Photo by Matt Reed on Unsplash
Agritourism is rapidly gaining popularity as travelers seek meaningful getaways that reconnect them with nature, local culture, and sustainable living. Whether it’s staying on a working farm, attending a harvest festival, or enjoying hands-on rural workshops, guests today crave authentic farm experiences over typical tourist traps.
As an agritourism host, creating memorable and safe experiences for your visitors isn’t just about hospitality—it’s about storytelling, sustainability, and strategic guest engagement. Below are our top tips to help ensure your agritourism venture leaves every guest smiling (and eager to return).
Transparency is the cornerstone of a great agritourism experience. Clearly communicate what your guests can expect from their stay—whether it’s a rustic cabin with limited Wi-Fi or a fully equipped eco-lodge. Set expectations around amenities, farm chores, and the level of guest involvement with animals or daily tasks.
Highlight your sustainability features—guests increasingly seek eco-conscious options. Think solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, compost toilets, eco-friendly heating or locally sourced meals. These features can become major booking incentives when clearly mentioned on your website and booking platforms.
One of the most valued aspects of rural hospitality is the personal touch. Greet your guests warmly, offer a welcome basket filled with local produce or homemade treats, and give them a friendly tour of your property.
Regardless of your farm’s “rustic” charm, cleanliness and comfort matter. Ensure fresh linens, tidy bathrooms, and cozy amenities are always part of the package. A printed local guidebook with top restaurants, scenic trails, and hidden gems can also elevate the guest experience and encourage exploration.
A guided introduction to your farm not only builds connection—it sets the tone for an enjoyable and educational stay. Start with a relaxed walk through the property, introducing guests to key features like the vegetable garden, animal enclosures, orchards, or any historic structures. Share interesting facts, funny stories, or unique elements about your farm to make it memorable.
Then, recommend activities based on the season and guest profile. For families with children, suggest egg-collecting, pony grooming, or fruit picking. For couples, offer a sunset picnic among the vineyards or a farm-to-table dinner. Let them know when and where they can join in with daily farm tasks or tours, and point out the best photo spots.
Being proactive with suggestions enhances the guest experience while showcasing all your agritourism venture has to offer.
At the end of the day, your property is likely to be a working farm – so safety is paramount. Your guests may not be familiar with electric fences, the unpredictable tendencies of farm animals, or the dangers of open lakes or rivers which may be around the property. Especially if you’re welcoming families with children, give your guests a safety briefing and clearly explain any areas which are off limits. Putting up signs can also help keep everyone safe.
Before you can invite people onto your farm or property, it has to meet legal requirements to help ensure their safety. If you haven’t already, clarify your property adheres to the appropriate agritourism safety laws and regulations for your area. You’ll probably also need liability insurance cover, and should run regular risk assessments to optimize your visitors' safety.
Much of the fun of an outdoor vacation, especially with kids, is in getting dirty. Whether they’ll be collecting eggs, feeding goats, harvesting fruits or vegetables, or even making butter, people love interactive, hands-on experiences. These activities create lasting memories and deepen your guests' appreciation for nature and rural life.
Every farm has a story, so why not share yours? Educating your visitors on the history of the land, your personal journey in farming, or funny and interesting tales about your animals helps transform a basic vacation into an unforgettable experience.
To stay ahead of the game and help your farm soar to the top of the highest rated vacation spots list, ask your guests for honest feedback. Check in before they leave and ask if there was anything they especially enjoyed, or anything that could have been better. Use these insights to refine your offerings and ensure your next guests don’t have the same complaints.
A kind follow-up email a few days later also helps foster long-term relationships with your guests, inspiring them to return year after year.
Whether you're launching your first farm-stay or looking to scale your operations, Agritecture Consulting offers expert support for agritourism ventures of all sizes. From site planning and experience design to marketing strategies and sustainability consulting, we're here to help you succeed.
👉 Book a free discovery call with our team to explore how we can elevate your agritourism vision.
Agritourism is a wonderful way for people to enjoy a vacation filled with warm hospitality, rare experiences and wholesome fun. By following these tips, you can help your guests create memories they’ll cherish while also boosting your revenue and forming brand new friendships.