Need for Agritourism (Agrotourism)
Global warming, carbon footprint, plastic landfills and greenhouse gas emissions are among many challenges we face recently. Moreover, they are hot topics discussed in the world including seminars, social media, corporate CSRs and even personal conversations. On the other hand, emerging topics like agritourism or agrotourism has been gaining considerable attention in the past few years.
Due to the idea of pollution and its effect on our health, agrotourism steps in as an alternative to commercial travelling forms in the sense that it is a win-win trip for the traveller and the host alike.
Note:
~ Just a small note worth mentioning before we further dwell into the topic. There are two variations of the word which are agrotourism and agritourism, but they basically have the same meaning and will be used interchangeably below.~
We all feel the need of a fresh air sniff from time to time especially if we live in congested cities. The first thing we might resort to is planning a weekend in the outdoors either camping or hiking.
Another alternative with a higher budget is to plan a trip to a totally different country and sometimes to a different continent.
Agritourism Potential
This might be very refreshing and relaxing, but how about adding an additional benefit? How about adding value to the visited place by being an active visitor rather than a tourist seeking selfies in nature.
This is where agrotourism steps in. It is the chance that we get to engage with the local communities and especially the rural ones. We get to see the real face of the place we’re visiting and not just the flashy touristic areas in the city or the countryside.
Agrotourism facilitates the chance to interact personally with the producers of our food in all shapes and forms. It’s a great connection to the origin of our food and the origin of our life, as food choices greatly impact our lives and their qualities alike.
Countries with agrotourism opportunities:
“We have to bring children into a new relationship to food that connects them to culture and agriculture.”-Alice Waters
Greece
A vacation spot known for its breathtaking landscapes and a popular holiday getaway. Greece is also home to yet another important tourist attraction.
Agrotourism in Greece captures the warm hospitality of the locals and their gracious modes of living.
The lovely ambiance of the country is the result of the artistic combination of white and blue colors of nature and man-made architecture.
Greece is blessed with morphological diversity to give travellers an educational holiday and keep them coming back for more as a perpetual learner.
Spain
Yet another Mediterranean gem, Spain has many pockets of sunshine to offer tourists hungry for beaches. However Spain has another ace up its sleeve to keep tourists ever attached to this lovely country.
Spain’s country side has its own charm and a visit to this area is surely a lifelong experience. Moreover, agritourism (agrotourism) in Spain is a lifelong experience.
The “casa rural” in Spain is an amazing country side house designed to relax and reflect. Starting the day with an awesome breakfast and interacting with nature and animals, while learning the best practices from the locals, is surely an ideal way for a holiday well spent.
Sri Lanka
Not sure where to start when it to comes to Sri Lanka’s agritourism, as there is an abundance of options. Bird watching, trekking, hiking, food and cooking are only the start. Sri Lanka’s agrotourism stretches back 2,500 years ago and teaches the tourists the complex paddy cultivation systems.
Be sure to grab your cup of fresh tea as you visit the enormous tea plantation sites, and add the fresh milk from the dairy farm milking experience.
Cyprus
A wine fan? Commandaria or Koumandaria, Cyprus’s signature wine is considered by many historians the oldest wine label in the world and it is world famous for a very good reason.
Food and wine holidays are very popular in Cyprus in addition to ecotourism which is flourishing on the island.
There are countless tours, activities, itineraries where there is more to Cyprus than meets the eye. Some travellers are hooked to the picturesque beaches, while others want to meet the locals and get to experience Cyprus in-depth culture and warm kindness of the people.
Protaras in Cyprus is one of the most beautiful places around the island and offers many opportunities for beach relaxation and nature exploring.
Italy
“Agriturismo” in Italy is a big thing, as there is a plethora of choices when it comes to farm stays in this charming country. Some could be as simple as a village life could get, while others are extremely luxurious and fancy stays.
Foods and drinks prepared from scratch to perfection, bursting with flavours and packed with nutrients. This is the heart of agritourism (agrotourism).
In Italy one gets to taste the virgin olive oil, the fresh vegetables and fruits along with learning all the techniques of picking them. In addition an agritourist gets the chance to milk the cows or even herd the cattle.
However, there are the more subtle stays accompanied with spa treatments and wellness services, if the visitor does not wish to engage in physical chores. In any case, the stunning landscapes are always on display regardless the mode chosen to spend the holiday.
“You may have the universe if I may have Italy.” – Giuseppe Verdi
In summary, swimming, horseback riding, herding cattle, sampling food, brewing wine, extracting olive oil, picking fruits and vegetables or simply relaxing while being pampered are surely a match for any complex taste or a sophisticated palate.
Agrotourism gets you covered in any interest area within ecotourism and gives a delightful lifelong experience while leaving minimum impact on the visited areas and on the contrary, adding value to these places.
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