Can Animals Be the Key to the Development of Tourism: A Case Study of Livestock in Agritourism

Abstract

Animals are an integral part of human life. Currently, they constitute a relevant factor contributing to the tourist experiences of individuals travelling for tourist purposes. Domestic (farm) animals constitute a tourist attraction, are a source of income for individuals running agritourism farms, and render the tourists’ stay in rural areas more attractive. It is important to maintain the welfare of livestock based on principles of sustainability. The authors conducted research among agritourism providers in Wielkopolska Voivodeship. The aim of the survey was to determine whether agritourism farms keep livestock, what species they are, and whether they are important in building an agritourism product and what the prospects are for using animals in agritourism. A questionnaire was used for the study. The use of a variety of animal species facilitates the maintenance of biodiversity on the farm. Our research shows that 57.3% of the analysed agritourism providers included animals. Additionally, we discovered that the presence of livestock acts as a magnet that draws more tourists towards the individuals running agritourism farms and thus causes them to obtain higher profit from the agritourism business. According to the surveyed individuals, the most influential reason for the absence of livestock on their farms was the lack of financial resources and conditions to provide the animals with proper maintenance. Such findings may prompt the introduction of livestock as a tourist attraction in agritourism in other regions.

Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Agritourism Farm Stays and Their Safety during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Poland

“…It is worth noting that agritourism is a perfect place to show people what the farm does in order to inform them about farmers' daily practices and activities. Interestingly, according to the study by Jęczmyk et al [40], an element that attracts people to agritourism farm are farm animals, who are a unique tourist attraction.…”

“…Given the significant proportion of the respondents having children, a fairly common reason for choosing agritourism was the possibility to travel with the whole family, including young children, as highlighted also by Blekesaune et al [99] and Zawadka [100], as well as the opportunity to have contact with farm animals, as noted by Ingram [101] and Jęczmyk et al [40]. The guests on agritourism farms were mainly (about 80%) residents of cities, for whom closer encounters with animal species common to the countryside are certainly attractive and welcome but unfortunately virtually impossible.…”

Does gastronomic improve the tourist destination image? Evidence from Lombok Island, Indonesia

“…This is also supported by the peddler's assertion that the method used to maintain the cleanliness of food ingredients and food served is to always wash hands thoroughly, use fresh food ingredients, always cover food sold so that it is not exposed to dust, and immediately wash, wipe, and clean cutlery and table chairs after guests have finished eating. According to the findings of (Jęczmyk et al, 2021;Williamson & Hassanli, 2020) research, tourist attraction, service quality, and tourist amenities have a direct and considerable influence on both tourist satisfaction and the likelihood of repeat visits.…”

“…Supporting the possibilities of natural tourism, cultural tourism, historical tourism, and marine tourism is culinary tourism. (Jęczmyk et al, 2021) Culinary tourism is also tied to the native cuisine of tourist sites. One of the factors defining the success of culinary tourism is the availability of strategic, affordable, and pleasant dining options.…”

Potential Analysis and Development Strategies Based on Zoning For Beef Cattle Farming in Kepulauan Bangka-Belitung Province

“…On the other hand, by performing the cow farming activity directly for the tourist, the cattle farmer can improve their income from agrotourism and provide farming experience to the tourist. Raising cattle can also provide an attraction for tourists by using the offered services, and provided a source of income from selling the cattle (Jeczmyk et al, 2021).…”