operations.

Information Resources:

An effective Agri tourism Resource Centre provides leadership in the development and distribution needed to support the development of competitive agri tourism products and services. This information should relate to specific planning, development and management issues deemed to be particularly important to key stakeholders. An important role of the Centre(s) should be to actively work with its partners to establish these priorities. Research suggests that such information needs relate to several recurring themes.

These include:

Ø understanding agri tourist markets and their behaviors

Ø assessing agri tourism’s fit with current farming operations

Ø dealing with government policies;

Ø addressing financial considerations;

Ø establishing effective marketing programs;

Ø developing customer friendly service programs;

Ø creating responsive risk management programs;

Ø establishing credible product and service quality standards;

Ø building strategic partnerships; and

Ø Managing niche agri tourism product development opportunities.

Priority Needs in Agri Tourism:

From the survey, it has been able to determine the top five priority needs of those currently engaged in agric tourism. They include:

Ø Need help in marketing and promoting their business (25%)

Ø Need expansion capital (25%)

Ø Need help finding qualified employees (21%)

Ø Insurance issues (19%)

Ø Difficulty obtaining financing (17%)

Ø Less than 2% felt competition was a problem.

Scope for Agri Tourism:

Agri Tourism has great scope in the present context for the following reasons both in India and abroad:

An inexpensive gateway:

The cost of food, accommodation, recreation and travel is minimum in Agri-Tourism. This widens the tourist base. Present concept of travel and tourism is limited to urban and rich class which constitute only small portion of the population. However, the concept of Agri-tourism takes travel and tourism to the larger population, widening the scope of tourism due to its cost effectiveness.

Curiosity about the farming industry and life style:

The urban population basically which has roots in villages always has curiosity about sources of food, plants, animals, raw materials like wood, handicrafts, languages, culture, tradition, dresses and lifestyle. Agri-tourism which revolves around the farmers, villages and agriculture has the capacity to satisfy the curiosity of this segment of population. Agri-tourism provides scope for re-discoursing the rural life which is rich in diversity.

Strong demand for wholesome family oriented recreational activities:

Villages provide recreational opportunities to all age groups i.e. children, young, middle and old age, male and female, in total to the whole family at cheaper cost. Rural games, festivals, food, dress and the nature provides variety of entertainment to the whole family.

Health consciousness of urban population and finding solace with nature friendly means:

Modern lifestyle has made the life stressful and average life span has come down. Hence, people are in constant search of pro-nature ways and means to make life more peaceful. Ayerveda which is pro-nature medical approach has roots in villages. Indigenous medical knowledge of villagers is respected. Organic foods are in greater demand in urban areas and foreign countries. In total, health conscious urban population is looking towards pro-nature villages for solutions.

Desire for peace and tranquility:

Modern life is the product of diversified thinking and diversified activities. Every individual attempts to work more, in different directions to earn more money to enjoy modern comforts. Hence, peace is always out of his system. Tourism is the means for searching peaceful location. Peace and tranquility are inbuilt in Agri-tourism as it is away from urban areas and close to nature.

Interest in natural environment:

Busy urban population is leaning towards nature because the natural environment is always away from busy life. Birds, animals, crops, mountains, water bodies, villages provide totally different atmosphere to urban population in which they can forget their busy urban life.

Disillusionment with overcrowded resorts and cities:

In resorts and cities, overcrowded peace seekers disturb each other’s peace. Hence, peace is beyond cities and resorts. Even though efforts are made to create village atmosphere in the sub urban areas through resorts, farm houses, it looks like a donkey painted with tiger colour. Artificiality is highlighted and not satisfying.

Nostalgia for their roots on the farm:

Cities are growing at the cost of villages. Villagers are migrating to cities in search of jobs and seeking comforts of modern life. Hence, yesterday’s villagers are today’s urbanites. Deep in the heart of urbanites lies the love and respect for their ancestors and villages. Hence, visit to villages satisfies their desire. This is also expressed through the heartedness of urbanites to flat culture and love for farmhouses located in the outskirts of cities. Any opportunity to visit villages and spend time with family is dream of any urbanite. But, minimum decent facilities are always problem. Agri-tourism attempts to overcome this problem.

Rural recreation:

Villages provide varieties of recreation to urbanites through festivals and handicrafts. Villagers and the farmer’s lifestyle, dress, languages, culture and traditions which always add value to the entertainment. Agriculture environment around farmers and the entire production process could create curiosity among urban taught. Places of agriculture importance like highest crop yielding farm, highest animal yielding farm, processing units, farms where innovations tried add attraction to the tourists.

Agriculture products like farm gate fresh market, processed foods, organic food could lure the urban tourists. As result of this Agri-atmosphere in the villages, there is scope to develop Agri-tourism products like Agri-shopping, culinary tourism, pick and own your tree or a plot, bed and breakfast, bullock cart riding, camel riding, boating, fishing, herbal walk, rural games and herbal health and ayurvedic tourism.

Educational value of Agri-Tourism:

Agri-tourism could create awareness about rural life and knowledge about agriculture science among urban school children. It provides a best alternative for school picnics which are urban based. It provides opportunity for hands on experience for urban college students in Agriculture. It is a means for providing training to future farmers. It would be effectively used as educational and training tool to train agriculture and line department officers. This provides unique opportunity for education through recreation where learning is fun effective and easy. Seeing believes, doing is learning and most importantly experiences are USP of Agri-tourism.

Basic Principles of Agri Tourism:

Agri Tourism should ensure that some basic principles must be followed.

Have something for visitors to see:

Animals, birds, farms and nature are the few things which Agri-tourism could offer to the tourist to see. Apart from these, culture, dress, festivals and rural games could create enough interest among forest in Agri-tourism.

Have something for visitors to do:

Participating in agricultural operations and swimming, bullock cart riding, cycling, trekking, camel riding, buffalo riding, cooking and participating in the rural games are the few activities to quote in which tourist can take part and enjoy.

Have something for visitors to buy:

Rural crafts, dress materials, farm gate fresh agriculture products, processed foods are the few items which tourist can buy as memento for remembrance.

Entertainment in Agri Tourism:

Agri-tourism offers the tourist many joyful experiences while living in rural environment. Agri-tourist involvement in milching, harvesting competitions, tree climbing, edible adventure, bullock cart race, buffalo race in wet fields, shooting a coconut target, fishing etc. could generate enormous joy at least cost. There is enough scope to charge entry fee to farmers, providing feed and accommodation on payment basis and charging the participation of Agri-tourist during rural games would also generate income to the farmers.

There are some successful entertainment farming enterprises and techniques in Agri-tourism to learn through International experiences. Agri-tourism is a viable income generating activities in many developed counties which would provide lead to promote the same with modifications suiting to our conditions. They are:

Arts & Crafts Demonstrations, Farm Store, Exhibition of farm equipments, Roadside Stand selling fresh farm products and craft items, Processing of farm products and sale, Demonstration of Agri-activities, Sheep Shearing, Wool Processing, Fee fishing, Hunting, Farm Vacations, Bed and Breakfast, Farm Tours, Horseback Riding, Camping, Bad weather – like desert, snow fields, heavy rainfall also attract Agri-tourists, Picnic Grounds, A shady spot for visitors to rest – like a big banyan tree, Educational Tours for school children, officers and progressive farmers.

Farm Schools to teach a particular skill, Outdoor Schools which are mobile in nature teaching agriculture, Herb Walks, Workshops on interesting, emerging agriculture topics, Festivals with wide publicity and sponsorship, Cooking Demos to satisfy housewives, Pick-Your-own Pumpkin Patch, Rent –an – apple tree, Moonlight activities, Pageants, Speakers who can attract Agro-tourist narrating Agricultural experiences, Regional Themes like tribal coffee of Kerala, Andaman spices etc., Crop Art, Pizza Farm, Historical Recreations like highlighting an oldest farm etc., Log Buildings, Antique Villages, Collection of old farm Machinery, Miniature Village, Farm Theme Playground for Children, Fantasyland, Gift Shop, Antiques, Crafts, Crafts Demonstrations, Food Sales, Lunch Counter, Cold Drinks, Restaurant, Different Themes etc.

Important Factors for Agri Tourism:

There are various important factors which contribute to the success of Agri Tourism.

Majority of the cases, farmer is less educated, less exposed and innocent. For farmer, any outsider is a guest and treated whole heartedly without any commercial motive. Treating guest is pleasure for them than pain. He entertains the guest while entertaining himself in the process. He is not like an exploitative natured businessman which itself facilitate a clean tourism atmosphere.

Village, which is located far from the city lacks urban facilities, but blessed with natural resources. The investment is made by nature in the form of water bodies, fields, forest, mountains, deserts and islands. Community is more homogenous and treating a guest is part of their culture rather than a profession leading to natural environment required for urban tourist.

Agriculture:

Rich resources in agriculture namely land; water and plants are unique from place to place bringing diversity and creating curiosity. Each field is unique which adds to the attraction of tourists. The way of cultivation and the products are great attraction to the urban population. Indigenous knowledge of rural people is a wealth, which adds to novelty and curiosity of urban population. Combination of farmer, village and agriculture create a wonderful situation which provides unlimited satisfaction to the tourists especially from urban areas.

Promotion of Agri Tourism:

In the context of solution to farmers’ problem this model shall make agriculture more viable in three steps that are training has to be provided preferably to those farmers who have small land holdings, agri tourism centers have to be developed with onsite available resources with the help of local people and artisans and finally the most important thing is to create an awareness and infrastructure of field staff to guide the farmer and help them to market, run and operate the agri tourism center.”

The full-fledged tourism marketing program has to be developed that implements effective operation methods to generate more tourists’ leads from urban cities. A regular visit by the agri tourism experts and consultants to the farmer who runs the agri tourism center for once in every 3 months for a period of 36 months helps farmer to sustain and learn from experts.

The agri tourism associations have to be formed with experts who acts as an umbrella organization called Agri Tourism Centers (ATC), which are operated by local farm entrepreneurs and employees, and promotes their products in the target markets. The initiative provides training and capacity building for farmers, local guides and communities in the areas of small enterprise establishment and tourism product development through subject specialists and experts.

Public Awareness:

People have become more interested in how their food is produced. They want to meet farmers and processors and talk with them about what goes into food production. For many people who visit farms, especially children, the visit marks the first time they see the source of their food, be it a dairy cow, an ear of corn growing in a field or a fruit they can pick right off a tree. Farmers and ranchers use this interest to develop traffic at their farm or ranch, and interest in the quality of their products, as well as awareness of their products.

While revenue and education are often primary drivers for farmers to diversify their operations and invite guests onto their property, safety isn’t always a top priority. Accidents involving tractors, wagon rides, trips, falls, and traffic occur at agri tourism operations on a regular basis.

The concept of Agri tourism is very simple, whereby the urban tourists go the farmers home; stay like a farmer, engage in farming activities, experience the bullock cart, tractor ride, fly kites, eat authentic food, wear traditional clothes, understand the local culture, enjoy the folk songs and dance, buy fresh farm produce and in turn the farmer maintains home and farm hygiene, greets new tourists, sells his farm produce at a better price, earns a livelihood all year round.

Ways to Expand Agri tourism:

Expanding tourism on your farm can help bring in extra money and get your farm marketed. With so many options to consider, it’s important to think about which type of activity would work best for your farm.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension recommends farmers to identify what type of customers they want to attract and to cater to those interests. According to their white paper, each audience farmers hope to attract will have different needs and expectations so they have to employ specific strategies to attract them.

Agri Tourism Promotional Concepts at Farm Level:

Seasonal Events:

Autumn time is a popular season for farm tourism. Popular holidays like Halloween have the ability to bring in many families with vegetable harvest, fruits picking, pumpkin picking, corn mazes, haunted houses and hay rides. With the possibility of a down season, having different events at farm level can bring in families.

Village Fairs and Festivals:

The tourists can also participate in the village seasonal harvest fair and festivals. The most famous harvest festivals are Pongal, Onam, Baishaki etc. During these festival occasions the tourists can participate and enjoy the traditional dance and music performed by the villagers.

Farmers Markets/You-Pick:

If a farmer grows a plethora of crops that can be sold, opening a small farmers’ market can help bring in extra money. Another option is to have a “pick-your-own” market where customers come in and pick their own vegetable or fruit of choice from what a farmer offers.

It’s crucial to have a plan when attracting visitors to your “you-pick” farm, especially when small children are present because they “contribute too disproportionately to damaged crops and inventory shrinkage”, according to the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. Having restrooms and enough parking is also important in the business plan.

Vacation Stays:

For customers who want a getaway, farms can offer cabins or bed-and-breakfast amenities. With bed-and-breakfast, it requires farmers to interact more with guests. While many bed-and-breakfast don’t offer many activities that gives the guests the perfect opportunities to explore the town they’re in.

The guests can be encouraged to discover the area surrounding the bed-and-breakfast, which also acts as a retreat from life outside the farm. A farmer should decide which days of the week work best for them to have guests at the bed-and-breakfast.

Along with seasonal events, tours can help bring in schools and teach children about how farms work. According to the Cornell Cooperative Extension, people who visit farms are doing so in part because they want to learn more.

Farm tours are a great source for agri tourism for children and others to learn more about farming and everything that goes into it. Having extra activities for children like story time or even the ability to milk cows is a great hands-on activity.

Petting Zoo:

A petting zoo for visitors can entertain and help the public learn about the different types of livestock on farm and they can provided with rides on different animals and also they can be offered to feed and play with birds and rabbits including pony and wagon rides.

Well you must now be bored of visiting the hill stations and staying in the first class Ac hotel room. And you might be looking for the change this time. And to offer you the holidays with the difference agri tourism is definitely a good option.

To get that very special experience of the rural ambiance and to enjoy the rural life, Indian tourism provides you the opportunity to stay right away in the farm houses along with the other villagers and experience the difference. Witness the unique lifestyle of the villagers. Learn about their age old traditions and culture, which they resume till date. Converse with them and feel how warm hearted and simple they are.

Along with them spend time playing the pleasing rural games and enjoy the interesting bull fight and wrestling matches held on various occasions in the village. On the tour to the village what attracts you the most is the colorful costumes of the villages.

Animal Rides:

Apart from all this, holidays on farms provides the complete entertainment. Ride on the bullock carts along with the villager’s into the agricultural fields. See them carrying fodder for animals into the buggies. The tourists can even take the camel ride to explore the village and the surrounding areas.

Cow Milking:

Cow milking is real exciting activity, which can’t be escaped. Practice the art of cow milking from the villagers. Feed the cows with the fodder and chapattis. See how the rural women cook food on the chulas made of mud. Taste the authentic rural cuisine and drink fresh milk of cow.

Rural Arts and Crafts:

Villages are expert in making the handicrafts; it is something which is passed on from their one generation to the other. The tourists can carry some of the items back to the home as the momentum.

Venturing into the Agricultural Farms:

Roam into the vast spreaded acres of agricultural lands along with the group of villagers who can provide you the better insight of the village. As you roam into the fields, feel the smell of the Indian soils which gives you the real flavor of India.

Enchant with the farmers working hard in the fields. Take the view of the bulls ploughing the fields. The wells, other water bodies, mountains and forests are the added attraction for the tourists.

Keep in mind the adequate time, liability issues and employees needed when drawing up your agri tourism venture. Making a business plan will help keep you on track and in return, your agri tourism business will boom.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE AGRI-TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Dewalokam Farmstay Retreat, Karimannoor, Kerala- Dewalokam is the organic ancestral farm of a welcoming Syrian Christian family. The name means “paradise” and the property certainly is that! This faultless farmstay is conveniently located only 90 minutes drive from Kochi airport, in the spice belt of Kerala, bounded by a placid river and nature reserve. Fruit, vegetables, spices, milk, and honey are all produced there. An extensive range of activities is available for guests, including spice walks, village walks, bamboo rafting, temple visits, cow milking, and swimming.
Vanilla County, Kottayam, Kerala- It’s located two and a half hours drive from Kochi airport, near Vagamon in the lush Western Ghat mountain range. Guests can swim in natural rock pools, go on plantation walks, go trekking, birding, visit villages and a local meditation ashram, and cruise the Kerala backwaters.
Konyak Tea Retreat, Mon District, Nagaland- The host is the great-granddaughter of a tattooed headhunter, and she’s actively involved in researching and documenting the various tattoo patterns of her tribe. The boutique farmhouse is located in the middle of a remote, privately-owned 250-hectare tea estate. However, tea isn’t all that’s grown there. The farm also has an orange tree orchard and organic vegetable garden. Guests can pick and eat during harvesting season (mid-November to December).
Maachli, Sindhudurg, Nagaland- The name “Maachli” means “elevated huts” in the local Malvani language. There are four architecturally designed hut-style accommodations on the property, built deep within nature among the Samant family’s coconut, betel nut, banana and spice plantation. Everything revolves around nature, and there is a sweet water stream flowing through the property. Responsible tourism is also a strong focus. Activities include village walks, cooking lessons, farming experiences, trekking.
Enchanted Forest Farm, Gangtok, Sikkim- The tranquil setting, deep inside the forest with a waterfall, and delightful hosts are totally worth it though! The farm is completely organic and the property is pretty much self-sufficient. There’s a fish pond, cows and goats. If you’re a music lover, you’re also in luck. The host plays the guitar and loves a good jam session. Guest accommodations consist of three rustic yet elegant standalone cottages.

Some barriers in Agro-tourism

Language Problem: Language problem in the locality have been found to be one of the barriers in the enhancement of the tourism potential. People are found to be lacking proper fluency in Hindi, English or even local dialect, for interaction with the tourists. 2. Insufficient Financial Support: Proper financial support can enhance the tourism potential of the region, which would help the folks to preserve the local culture, traditions, heritage, art forms etc. that showcases the uniqueness of the place in the proper manner. 3. Communication Problem: There should be proper transport and communication facility i.e. better road connectivity, mobile and telephone network for better commutation and convenience of the tourists. 4. Lack of Trained tourist guide: The whole tourism concept is very indigenous in the rural areas. Though initiative attempt have been taken by the local youths, yet the professionalism is lacking. They are lacking proper training to project in the manner from tourism perspective. 5. Lack of business planning skill: Some regions have great potential as an upcoming agro tourist spot. But, in order to bring it to a greater platform, sound business planning has to be made. The region needs proper enhancement of its beauty and resources skillfully to bring itself to light.

Socio-economic impacts of Agro-tourism

Employment to youth: Rural tourism contributes positively to the increase in employment and income levels of the youths. 2. Boost to the Handloom and Cottage industry: Traditional attires, especially of women are found to a delightful attraction for incoming tourist both domestic and outsiders. People, often found to be interested in purchasing the garments, which is helping in gearing up the production of local handloom products. 3. Preservation of natural resources: Tourism in local areas helps in preserving the rural eco system, since it forms the base to the tourism sector, also a part of the development funds are use in creating social forests and preserving existing forest. 4. Exchange of revenue: Employment avenues created by tourism demands help in earning domestic income. 5. Exposure to their religion: Tourism avenues have a given a due introduction to this almost hidden but old culture. Tourist interaction has provided the proper exposure to the world outside.

Key Strategy for Success of Agro-Tourism

Agro-Tourism is a one of the business activities. So, farmers must have commercialmindset and some marketing techniques for the success. For the better success in the agro-tourism farmers should follow the following things; · Give a wide publicity of your tourism centre by newspapers, television etc. Use all possible advertisement means. · Develop contacts with the schools, colleges, NGOs, clubs, unions, organizations etc. · Train your staff or family members for reception and hospitality of the agro tourists. · Understand about the customers wants and their expectations and serve them accordingly. · Charge optimum rent and charges for the facilities/services on the commercialbase. · Do the artificially use local resources for the entertainment / service to tourists. · Develop your website and update time to time for attract foreign tourist. · Take their feedback and comments about the service and suggestions to more development and modification. · Develop a good rapport with the tourist for future business and chain publicity · Develop different agro-tour packages of for different type of tourist and their expectations. · Maintain an address book and comments of the visited tourists for future tourismbusiness and reference. · Small farmers can develop their agro-tourism centres on the basis of cooperativesociety.

Reference-on request

Saudi Arabia wants big spenders for the first part of its Neom megaproject

Saudi Arabia plans to open the first part of its Neom megaproject this year.
Sindalah, an island resort, is aimed at a luxury clientele and the global yachting community.
Saudi Arabia is pushing to distinguish itself in the high-end luxury market to compete with Dubai.

Saudi Arabia plans to open the first region of its Neom megacity by the end of the year.

The island of Sindalah will provide the first physical glimpse into the ambitious desert project, which has reportedly been scaled back from its initial plans due to financial struggles .

Developers say they want the island to be an "exclusive gateway to the stunning Red Sea," adding that they planned to cater to luxury clientele and the global yachting community.

Neom recently ended investor roadshows in China by confirming the luxury island resort would open this year, Arab News reported . It's set to have three luxury hotels, a golf course and sports club, beach club, marina, and dozens of restaurants and shops.

In January Marriott International said it had signed an agreement to bring Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy to Sindalah. Chadi Hauch of the hotel operator said the concept was a "great fit" for the island and reflected a "growing desire for premium and luxury apartment-style accommodation" from travelers.

The following month Saudi music entertainment company, MDLBEAST, announced it would operate the Sindalah Beach Club on the island.

Vives, Neom's chief urban planning and islands officer, said in a press release that Sindalah will be a "new model for luxury travel and living."

Capturing the luxury tourism market

The Saudi government's focus on the luxury market is an attempt to distinguish itself from nearby Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates.

Managing ambition

Developing luxury resorts like Sindalah may also help Saudi Arabia encourage tourism sooner by starting smaller.

Sindalah is one of the more realistic elements of Neom's futuristic plans . It pales in comparison to structures like the mirrored "horizontal skyscraper" known as The Line.

"It's less ambitious in scope and scale," Ulrichsen said. "That might mean that it's more realistic to open first."

Recent reports have indicated the Saudis may be facing a harsh reality when it comes to f inancing some of the megaprojects included in Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 project .

Previous deadlines have already been pushed back for some of Neom's more ambitious projects.

Earlier this month, Bloomberg reported that the Gulf Kingdom had reduced estimates for the number of people expected to live in The Line .

The report said the realities of some of the trillion-dollar investments included in the Vision 2030 project were starting to cause alarm at the highest level of the country's government.

Neom did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Watch: Marriott International's Tina Edmundson tells Insider that the travel mindset has changed since the pandemic

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Agro tourism scope and opportunities for the farmers in india by vinay
Agro Tourism: The Rising Sustainable Industry of India

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Agro Tourism: The Rising Sustainable Industry of India
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Agri-tourism; concept, scope, strategies on: October 21, 2016In: EditorialTags: Agri-tourism; Recommendations. ... Agritourism is a very latest concept and form of tourism in India. It gives an ...
Harvesting Experiences: The Rise of Agri-Tourism in India and Its
The Agri-Tourism Development Corporation in India has further championed this concept, collaborating with farmers to operate agro-tourism centers in Maharashtra. This not only provides visitors with firsthand rural experiences but also proves to be a boon for farmers seeking additional income streams. Scope of Agri-Tourism: Beyond Boundaries
PDF The Scenario of Agro
Agro-tourism in India: The idea of agro-tourism makes tourists live life like a villager, right from milking the cow, ploughing the field, bathing in a well, to climb a tree and plucking fruits from trees. ... It has a vast scope in the present scenario of tourism business in India. It is less expensive gateway of tourism and the cost of ...
Agritourism
Agri Tourism is a website that promotes and supports the concept of agricultural tourism in India. It offers information, guidance and registration for farmers who want to open their farms to visitors and share their culture, cuisine and lifestyle. Agri Tourism also helps tourists to find and book farm stays, activities and events across different regions and seasons.
Agriculture Tourism In India: What Is Agro-Rural Tourism And Its
Agriculture tourism is a unique way to experience rural India. Agrotourism is the practice of bringing tourists or other visitors to a farm. It is a chance for tourists or other visitors to experience agriculture up close and personally. Due to its many advantages, the idea of agro-rural tourism has grown over time in India and even around the ...
Making agri-tourism a sustainable business
The agri-tourism market globally was valued at $42.46 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach $62.98 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 13.4 per cent between 2020 and 2027. Agri-tourism is an ...
What is Agrotourism and Its Scope in India
What is Agrotourism and Its Scope in India. Agrotourism is where agriculture and tourism blend to give us an incredible educational experience, whether it is an expedition of a plantation or farm, a celebration or a cheese-making class. Agriculturists turn their plantation lands into a destination and unlock their doors to the world in order to ...
(PDF) The Evolution of Agri-Tourism practices in India ...
Agro-tourism: Scope and opportunities for the farmers in . Maharashtra. 2009. 5. ... (WTO) estimates that tourism grows by 4 percent per year and India's tourism industry, however, is growing at ...
PDF Agro-tourism: Scope and Opportunities for The Farmers in Maharashtra
A term 'Agro-Tourism' is a new face of tourism. An agro-tourism is farm based business that is open to the public. These specialized agro-tourism destinations generally offer things to see, things to do, and produce or gifts to buy, and are open to the public. Agritourism is defined as "Travel that combines agricultural or rural settings with
Agriculture Tourism In India, Benefits of Agri Tourism
The scope of Agriculture Tourism. In agri-tourism, the costs of accommodation, food, and travel will be very low. This is to enhance the tourist population. The current concept of travel and tourism is just to urban areas which are just a section of the population. ... Agro Tourism Resorts in India: Malshej Agro Tourism (Pune). Deorai Farms ...
PDF Prospective Role of Agro-Tourism in Transformation of Rural India
Agro-tourism is improving South Africa ̳s economic performance as well as contributing to rural development and employment creation (Kepe et al., 2001). It is utilized as. a means to alleviate poverty and create employment opportunities in rural areas. In Ghana, Fanteakwa District in 2007 attracted over 4,000 paying visitors who were ...
PDF Identifying the Potential of Agri-Tourism in India: Overriding
in Agri-Tourism compare to any other type of tourism. Present concept tourism is limited to urban and rich class which constitutes very small proportion of the population. However, the concept of agri tourism takes travel and tourism to the larger population, this widens the tourist base by widening the scope of tourism due to its cost ...
PDF Scope of Agritourism in India (With reference to development
"Scope of Agritourism in India ... Agro tourism is one such form of tourism which has recently emerged in Maharashtra. It is a field with potential to develop. Certainly as a newly developing ...
AGRI TOURISM
Scope of Agri Tourism in India: Agri Tourism is to experience the real rural life, taste the local genuine food and get familiar with the various farming tasks. Agriculture is the backbone of Indian Economy. Around 75% of the population is directly or indirectly dependent on Agriculture and almost 26 percent of India's GDP comes from ...
Foreign tourist arrivals in India will cross pre ...
Despite Geo-political tensions India's tourism industry braces for a surge of more than 10 percent in inbound tourism this year. Industry experts cite escalating conflicts in the Middle East and shift of foreign tourists from China after the pandemic as key factors propelling India into the spotlight as a preferred destination for travellers worldwide.
Saudi Arabia wants big spenders for the first part of its Neom megaproject
Saudi Arabia hasn't been shy about its tourism aspirations, claiming it aims to attract between 100 million and 150 million visitors by 2030. However, Dubai is a formidable competitor.