1. 1 Utah Farm Bureau Federation Midyear Conference--2001 Greetings from Cache Valley and Utah State University

2. 2 Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism l In 1998, Utah State Legislature approved Senate Bill 35... l To provide continuing funding to Utah State University... l To establish and support an interdisciplinary program of research, extension, and teaching...

3. 3 Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism l To provide a better understanding of the relationships between: outdoor recreation and tourism; natural resources management; community economic vitality; quality of life issues for the citizens of Utah.

4. 4 Mission of the Institute The Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism (IORT) conducts a program of research, extension, and teaching for the benefit of the people of Utah, our country, and the world, directed at improving our understanding of the relationships between outdoor recreation and tourism, natural resources management, community economic vitality, and quality of life.

5. 5 Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Extension Function l Provide an Extension Specialist in Outdoor Recreation and Tourism: To work with government agencies and officials, non-governmental organizations, and individuals in the private sector. To offer information, consultation and training sessions in outdoor recreation and natural resource- based tourism development.

6. 6 New Ways to Make Money From Your Land? l Agricultural markets are changing. l Consumers want more than the traditional food and fiber commodities that have dominated U.S. agriculture. l Consumers want new kinds of products, higher quality food, and safe food.

7. 7 New Ways to Make Money From Your Land? l Consumers want other things from agriculture as well, as increasingly they value a range of diverse amenities supported by rural lands: Open space and countryside scenery Clean air and water Habitat for wildlife Ecological services Opportunities for outdoor recreation Enjoyment of protected natural lands

8. 8 New Ways to Make Money From Your Land? l Consumers want the environment nourished and an agricultural system that does not harm the environment nor threaten human health. l Many agricultural entrepreneurs see opportunities in these growing market areas.

9. 9 New Ways to Make Money From Your Land? l Agricultural entrepreneurs are diversifying their enterprises and adding income through producing for specialty or niche markets and providing services for a visiting public. l Such strategies are giving some producers a competitive advantage in the marketplace today.

10. 10 New Ways to Make Money From Your Land? One alternative for improving the incomes and potential economic viability of small farms, ranches, and rural communities. Agricultural Tourism

11. 11 Some Trends in Tourism... l Many people are taking more frequent, shorter vacations, rather than one long vacation each year. l There is a growing interest in vacations that involve doing or experiencing, and learning. l Tourists are most often interested in experiencing a package of activities.

12. 12 Develop a Package of Activities & Experiences l Today’s tourists are willing to pay for quality experiences, services and products, but there must be enough activities and places to visit. l Develop a quality package of activities and experiences to both attract visitors and convince them to make an extended trip.

13. 13 As Part of a Package… Natural Allies: l Agricultural Tourism l Outdoor Recreation l Nature Tourism l Heritage Tourism

14. 14 A Package of Tourism Experiences l Increasing interest in experiencing the activities of the farm or ranch for agricultural tourism. l Steady public interest in the use of our natural resources for outdoor recreation activities. l Growing interest in our significant cultural and historic resources for heritage tourism.

15. 15 What is Agricultural Tourism or Agri-Tourism? The act of visiting a working farm, working ranch, or any agricultural, horticultural, or agribusiness operation...

16. 16 What is Agricultural Tourism or Agri-Tourism?...for the purposes of enjoyment, education, and active involvement in a variety of activities and experiences.

17. 17 Agri-Tourism l Merges the world of travel with experiences of farming, ranching, and our agricultural system. l Lets the traveling public: interact directly with farm or ranch families and workers; experience a variety of agriculturally- related experiences and activities.

18. 18 Agri-Tourism l A service-oriented business conducted by a farm or ranch operator for the enjoyment and education of the visiting public; l To promote the agricultural products and experiences of the operation, and thereby generate additional farm or ranch income.

19. 19 Agri-Tourism includes... Dude or Guest Ranches Pick Your Own Produce Roadside Stands Farm and Ranch Educational Tours Farm and Ranch Bed & Breakfasts Agricultural Heritage Festivals & Fairs Tasting Events Ag Museums

20. 20 Agri-Tourism is Value Added Complementary Items or Activities On-Farm/Ranch Camping Fishing & Hunting Guided Tours Wildlife Observation Birdwatching Nursery Plants Honey Local Arts & Crafts A Place to EatRefreshments “Your Ranch” T-Shirts Outdoor Recreation Heritage Activities Wild Flowers Gardens

21. 21 Outdoor Recreation l Remains among the top purposes for leisure travel in the U.S. Almost 80% of tourists say scenery is one of their top considerations in selecting a destination for travel.

22. 22 Outdoor Recreation Fastest growing recreation activities:  birding/wildlife observation  walking/hiking/backpacking  snowmobiling/OHV driving  bicycling/mountain biking  snow skiing/snowboarding  swimming  canoeing, kayaking, rafting

23. 23 Nature Tourism Nature Tourism, particularly wildlife watching and birdwatching,...is one of the fastest growing sectors in the travel and tourism industry.

24. 24 Nature Tourism and Tourists l Discretionary travel to natural areas that conserves environmental, social, and cultural values, while generating an economic benefit to the local community. l Travelers who spend time and money to experience nature and the outdoors, and learn more about a particular destination with a concern for minimum impact and sustainability.

25. 25 Activities for Nature Tourists l Bird & Wildlife Observation l Bird & Wildlife Festivals l Highlighting Wildlife Migrations l Interpretive Signs, Stations, Waysides and Trails for Wildlife Viewing l Educational Programs

26. 26 Agri-Tourism Operators l Can cultivate the Outdoor Recreation and Nature Tourism markets’ potential: by offering opportunities for a variety of activities and experiences; by restoring wildlife habitat and protecting riparian areas and wetlands; by creating favorable conditions for songbirds and other wildlife.

27. 27 Heritage Tourism Discretionary travel to areas rich in significant cultural and heritage resources worthy of preservation

28. 28 Heritage Tourism & Tourists l Conserves local social and cultural values, while generating an economic benefit to the local community. l Heritage Tourists spend time and money to experience local culture and heritage, and learn more about a particular destination.

29. 29 Heritage Tourists Reason for travel is most often for entertainment and enjoyment through experiencing a variety of activities related to local culture and heritage.

30. 30 Heritage Tourism Activities Festivals & Special Events Museums Visits to State/ National Parks Shopping & Dining Arts & Crafts Music Song Dance Historic Buildings Architecture Rendezvous Gatherings Traditions & History Interpretation Guided Tours Living History Driving Tours Scenic Vistas Ethnic Foods Heritage Sites

31. 31 Utah Heritage Themes l Native American History & Culture l Early Exploration Spanish Trail Mountain Men l Mormon Colonization l Homesteading l Pony Express, Mining, Railroads

32. 32 Agri-Tourism Operators l Can cultivate the Heritage Tourism markets’ potential by: offering opportunities for a variety of cultural & heritage experiences; preserving cultural and heritage resources; telling the story… revealing the meaning and relationships of cultural heritage through first-hand involvement with objects & artifacts, sites & landscapes.

33. 33 Critical Elements for Agri-Tourism Operators l A sincere interest in visitors and willingness to spend time with them l An outgoing personality; patience and perseverance l Sufficient land and water resources in an attractive setting l Supporting services and infrastructure

34. 34 Critical Elements for Agri-Tourism Operators l Capital finances for start-up and conversion costs l Good organizational skills l Accessible location to nearby populations and markets l Strong spousal and family support

35. 35 Other Considerations... l Liability and Risk Management l County/State Codes & Regulations l Developing a Business Plan l Marketing Assistance l Starting small and then building the tourism business over time l Agri-Tourism as a component of a county-wide/region-wide tourism plan

36. 36 Cooperation/Collaboration with other tourism-oriented businesses l Banding together of agri-tourism operators with other businesses in a community to develop and promote overnight get-a-way packages is one opportunity for expanding business and economic impact in a community. l A group of communities can work together and promote their whole area or region.

37. 37 Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism College of Natural Resources Utah State University Dr. Steve Burr Associate Professor of Recreation Resources Director, Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Extension Specialist in Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Utah State University 5220 Old Main Hill Logan, Utah 84322-5220 Office: (435) 797-7094 FAX: (435) 797-4040 E-mail: swburr@cnr.usu.edu Visit the IORT Website at www.cnr.usu.edu/iort