Delving into the Emerging Travel Trend "Agritourism"
Agritourism focuses on various agricultural themes, including natural landscapes and cultural heritage. Agritourism, which is a portmanteau of agriculture and tourism, began in Italy. During the 80s, many people lodged on farms, as it was a popular way to experience the countryside. Since then, it has rocketed in popularity and is now a booming trend in the travel sector.
Japan and the Culinary World
The culinary world is slowly moving towards more organic produce. Resorts across Japan are now giving people the opportunity to experience growing crops organically. Japan was home to the very first agritourism resort, Risonare Nasu, which opened in 2019. It’s a luxurious property with an organic farm, surrounded by vast green forests and a river. Guests staying there can learn how to sow seeds, as well as grow vegetables in large greenhouses.
Right now, there’s an emerging trend with people wanting to return to a more peaceful life. The cottage aesthetic revolves around simple living, and with farms being more represented in the media, it's becoming more appealing than ever. Some top examples would be this countryside scene slot or PC games like Farming Simulator. Numerous TV shows such as Heartland, This Farming Life and Our Yorkshire Farm are also very popular.
Media like this has helped to create a boom around agritourism. Even though Japan might have been home to the first agritourism resort, more have since cropped up around the world, with some of the most famous ones found below.
South Africa and its Varied Farm Culture
The Babylonstoren Resort, which is in South Africa, gives guests the chance to connect with nature. They can do this while working on a farm. People are given the chance to understand the continent’s varied farm culture as well as getting the chance to get close and personal with a number of animals and birds.
One of the most historic farmyards can be found close to Cape Town. The Babylonstoren farm dates back to the year 1692 and when you stay there, you can pick up skills such as growing your vegetables, while watching honeybees in action. You can also spend your time bird spotting and learning how to press flowers. With sprawling farm premises suited to trout fishing, it’s never been easier to get involved with nature, in a way you might not have been able to at home.
Farming in the Mediterranean
Some of the most popular agritourism resorts to date can be found in the Mediterranean. With endless vineyards, the Apfelhotel Torgglerhof hotel in Italy has sprawling orchards. During apple harvest time, you can pick fruit while learning about all of the varieties that grow within the area. With a huge range of living options, including barns, suites and 40 rooms, you have a lot of peaceful ways to stay at the location. You also have a spa and sauna, which helps to add to the level of comfort.
Harvesting in the Phillippines
Agritourism is also very popular in the Philippines thanks to its tropical climate which makes it a prime location. With plenty of natural resources and fertile soil, some of the most popular activities include fruit picking, vegetable harvesting or the tasting of local wine. Planting rice and root crops, along with catching fish and coffee bean picking are also popular activities.
Some of the most prestigious locations in the Philippines include the Del Monte Pineapple Plantation. With over 25,000 hectares of land, it’s considered to be one of the most famous pineapple plantations in the world. Visitors who attend the area can take advantage of the recreational area, go on a tour of the plantation and visit the farm-to-table restaurant. La Union is another example. Dubbed the Grape Capital, you have four grape farms that you can visit, with tourists given the option to pick the grapes before sampling the wine made at the location.
With agritourism being such a rising trend, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more and more resorts pop up across the world. People want a simpler life, away from the hustle and bustle of busy cities. Even though the Phillippines, Japan and South Africa are setting the bar high, other countries are beginning to emerge as agritourism hotspots.
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