Seeking ideas to shape agritourism

AGRITOURISM is a big focus of a western Victorian tourism body, with farmers, landowners, and businesses across the west are being asked to help shape a new program.

Tourism Midwest Victoria, which represents western Victoria from Bacchus Marsh to Moonambel, is aiming to grow the region’s visitor economy.

The TMV board currently have their sights on getting more visitors to the area’s farms and rural landscapes.

TMV has partnered with Sparrowly Group, who are experts in agritourism product development, to create a new program to strengthen business capacity in the rapidly growing industry.

The Agritourism Development Program, which is set to launch soon, will include educational sessions in each local government area covered by TMV, a masterclass, and group and one-to-one mentoring for farmers and graziers to develop on-land agritourism experiences.

In developing the program, TMV is seeking feedback from farmers, landowners, and businesses in Moorabool Shire who are interested in agritourism, to help inform what opportunities and challenges are out there.

A survey is currently up on the TMV website, where more information can be found.

Questions include what activities a business currently delivers, what times of the year they can provide agritourism offerings, and what is produced on the farm.