Emma Caldwell
What features should an agritourism guesthouse have?
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Emma Caldwell
What features should an agritourism guesthouse have?
Agritourism is in growing demand, as travellers seek authentic rural experiences, a connection to nature, and wholesome activities on their holidays. For a guesthouse to thrive in this niche, it must offer more than just a place to rest. Immersing visitors in the richness and diversity of daily routines on your farm, vineyard, or other rural setting will attract and delight people seeking such experiences – and keep them coming back year after year.
Here, we explore the main features a successful agritourism guesthouse needs to provide authentic, memorable getaways.
Breathtaking natural setting
The best agritourism guesthouses are nestled in an abundance of breathtaking natural scenery. Be sure to let your guests know about the best walking and biking trails, birdwatching spots, viewpoints, and any other places they can enjoy outdoor recreational activities. You could even provide some bikes of various sizes in a shed for them to use, or perhaps offer to take them on a boat trip across a nearby lake.
Remember, some of your guests may have never been in such a setting before. City dwellers may need some guidance on how best to explore the wide open spaces, so get creative with the opportunities you can offer – it’s all about immersing your guests in your way of life.
Comfortable, sustainable accommodation
Of course, your guesthouse should reflect the rustic charm of rural life – but that shouldn’t sacrifice comfort. Furnish your rooms with locally sourced or upcycled materials, traditional design elements, and natural textiles to create a cozy, inviting space. While there’s no need to buy everything brand new, mattresses, bedding, sofas and dining supplies should be clean and free from stains or tarnishing.
Many agri-tourists value sustainability, so it’s well worth updating your guesthouses with modern amenities such as eco-friendly heating. You could also install waterbutts or a greywater system to help reduce water waste, or opt for solar panels to prioritise green energy. While many travellers enjoy spending a few days off-grid, having reliable Wi-Fi is often a top priority that will help you score additional points with your guests.
Authentic farm experiences
The main draw of agritourism is the opportunity to connect with nature and experience what it’s like to live on a farm. Whether you run an agricultural or livestock farm, allowing your guests to get their hands dirty and get involved with daily chores is a great way to showcase the authenticity of your guesthouse.
Feeding animals, collecting eggs, or participating in seasonal activities such as fruit picking, planting, or harvesting all help your guests connect with the land and enjoy a deeper experience while staying with you. Especially for families with children, this is often one of the most enjoyable parts of their holiday.
You could also run workshops on cheese-making, beekeeping, gardening, or cooking with local ingredients to provide even more value to your guests. These experiences not only build connection and appreciation for the environment and rural way of life, but also teach people valuable skills for life.
Local and seasonal cuisine
One of the perks of being on a farm in the countryside is the abundance of fresh ingredients surrounding you. Offering guests farm-to-table meals, made either from on-site or locally sourced produce showcases the sustainability and wholesomeness of rural living – plus, it tastes incredible. Why not host communal, al-fresco meals to further boost the rural, community spirit of your establishment?
Even if you aren’t directly feeding your guests, providing an arrival basket or hamper bursting with local treats is a great way to welcome them to the area and demonstrate the authentic values of your guesthouse.
Safety
Last, but certainly not least, is safety. Even though your guesthouse may be out in the wild, you still have a responsibility to keep your guests safe. Put up appropriate signage, run risk assessments for any open bodies of water or animal pens, and educate your guests on the rules of the farm – including any off-limit areas – on arrival. While part of the charm of your guesthouse may lie in being off the beaten path, clear directions, parking, and accessibility are still important.
Being a hospitable and responsible host is something that is sure to shine through in the reviews of your establishment, so this isn’t an area to skimp on. Be friendly and knowledgeable, offer a personalised welcome, and be sure to let your guests know how to contact you in case of an emergency throughout their stay.
A lasting impression
A thriving agritourism guesthouse is one that blends warm hospitality, educational experiences, fun, sustainability, and authenticity. By providing a comfortable yet immersive glimpse into the rural way of life, your guests will leave with unforgettable, grounding, and fond memories of their holiday. You may even inspire them to get back to nature a little more in their own lives, and dig a little deeper into what makes them feel fulfilled in daily life.
Author: Emma Caldwell
Emma is a travel writer and sustainable tourism advocate who loves to visit various countryside retreats.
She works with small-scale farms to help them build meaningful guest experiences that support local culture and the environment.
The authors are responsible for the choice and presentation of the facts contained in this document and for the opinions expressed therein, which are not necessarily those of Tourism and Society Think Tank and do not commit the Organization, and should not be attributed to TSTT or its members.
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