Agrotourism - rural tourism; rest in the countryside, with the avoidance of problems and, in part, from the benefits of civilization, with a combination of rural labor (at will) and a calm, measured rest in nature. Some associate agrotourism with downshifting in the sense that agro-tourism involves a rejection of the benefits of civilization. In fact, this is not so. Agrotourists are provided with all necessary amenities, Internet access, sometimes TV, telephone.
Why is agrotourism attractive?
Here are just a few of its advantages:
- The possibility of seclusion and quiet rest, liberation from social status and related restrictions.
- The opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the history and national peculiarities of conducting the life of a certain country, get acquainted with folklore, traditions.
In Italy and Spain, agritourists, if they wish, can take part in the cultivation of grapes, the preparation of house wine, cheeses. In Poland - to help caring for horses, to take part in horse walks.
The development of agro-tourism in different countries
Agrotourism is a unique phenomenon, developing practically all over the world. The history of agrotourism in Europe has been around for about 200 years. It is believed that rural tourism was born in the first half of the XIX century, but actively developed only in the second half of XX. At this time, Agricolture et Turisme was established in France, the first association of agro-tourists. In 10 years the National Association of Agriculture and Tourism in Italy appeared under the laconic name Agriturist. Since that moment, agro-tourism associations have become active in many European countries.
Among the reasons for the active development of agro-tourism, there are economic and social reasons. In the field of economics, agro-tourism was supported as an opportunity to generate additional income: agriculture after the rapid development of megacities began to lose its appeal, revenues fell, and farmers had to look for sources of income. For tourists, in turn, agrotourism is one of the most attractive ways to spend leisure outside the traditional beach and hotel. Great role was played by exhausting loads and the rhythm of life in megacities, development of downshifting, popularization of natural rest and natural food. Italy, Spain, Poland, Norway, Belarus - all countries are aware of the growing attractiveness of agrotourism. In Russia, this direction of tourism is just beginning to develop, not least because of the severe decline in agriculture and the serious costs needed to restore buildings and create conditions for the life of tourists.
Agrotourism in Belarus began its development in 2004. By 2006, there were 34 agro-estates in the country. For several years, this sphere of tourism has become so popular that the number of agro-estates is already approaching 1000.
Belarus has adopted an interesting system for determining the level of comfort of agro-hotels, similar to the system of assigning stars to hotels in resorts. Only instead of stars hotels are assigned "cockerels", and the maximum possible number of them is four.
An example of the successful development of agro-tourism in Belarus is the village of Komarovo. In this village, the old manor house was rebuilt, a park was broken up, a pancake house was built. Tourists are invited to visit corporate parties in folk style, to steam in a bath, to taste pancakes. The Agro-festival "Komarovo" is one of the most successful in the country today.
Agritourism in Spain
Spain very quickly responded to the desire of tourists to relax in the outback, away from vain cities. On the territory of the whole country there were transformations: the farm houses are ready to receive visitors, the old restored manors turned into rural hotels. In addition to food and lodging, the owners of the houses offer rural tourists to get acquainted with folklore, take part in traditional festivities, festivals. The Spaniards are very friendly, willingly share historical details, local legends, be sure to explain how to get by or drive to the sights, what to look for during walks.
Agritourism in France
France is one of the first countries in the world to develop rural tourism. To date, the revenues from this business are estimated at billions of dollars. France has something to offer the agritourists. Here, only accommodation and meals are not offered, the obligatory program includes various types of recreation: fishing, excursion to a cheese-making establishment or wine cellars, trips to castles, horseback riding. Here, tourists will not have to miss regardless of where they stop: in an old castle or in a small rural house.