Farm tourism (or agritourism) is fast becoming big business. People are flocking to farms to escape modern living and take part in agriculturally based experiences or activities. If you own a working farm, this course is ideal for branching out into the lucrative tourism industry.
Introduction to Farm Tourism is an online professional development program that will provide you with the skills and knowledge required to plan and operate an agritourism business.
Throughout this agritourism course, you will learn about the different types of agritourism, how to market and promote an agritourism business, manage staff, and understand operating legal and safety requirements.
You will also learn how to design and conduct farm tours, develop online agritourism activities and plan and host agritourism events.
On completion of this course, you will feel confident to integrate farm tourism into the operation of an existing agricultural business.
Course Structure
Unit - Farm Tourism
Unit 1 – The Scope and Nature of Rural and Agricultural Tourism
- Background and history of farm tourism
- Forms of agribusiness for managers and farmers
- Agritourism beyond the farm
- Types of agricultural tourism
- Business
- Direct market
- Educational and experiential
- Recreational and events
- Possible issues (cost, accessibility, facitlities, biosecurity, impact to current business activities, safety and staffing)
- Animal welfare
- Human attitudes towards the welfare of animals
- Animal welfare today
- Entertainment
- Compassionate conversations
- How an understanding of sentience can influence animal welfare
- Managing animal welfare
- Duty of care
- Preventing disease and injury
Unit 2 – Creating an Agritourism Setting
- Planning your offering
- Resource management
- Analysing market opportunities
- SWOT analysis
- Analysis of business resources
- Analysis of market share
- Analysis of product characteristics
- Analysis of advertising and price
- Financial capacity
- Analysis of innovative potential
- Activities of competitors
- Pestle analysis
- Political, economic and social factors
- Technological, legal and environmental factors
- A focus on market demand and target audience
- Defining the target market
- Selecting target markets – market segmentation
- Mass marketing approach
- Concentrated or niche markets
- Differentiated markets
- Physical basis for segmenting the market
- Behavioural basis for segmenting the market
- Planning a new product = who will buy the product first
- Setting standards for your farm
- Legal and health & safety requirements
- Hazards
Unit 3 – Managing an Agritourism Business
- Managing an agritourism enterprise
- Physical resources
- The environment of any agritourism enterprise
- Financial management
- Managing people
- Health and safety
- Setting up and running a farm shop
- Who will be your target market?
- Where will your shop be located?
- What will you sell?
- How will you price your product?
- When will you open?
Unit 4 – Agricultural Tourism Accommodation
- Styles of accommodation
- Costing accommodation
- What costs do you need to be aware of?
- Changeover costs, utilities, staff
- Letting agency fees
- Annual costs
- Maintenance
Unit 5 – Farm Tours and Activities
- Creating and delivering activities
- Who is your target market?
- Tours within the farm
- Considerations
- The tour schedule
- Creating activities outside the farm – mobile & online
- Booking tours
- On arrival
- Conducting the tour
- Ending the session
- Examples of farm tours
- Creating activity concepts
- Delivering activities within the farm
- Registration/sign in
- Equipment and resources
- Instruction
- Ending the session
- Creating activities outside of the farm
- Mobile activities
- Video streaming or live cams
- Online demonstrations or workshop activities
- Videoconferencing
- Examples of activities outside of the farm
Unit 6 – Agritourism Events
- Types of agricultural events
- Planning for an agricultural event
- Choosing an audience
- Venue checklist
- Location, capacity, access and cost
- Financial plan documents
- Structuring your plan
- Phases of delivering an agricultural event
- Preparation
- Planning and delivery
- Evaluation
- Dealing with event issues
- Shows and arenas
- Catering and portable amenities
- Managing visitor access
- Passes and ticketing
- Gate security
Unit 7 – Marketing and Promoting an Agritourism Business
- Customer relationships
- Customer care policy
- Customer care – levels of involvement
- Effective communication
- Factors affecting interpersonal communication (awareness and intent)
- Reactive patterns (patterns of response to certain people)
- Common negative reactive patterns
- Changing negative reactive patterns
- Becoming an effective communicator
- Customer relations
- Interpersonal workplace relations
- Dealing with complaints
- How to identify a dissatisfied customer who does not complain
- Self-evaluation
- Maximising customer service
- Make the most of existing customers
- Importance of market research
- What to research and research process
- Define the problem and research objectives
- Analysing costs and benefits
- Developing a financial forecast
- Projected revenues and costs
- Expenditure breakdown
- Revenue breakdowns
Unit – 8 Special Project – PBL – Design a Farm Tour Activity Problem-Based Learning Project
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
The course was well constructed and it was easy to understand the concepts.
S. Garden, Yeppoon, NSW | Introduction to Farm Tourism
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
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Payment Options
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Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development For:-
- Small Farm Owners
- Hobby Farmers
- Tourism Operators
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