Agritourism: A catalyst for rural development - A review paper

Abstract

Agri tourism has tremendous potential for increasing farm incomes and stimulating the development of a dynamic, diversified rural economy. In many developed countries in Europe, the USA, and other more advanced countries in Asia, Agri tourism has become an integral part of the tourism industry. It is being pursued as value addition to farming and as allied business that enable farmers and rural communities to harness the optimal benefits of the multi-functional nature of agriculture and natural resources in rural areas. This trend also gave rise to more demand for visitors’ accommodations and created opportunities for home stays and bed-and-breakfast types of businesses. The development of these interlinked enterprises also generated other benefits to rural communities such as better environmental and cultural awareness, preservation of cultural heritage sites, and agro biological diversity.