OpenFields

Tourism and the visitor economy is important to many rural areas and regions of the UK particularly those with National Parks such as the Lake District or Snowdonia, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty such as the Shropshire Hills or the High Weald.

Most rural tourism businesses are small to medium enterprises often encouraged by economic development programmes to diversify the base of the rural economy. Farm diversification and agritourism encompasses farm attractions (e.g. petting farms), bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation businesses. Farm based visitor enterprises are also commonly associated with the production and retailing of local, regional, organic and other speciality food.

Hospitality and catering businesses such as pubs and hotels provide essential visitor services and are important both as employers and rural community hubs. The rural environment is increasingly used by businesses offering outdoor recreation activities (horse riding and walking holidays), adventure sports, field sports and nature and wildlife experiences. Eco tourism - the sustainable use of resources for holidays and leisure, is growing as a market differentiator for some rural tourism businesses.

The Openfields library holds materials on farm diversification, agritourism and related rural economic development.