Agritourism markets.

Abstract

Abstract This chapter examines the supply and demand and market exchange process of the agritourist market. Apparently no country in the world records detailed statistics for the size of the agritourist market. The value of this market was assessed in some states of the USA. The state of New York has estimated its agritourism-related income at $210 million and growing. Income from Vermont agritourism totalled $19.5 million in 2002, up from $10.5 million during 2000. Average income received from agritourism for 2200 farms was nearly $8900. In Europe it is estimated that tourists arriving at agritourism farms, rural tourism accommodation and small tourist hotels in rural areas leave about 12 billion euros in them. However, the estimates more and more frequently quote the total value of rural tourism in European countries as exceeding 65 billion euros. In 1985, the WTO estimates showed that rural tourism comprised 3% of the total tourist traffic. Currently, this value is estimated at 10% in Europe. The inhabitants of western Europe devote 28% of their holiday time to rural tourism and it is frequently chosen as a pasttime for a second or third time during the year. Instability is the most characteristic feature of the agritourist market, resulting from its seasonality, unreliability and uncertainty. Tourists most willingly participate in the holiday season, at weekends and during public holidays. The causes of unreliability are many: weather, health or simply bad luck. The market of agritourist services depends on people's wealth. Because the global income of the world population is increasing, so is the expected expenditure on agritourism, other things being equal. Farmers may use two methods of sale, i.e. direct and indirect. Development of agritourism is followed by the development of methods of sale. Direct sales refers to products and services sold by members of the agritourist sector. Indirect sale pertains generally to services effected by tourist agencies or agritourist associations.