Agricultural tourism sector becoming increasingly professional

6/5/98

Primary Industry Minister Monty House said the agricultural tourism sector had become increasingly professional in providing alternative holiday experiences on working farms and stations throughout rural Western Australia.

Mr House said the development of the industry was being largely driven by the activities of the Farm and Country Holidays Association of WA, with support from Agriculture WA's Agricultural Tourism project.

The Minister today met with rural tourism operators attending the Farm and Country Holidays Association Annual General Meeting. There are currently 77 members operating farm and station stay accommodation and country retreats.

He said the association, which was established in 1989, provided its members with an avenue for marketing and promotion both nationally and internationally and helped raise awareness of farming lifestyles and activities.

"One of the key priorities for the industry is to ensure consistent high quality service from all tourism operators under the association banner," Mr House said.

"A pilot training workshop organised by Agriculture WA, in conjunction with TAFE, will be held in Manjimup later this month to focus specifically on operating hosted accommodation.

"The two-day practical workshop will be presented by people working in the hospitality industry and will cover marketing and promotion, housekeeping, preparation and presentation of breakfast, occupational health, hygiene and safety, finance and book-keeping and communication skills."

Mr House said that if successful, the training workshop would be offered in other regional areas for existing and potential operators. A comprehensive starter resource kit for new members was also being developed.

Tourism in rural areas helped improve employment opportunities and diversify the income base of farms and rural communities, as well as offering visitors the chance to experience a rural lifestyle.

"Farm and station holidays offer visitors a range of options from participating in farm activities to simply relaxing in some of the State's most impressive countryside," Mr House said.

"The successful development of agricultural tourism in WA has resulted in the growth of a niche market offering unique holidays for local city people and international tourists to experience rural lifestyles, people and places."

Media contact: Julie Cole (08) 9481 2044