Farm-based tourism of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany

Abstract

Farm-based tourism as the specific type of agrotourism in Germany is now an established form of spending holidays since more than 25 years. In spite of significant changes in the motivation and the structure of the participants, this kind of tourism has maintained its popularity. The economic impact of that agrotourism is comparatively small to the total of all tourists (only 1.3 percent) - but it is of growing importance to the farmers income. Due to the over production and market regulations within the European Community the need for an extra, non agriculture-related source of income has become a certain necessity to sustain wealth in rural areas. The Federal as well as the States Government promote farm-based tourism as an instrument of active structural assistance towards the rural areas. Therefore the regional authorities support farmers in establishing the necessary facilities by offering planning, advertising and monetary services. For ensuring a lasting success to the farmers, a campaign was started to meet certain quality standards. The regulations on how to meet these requirements are very detailed and those who are appointed the quality sign face strict control. My detailed statement will concentrate on aspects of motivation for its participants and the required standards of quality as well as on the economic impact of farm-based tourism in Baden-Wuerttemberg.