Let us start with some of the definitions. For instance, the Madrid-based World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) tells us that agro tourism is a segment within rural tourism. We could think of this as tourism activity on a working farm which adds value to its production with diversified agricultural activity.

One major European agro tourism tour operator tells us that “agro tourism is a mild form of sustainable tourist development and multi-activity in rural areas through which the visitor has the opportunity to get acquainted with agricultural areas, agricultural occupations, local products, traditional cuisine and the daily life of the people, as well as the cultural elements and the authentic features of the area, while showing respect for the environment and tradition. Moreover, this activity brings visitors closer to nature and rural activities in which they can participate, be entertained and feel the pleasure of touring, learning and discovering. At the same time, it mobilises the productive, cultural and developmental forces of an area, contributing in this way to the sustainable environmental, economic and social development of the rural area”. AGROTOURISTIKI SA www.visitgreece.gr/pages.php?langID=2&pageID=64 - 10k  

Another approach for us is one from ECOTOUR, a leading European eco-tourism tour operator, which markets agro tourism, “as a direct expansion of ecotourism, which encourages visitors to experience agricultural life at first hand”. They share their own experience, telling us that “agrotourism is gathering strong support from small communities as rural people have realised the benefits of sustainable development brought about by similar forms of nature travel. Visitors have the opportunity to work in the fields alongside real farmers and wade knee-deep in the sea with fishermen hauling in their nets”. http://www.ecotourdirectory.com/agrotourism.htm 

Our research suggests that agro tourism in the developed world appears to centre on:

• large farms offering vacations to the tourism market;

• institutional links between organic agriculture, sustainable land use, nature and environmental protection, rural development and the protection of cultural heritage and landscapes (ECEAT,2002);

• lifestyle (Sweden);

• entrepreneurship in the rural areas while protecting their heritage (Cyprus);

• similar approach to Cyprus but the emphasis is on stay-overs in private dwellings and training programmes for women(Turkey);

• farms focusing on beekeeping leading to the production of honey, berry picking, greenhouses, breeding farms, dairy farms, produce farms and fishing (Quebec, Canada); and

• development of craft (Italy).

When we look at parts of the developing world, agro tourism is also associated with rural farm life, for example:

• In Malaysia, the focus is on fishing villages, mud and mangroves, fruit farms, lakes and fishes.

• In Colombia the emphasis is on home stays.

• In Bali, fruit and flower farms are used.

• In Thailand, the emphasis is on conservation of the environment and linking this to national park preservation. The Thai’s adhere to three basic principles of sustainable development:

1. conserving natural areas;

2. educating visitors and

3. benefiting the local population.

They link their eco-tourism to health through Day Spas. Agro tourism relates to orchards, agro forestry farms, herbal farms and animal farms in the eyes of the Thai’s.

• When we look at South Africa mariculture, salt extraction and agriculture together form agro tourism an integral part of local government strategies. It is seen as part of a transformation process.
  (Source: web search: March 2006) 
  Carolyn Hayle’s Jamaica study (pdf 377.4kb)