This Airbnb-Style Service Aims to Boost Local Farm Tourism
Katherine Pendrill — May 11, 2016 — World
References: farmcation.us & fastcoexist
'Farmcation' is a startup that is using an Airbnb-style platform to help boost local farm tourism. Although more people are eating local than ever before, many small-scale farms still struggle to turn a profit. Farmcation aims to give farmers a secondary source of income by connecting them with city dwellers who want to arrange a visit.
Currently in its beta testing mode, Farmcation arranges for Bay Area visitors to travel to nearby farms to meet local farmers, take a tour of the facilities and enjoy a fresh picnic lunch. The idea is to help local farmers take in a new source of income, while also helping city dwellers understand the ins and outs of the agricultural industry. As co-founder of Farmcation Grace Lesser explains, "Ultimately, we seek to make our cultural relationship with food less transactional and more relational."
With a growing number of millennials interested in both food and experiential travel, Farmcation could prove to be influential in boosting local farm tourism.
Currently in its beta testing mode, Farmcation arranges for Bay Area visitors to travel to nearby farms to meet local farmers, take a tour of the facilities and enjoy a fresh picnic lunch. The idea is to help local farmers take in a new source of income, while also helping city dwellers understand the ins and outs of the agricultural industry. As co-founder of Farmcation Grace Lesser explains, "Ultimately, we seek to make our cultural relationship with food less transactional and more relational."
With a growing number of millennials interested in both food and experiential travel, Farmcation could prove to be influential in boosting local farm tourism.
Trend Themes
1. Agricultural Tourism - Farmcation's Airbnb-style platform is tapping into the growing trend of agricultural tourism by connecting city dwellers with local farms.
2. Experiential Travel - Farmcation is capitalizing on the trend of experiential travel, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in farm life and learn about the agricultural industry.
3. Locavore Movement - Farmcation aligns with the locavore movement by connecting consumers with local farmers and promoting the importance of supporting small-scale farms.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality Industry - Farmcation's platform presents an innovative opportunity for the hospitality industry to expand its offerings to include farm destination experiences.
2. Agricultural Industry - Farmcation's platform provides a disruptive innovation opportunity for the agricultural industry to diversify income streams and bridge the gap between farmers and consumers.
3. Travel and Tourism Industry - Farmcation's unique travel experiences present an opportunity for the travel and tourism industry to cater to the growing demand for authentic, immersive experiences.
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