The development and investigation of a systems model of farm tourism in Victoria

The marketing of farms for tourism and recreation purposes has been taking place for many years. Farmers have frequently sought to supplement their farm income through providing accommodation and recreation facilities to paying guests. This study concentrates on one state of Australia, Victoria, and has two main aims. The first aim is to develop a systems model of farm tourism that reveals the roles played by various stakeholders. The second aim is to examine farm tourism from a systems perspective, and to explore the attitudes of both farmers and guests to their experiences. In addition, the comments of local government authorities are also investigated. The purpose of the study, in broad terms, is to develop a systems model of farm tourism in Victoria, Australia. In order to do this, the study reviews the literature and then examines the evolution and development of farm tourism in general, through a detailed analysis of the relationships between host farm operators and their visitors. is hoped that the present study will shed some light on an industry which has been largely ignored by most writers and researchers in the different disciplines represented in this topic. The research objectives are, firstly, to develop a systems model of farm tourism; secondly, to examine and describe the scope of farm tourism in Victoria, from the point of view of the farmer; thirdly, to describe the evaluation of the farm tourism experience by the guests who have visited farms in Victoria; and, finally, to investigate the attitudes and involvement of local government bodies in Victoria to farm tourism. Tourism in general is examined, as well as the relationship between agriculture and tourism, leading to a discussion of the definition of rural tourism. General trends in rural tourism are identified, and their relevance to farm tourism is explained. The definition of farm tourism is then covered, with commentary on the application of the characteristics of tourism to the farm tourism industry. Trends in farming are mentioned, which point to the importance of farm tourism as an alternative source of income for the farmer, and a useful form of diversification from farm operations, reducing dependence on one source of income. The concepts of leisure and recreation are also considered, and their relevance to farm tourism is identified.