Australian farm stay tourism - towards a national strategy

Abstract

Australian farm stay tourism had developed into a multi-million dollar sector of the Tourism Industry. Fluctuations and downturns in rural industries influence a farmer's search for income supplements and business diversifications. This paper looks at the evolution of farm stay tourism in Australia and the need for strategic planning on a regional and national level. Based on the experiences of a National Farm Stay Workshop in February 1992, this paper presents a participative approach to developing a national strategy. The key factors arising from this workshop indicate the need for on going participative involvement through financial contribution and or group/communal activity. This create a sense of ownership, involvement and commitment. With respect to the future implementation of a viable farm tourism industry the contribution of farm stay tourism to cultural, social and economic sustainability cannot be understated.