Agritourism

“You Can’t Miss It”- Giving Rural Tourists Better Directions

September 29, 2009

We’ve all heard it, and probably all said it to others too. Your own town can seem so easy to get around, when it’s what you are accustomed to. When I moved to the mountains of rural western North Carolina 20 years ago and asked for directions practically every day, the phrase I learned to [...]

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Collaborative Marketing Among Seasonal Rural Businesses

May 25, 2009

Collaborative Marketing on a seasonal basis can bring success to all rural businesses involved. The Red Rooster Route is a marketing partnership of six local family farms that have banded together to create a new self-guided farm tour, offering adventures ranging from picking your own summer berries and vegetables, to learning about naturally grown foods. [...]

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Economy Helping Agritourism and Rural Businesses

May 23, 2009

The struggling economy seems to be having a positive impact on agri-tourism and other rural businesses, as vacationers choose to vacation closer to home. In fact, agricultural tourism is emerging as one of the few success stories despite today’s economic challenges. “I think the main reason for the boom is the economy,” Blake Brown, an [...]

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Diversifying Farm Operations

April 6, 2009

At the national level, we talk casually about billions and trillions of dollars. And not too long ago, it was difficult to obtain small business loans for less than $250,000.00. Which just goes to show, what a difference a few dollars can make in the lives of small business owners who want to better their [...]

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Farm Visitors are Loyal Customers

March 12, 2009

In Loyalty Programs Engage Our Best Customers AgriMarketing consultant Jane Eckert discusses how farms can use special programs and coupons to reward loyal customers. Jane quotes recent survey data that finds customers who are part of loyalty programs not only buy more, but are 70% more likely to promote you through word-of-mouth (WOM) marketing. You [...]

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Luring Last Minute Travelers to Rural America

March 5, 2009

It seems that all of us in rural America are going to have to work a little harder this year to attract tourists and other regional visitors to our businesses. Apparently, state tourism and commerce agencies are finding it quite a challenge to get travelers to go out for an occasional night on the town, [...]

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New Agritourism Resource Available on LinkedIn

February 9, 2009

Operators of vineyards, farmers’ markets, roadside stands, u-pick-it farms and anyone else involved in the agritourism industry now have a new online tool to exchange ideas, ask questions and learn from others. A discussion group specific to “agritourism” has been created on www.LinkedIn.com. LinkedIn is a social networking site. The purpose of LinkedIn is to [...]

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Rural Business Marketing for Farmers

January 6, 2009

The North American Famers’ Direct Marketing Association will be having their 2009 convention right down the road from me in Historic Savannah, Georgia February 1 – 7!  Click here to visit the 2009 Convention website.  North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association  (NAFDMA) is a trade association dedicated to nurturing the farm direct marketing industry. Its actions [...]

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Create a Rural Chamber of Commerce

January 5, 2009

Even in a rural country location, rural businesses can be quite diverse, having little in common except the residents that live in the area. But what about the beautiful scenery, wildflowers, wildlife and heritage they share? A cluster of businesses could join together and promote the resources they have in common to the traveling public. [...]

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