TOPIC 5: TOURISM AND EDUCATION

Agritourism

Agrotourism is an ideal type of family vacation: it provides those interested in accommodation and meals on rural farms and the opportunity to participate in work related to agricultural production or animal husbandry (especially horses).

Specialised forms:

Ecoagrotourism is practiced on organic farms producing organic products.

Ecotourism is focused on getting to know nature, oriented to nature reserves, national parks, protected landscape areas and other natural beauties.

Cycling tourism focuses on getting to know the natural and social attractions in a certain area by bike.

Examples of agritourism activities:

A farm shop, or “farm stand” is a type of retail outlet which usually sells produce directly from a farm.

You-Pick (“U-Pick”) or Pick-Your-Own (PYO) farm operation is a type of farm gate direct marketing: farm-to-table strategy where the emphasis is on customers doing the harvesting themselves.

Petting farm (children’s zoo, children’s farm,  petting zoo) features a combination of domesticated animals and some wild species that are docile enough to touch and feed.

Horse riding (Equestrianism) includes the disciplines of riding, driving, and vaulting.

Crafts – tourists can see examples of traditional crafts (mills, forges, lacemaking, cooperage, etc.).

Summer and winter sports – where the offer they can consist of cycling, hiking, swimming, and in winter skiing, sledding, skating.

Mushroom picking, collection of forest products – tourists can collect mushrooms and forest crops.

Education

School farms and estates are an important part of agricultural schools. The schools also work closely with modern agricultural enterprises in the region. Various courses and educational programs may be open to the public and organised in all farms mainly in those providing board and lodging. Courses related to food preparation are popular, as well as courses in traditional crafts.

Women have been prominently reported as the drivers of agritourism, not only as the initiators, but also as managers who constantly seek innovations to keep visitors’ interests.

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Image: High school students plant saplings for the biocorridor. Photo: Marie Procházková ©

Image: Selling your own products on the local market is also a cultural event. Image obtained at: Dad´s orchard https://www.tatuvsad.cz/fotogalerie/; publication is permitted by the author.