Farms are fastest-growing attractions

8 February 2001



Farms are fastest-growing attractions

By FWi staff

MORE than 10 million people visited a farm attraction last year – a percentage growth in excess of all other visitor attraction sectors.

Tourism minister Janet Anderson said breaks to the countryside were becoming increasingly popular with city dwellers.

“This is very encouraging and is a tribute to the farmers role as rural entrepreneurs,” she said.

They went to enjoy pursuits such as bird watching, feeding animals and visiting rare-breed centres.

Rural tourism had the potential for long-term growth, Mrs Anderson told the National Farm Attractions Network Conference on Thursday (8 February).

But she added: “Farmers need to think creatively about the type and scale of their venture and how best to utilise the landscape, wildlife habitats, local farm produce, accommodation and historic feature on their doorstep.”

The minister said government and industry had to work together to meet the expectations of tomorrows visitor.

“This is not easy and I want to reiterate this governments support for farmers venturing into tourism,” she said.”