Colorado State University has launched the nation’s first online Graduate Certificate in Agritourism Management, equipping tourism operators and agricultural professionals with the skills and strategies to manage new tourism enterprises in traditional settings.
With the global market size of agritourism expected to reach $10.16 billion by 2024 according to Verified Market Reports, the new certificate provides the foundation for creating and operating tourism enterprises.
These new enterprises could include adding a new source of income to an existing farm or ranch, providing exceptional experiences for guests or creating unique opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the rural landscape and lifestyle.
Beyond farm-based activities, communities and community development workers in rural areas can benefit from rethinking how to grow tourism in their areas, with a focus on food and agriculture. U.S.-based agritourism revenues topped $2 billion in 2012and grew by 24 percent, making it one of the fastest growing tourism sectors in the country.
“Agritourism can play an important role in the sustainability of small, family farms,” Delta County Tourism Coordinator Kelli Hepler said. “In Colorado, the average reported income from adding agritourism is $36,000 per year.”