1
Ecotourism Meets Agritourism
Governor’s Conference on Tourism
March 8, 2005
Inn Serendipity & Renewing the Countryside
Lisa Kivirist & John Ivanko
WHY ECO-TRAVEL?
"We're longing for gung-ho, do-something, learn-
something, give-back-something vacations that
will exhilarate us and leave us feeling good…
We want vacations that will allow us to experience
intimately the people and places we visit, while
not inadvertently polluting the environment or
contributing to an oppressive political regime,
and perhaps make the world a better place.”
– Daniel and Sally Wiener Grotta, The Green Travel
Sourcebook
DEFINITIONS
Agritourism
Tourism based on
visitation of a working
farm or any agricultural,
horticultural or
agribusiness operation
for the purpose of
enjoyment, education, or
active involvement in the
activities of the farm or
operation.
SOURCE: Small Farm Center, University of California’s
Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources
DEFINITIONS
Agritourism
Agritourism is closely related and often includes the
direct marketing of agricultural products to
customers:
• Roadside stands
• Farm stands & wineries
• U-pick operations
• Community supported agriculture
• Farmers' markets
• Farm visits & farm stays
• Petting stables
• Special events: corn mazes, sleigh rides & haunted
barns.
DEFINITIONS
Ecotourism
Responsible travel to
natural areas that
conserves the
environment and
improves the well-
being of local
people.
SOURCE: International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism.org
WHAT IS ECOTOURISM?
TOURISM INDUSTRY
NATURE TOURISM
ECO-TOURISM
GREEN TOURISM
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
SOURCE: Renewing the Countryside
WHAT IS ECOTOURISM?
ECOTOURISM
ECONOMICALLY
VIABLE
ENVIRONMENTAL
STEWARDSHIP
SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY
RESPONSIBILITY
SOURCE: Renewing the Countryside
DEFINITIONS
Who Is the “Ecotourist”
Those who implement and participate in ecotourism
activities strive to follow the following principles:
• Minimize impact
• Build environmental & cultural awareness
• Provide positive experiences for visitors & hosts
• Provide direct financi