Hosting on a Tourist Farm: A Guide for Owners

Have you ever thought about a holiday on a tourist farm? Such a holiday is a perfect choice, as you can completely relax in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you’re considering hosting tourists on your farm, or if you’re planning a trip to a tourist farm, you’re in for a treat! Hosting on a tourist farm offers a unique and rewarding experience for both the owner and the visitor.

For the owner, hosting tourists on a farm can provide an additional source of income and allows you to share your passion for farming with others. It’s a chance to showcase the hard work and dedication that goes into running a farm, as well as the beauty and tranquility of rural life.

For the visitor, a stay on a tourist farm offers a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature. It’s an opportunity to learn about farming practices and the local community, and to experience a sense of community and connection with the land.

Whether you’re an owner or a visitor, hosting or staying on a tourist farm can be a memorable and enriching experience. Here are a few tips to help make your farm stay a success:

Tips for for the owner

Consider the type of experience you want to offer. Do you want to provide a hands-on farming experience, or a more relaxed and leisurely stay?

Make sure to comply with any necessary regulations and insurance requirements. Consider the amenities and facilities you will offer to your guests, such as comfortable accommodations, meals, and access to local attractions.

Be prepared to interact with your guests and share your knowledge and stories about the farm.

Tips for visitors

Coming to a tourist farm most often means coming home to “friends”. To people who welcome their guests under their roof, at their table, and in their homes. However, when staying on a farm, it is essential to follow a few “rules” that differ from the ones we know from hotels.

In the leaflet “FARM ≠ HOTEL”, you will find some recommendations that will help you when you visit a farm for the first time. Your hosts will be highly pleased if you stick to the agreed times for breakfast and dinner and understand that you will not find things from the supermarket on your plate but fresh produce from the farm. They will happily show you around their barn and cellar and introduce you to their farm animals.

If you want to help and contribute to sustainable living on the farm, be aware of your water and energy consumption and that your internet signal may not always be the best. We also recommend that you talk to the locals and ask for recommendations on activities to do in the area, picking fruit and herbs, and what your children can do in their free time.

A tourist farm’s facilities and activities will create a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere if you stick to a few basic rules. So let nature take its course and enjoy your holiday on a tourist farm.

What to offer guests for breakfast?

As a host on a tourist farm, there are many options for what to offer guests for breakfast. Here are a few ideas:

• Farm-fresh eggs: If you have chickens on your farm, consider serving fresh eggs for breakfast. You can offer a variety of options, such as scrambled eggs, omelets, or fried eggs.
• Fresh fruit: Depending on what is in season, consider offering a selection of fresh fruit for guests to enjoy. This could include berries, peaches, or sliced apples, cherries or plums.
• Homemade bread or pastries: If you enjoy baking, consider making homemade bread or pastries for your guests. Options could include croissants, muffins, or scones.
• Local specialties: Consider offering local specialties that are unique to your region. This could include items like local sausage, bacon, or artisanal cheeses.
• Oatmeal or porridge: Oatmeal or porridge is a hearty and healthy option for guests. You can offer a variety of toppings for guests to customize their own bowl, such as nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and honey or maple syrup.
• Yogurt or granola: Yogurt or granola is a quick and easy option for guests. You can offer a variety of flavors and toppings, such as fresh fruit, nuts, and honey.

The best options for your guests will depend on your preferences and the resources available on your farm. Consider offering a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to keep your guests satisfied and energized throughout the day.

What experience to offer to guests?

There are many different experiences that you can offer to guests on your tourist farm, depending on your interests and the resources available to you. Here are a few ideas:

• Hands-on farming experiences: Depending on the size and scope of your farm, you may be able to offer guests the opportunity to participate in various farming activities. This could include tasks like feeding and caring for animals, harvesting crops, or planting seeds.
• Nature hikes or walks: If your farm is located in a scenic area, consider offering guided nature hikes or walks for your guests. This could be a great way for them to explore the local flora and fauna and learn about the natural history of the region.
• Cooking classes or demonstrations: If you enjoy cooking and want to share your skills with your guests, consider offering cooking classes or demonstrations. This could be a great way to showcase local ingredients and traditions.
• Workshops or classes: Depending on your interests and expertise, you may be able to offer workshops or classes on a variety of topics. This could include subjects like gardening, beekeeping, or crafts.
• Special events or celebrations: Consider hosting special events or celebrations on your farm, such as a barbecue, a harvest festival, or a holiday celebration. This can be a great way to bring guests together and create a sense of community.

The best experiences to offer to guests will depend on your interests and the resources available on your farm. Consider what makes your farm unique and try to offer experiences that will be meaningful and enjoyable for your guests.

What to offer kids for fun?

There are many ways to keep kids entertained and engaged during a stay on a tourist farm. Here are a few ideas:

• Outdoor play: Depending on the resources available on your farm, consider offering outdoor play activities for kids. This could include swings, a climbing structure, a trampoline, or a sandbox.
• Animal care: If you have animals on your farm, kids may enjoy helping to care for them. This could include tasks like feeding and watering the animals, grooming them, or collecting eggs.
• Nature exploration: Encourage kids to explore the natural surroundings of your farm. This could include activities like nature walks, bird watching, or collecting rocks or leaves.
• Arts and crafts: Consider setting up a craft area for kids, stocked with materials like paper, crayons, markers, and scissors. You could also offer structured craft projects or classes.
• Games and sports: Consider setting up a designated area for kids to play games and sports. This could include equipment for activities like frisbee, soccer, or basketball.

The best activities for kids will depend on their interests and the resources available on your farm. Consider offering a mix of structured and unstructured activities to keep kids engaged and entertained.

Get an eco-label for your accommodation

Make your tourist farm a sustainable accommodation! They are not just a trend but the future of responsible travel. With sustainable accommodation, you will contribute to protecting the environment and supporting local communities while offering an unforgettable holiday experience. What’s more, by choosing green tourism, you will contribute to a better world for future generations.

Where to advertise your tourist farm to attract guests? You need to be well-advertised to attract guests to your tourist farm. Some good ways to promote are using online portals such as Booking, Airbnb and Vrbo, social media and creating your own website. In addition, it is crucial to have a good presentation of your farm, with quality photos and descriptions that highlight the uniqueness of your offer. With good advertising and a willingness to interact with guests, you will attract many guests who will appreciate your hospitality and the unique experience of staying on a tourist farm.

How to control all the bookings and simplify your work?

Managing all the bookings and organising the work can be very challenging, especially when you already have enough work to do on the farm. But there is a solution that can make it easier - Bentral Channel Manager. It’s a tool that allows you to manage all your bookings from one place. This way, you don’t have to switch between different platforms and manually update availability. Instead, you can control everything in one place and avoid overlapping bookings.

Bentral Channel Manager is software that allows you to manage multiple channels at the same time. With a simple interface, you can update prices and availability for all your channels at once. This reduces the risk of errors and delays. Bentral Channel Manager also reduces your time to manage bookings, saving you time and energy.