Scottish Agritourism is the official body for the agritourism sector in Scotland. Providing leadership and a strong voice to represent and grow the sector.
Agritourism is a combination of tourism, agriculture and food and drink. No international definition of agritourism exists and agritourism varies from country to country so, Scottish Agritourism leaders created the Scottish definition of agritourism:
“Tourism or leisure on a working farm, croft or estate which produces food or fleece.”
Agritourism includes, but is not limited to:
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All type of on farm accommodation from farmhouse bed and breakfast to glamping barns, luxury lodges and hotels.
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Things to do on a farm including farm tours, eating farm produce in an farm cafe or restaurant, adventure sports, health and wellness, children’s farm experiences.
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On farm events – either holding your own event or wedding on a farm or attending organised farm events and festivals including harvest festivals.
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Buying fresh farm produce direct from a farmer by visiting a farm shop.
Economic Impact of Agritourism
The first growth tracker survey for the Scottish agritourism sector was run by Visit Scotland in June 2021 to measuring the sector’s annual contribution. From the results, the on-farm tourism and leisure economic data will sit within tourism figures, while the sales of food and drink direct from a farm will sit within food and drink economic data.
People visiting farms for a holiday or a day out also spend money with many other businesses as part of that visit and so, the survey also estimates the economic multiplier benefit of agritourism for the economy.
Scottish Agritourism is providing leadership for the sector and is working closely with Scotland’s:
- Agritourism businesses
- Rural tourism businesses
- Government, local authorities, enterprise agencies and Visit Scotland
- Destination Management Organisations
- Food Groups
- Sector Bodies
- Industry bodies in tourism, agriculture and food and drink
- Suppliers to the sector including industry professionals and trade suppliers to realise the potential of this important sector for the future sustainability of farming in Scotland and for our rural communities.
The Scottish Enterprise Agritourism Monitor Farm Programme has played a vital role in supporting skills development and business growth in the sector.
Find out more about Scottish Agritourism Membership
More Membership Options
Scottish Agritourism offers several different membership types, each with their own benefits, plus membership opportunities for Sponsors and Patrons.
