From sunflower fields and wine regions, to providores and farm stay accommodation, regional and rural Queensland is abounding with authentic agritourism experiences. Food, fibre and foliage experiences are being increasingly sought after as consumers desire to better understand where their produce comes from, learn how it is created and experience the ultimate in low food miles. Fast becoming an important sector of the Queensland economy and estimated to be worth around $5 billion to the state economy by 2030, agritourism is providing direct and indirect benefits to the state’s agribusinesses and regional economies.
To capitalise on the exciting opportunities the sector could provide, the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has partnered with Airbnb to further sow the seeds of opportunity and grow the state’s agritourism sector through world-class farm stays and exciting new farm experiences. These farm stay and farm experience opportunities bring valuable tourism dollars to regional Australia and helps farmers diversify their income by sharing where Queensland’s high quality food, fibre and foliage comes from and how it is produced.
To assist farmers consider if agritourism is appropriate for them and their farm, , free industry webinars will be held on Tuesday 20th April at 7pm and Wednesday 21st April at 12pm. These webinars aim to help farmers become farm stay or experience hosts on Airbnb and provide a bespoke guide to help them play a role in growing sustainable tourism in their region. As well as showcasing Australian farmers who found success starting up their own agritourism experiences and educating other enthusiastic farmers on how they can do the same.
Agritourism allows regions to showcase their beautiful and highly diverse natural environment and provides an opportunity for farmers to supplement their income and market their produce through alternative channels, often attracting a premium price, or capturing additional margin, while gathering direct feedback from end consumers about their produce. We encourage Queensland farmers to attend and unlock the potential for agritourism in the state, add value beyond their farm gate and share the incredible and diverse regions they call home. Interested participants can register for their preferred webinar time through the QFF website: www.qff.org.au/events/queensland-farmers-federation-airbnb-presents-host-farmstay-farming-experience/.