Tourism is no magic solution to rural woes
Tourism is no magic solution to rural woes
FARM-BASED holiday providers have joined in the chorus of concern that the government and its agencies lack a fundamental understanding of farming and its relationship to landscape, environment and the rural economy.
At the annual meeting the south west branch of the Farm Holiday Bureau, in Devon, serious concern was expressed about the speed with which family farms were going out of business. Bureau members criticised "governments glib statement" that farmers should diversify into tourism.
Doubtful returns
Even if the necessary massive capital investment for a tourism venture could be found, it was doubtful whether the returns would be worthwhile or indeed the market big enough, the FHB said. *