| Glamping Show
Rural Tourism: Farmers are perfectly placed to
make the most of it
As farm owners consider their options for diversification, tourism keeps cropping up at the top of the list.
ust earlier this summer CLA
President Tim Breitmeyer
identified rural tourism as a key
opportunity for land-based
businesses to remain profitable
after Brexit.
Is there really a market for farm based
tourism?
Branching into farm attractions or farm stays
are the most obvious choices if you are looking
to diversify into rural tourism. Purely from the
numbers perspective these are good options.
The numbers of UK families choosing
staycations rather than going abroad are
increasing. In particular, glamping is increasing
in popularity year on year.
If you’re wondering what might make a farm
an attractive proposition for a family holiday,
remember it is more than just a place to sleep.
Holiday makers are looking to reconnect with
the natural world and create cherished
J
memories with loved ones. A farmstay can offer
a ground up view of how a farm supplies the
food we eat as well as a chance to be
immersed in the sights and sounds of rural life.
It’s not as hard as you think to get started
The popular appeal and unstoppable growth
of the glamping industry gives you excellent
potential to generate revenue. In terms of
making sense of what you need, a little expert
advice on topics like planning, regulations,
insurance and sanitation will take you a long
way. Seeing the accommodation for yourself
will really help you to visualise what you can
create and what will work on your farm.
The Glamping Show this September is
designed to gather everything you need and is
free to attend so your research is easy to do all
in one hit. See the latest in shepherd huts, tents
and aerodynamic domes from over 100
exhibitors. Farm Stay UK will be on hand at
Stand 42 for advice and support specific to
44 | Farming Monthly | September 2018
your needs.
If you are looking for case studies and
knowledge the free Seminar Programme
provides the opportunity to learn everything
you need to. You’ll find a dedicated seminar on
rural tourism (Thurs 20/9); glamping and farm
attractions (Thurs 20/9); and equine tourism for
glamping (Fri 21/9). There are also seminars
covering all the basics like planning
permission, legal implications, where to look for
finance and how to get those customer
bookings.
Register now for free tickets to The Glamping
Show at NAEC Stoneleigh, Thursday 20 to
Saturday 22 September. Visit the website for
tickets and more information
www.theglampingshow.com
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk