Exploring the supply side dynamics of agritourism in Tamil Nadu

IntroductionAgritourism is an emerging sector with the potential to drive rural development, economic diversification, and cultural heritage preservation. In Tamil Nadu, agritourism remains underexplored from a supply-side perspective. This study investigates the motivations, operational challenges,...

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Main Authors: Sarath Sennimalai, Badiya Venkata Rao, S. D. Sivakumar
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-02-01
Series:Frontiers in Sustainable Tourism
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frsut.2025.1498749/full
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author Sarath Sennimalai
Badiya Venkata Rao
S. D. Sivakumar
author_facet Sarath Sennimalai
Badiya Venkata Rao
S. D. Sivakumar
author_sort Sarath Sennimalai
collection DOAJ
description IntroductionAgritourism is an emerging sector with the potential to drive rural development, economic diversification, and cultural heritage preservation. In Tamil Nadu, agritourism remains underexplored from a supply-side perspective. This study investigates the motivations, operational challenges, and expectations of farmers engaged in agritourism to understand its sustainable development potential.MethodsA mixed-methods approach, guided by grounded theory, was adopted to examine supply-side dynamics. Data were collected from 20 agritourism farm owners in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu through structured questionnaires using a five-point Likert scale. Qualitative insights were also gathered through in-depth interviews to supplement quantitative findings.ResultsFindings reveal that farmers are primarily motivated by economic sustainability, additional income generation, rural heritage preservation, and farm diversification. However, key barriers include inadequate agritourism licensing, insufficient public awareness, and limited marketing efforts. Farmers also face challenges in accessing institutional support and navigating regulatory frameworks.DiscussionTo promote sustainable agritourism, the study recommends the establishment of a dedicated agritourism development committee, the formulation of specific government guidelines, and the integration of agritourism awareness into school curricula. These measures can enhance visibility, create employment opportunities, and ensure the long-term sustainability of agritourism in Tamil Nadu. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, aiming to strengthen agritourism as a viable rural enterprise.
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spelling doaj-art-2458b40ec9c14077bb5cba4b561ddbbf2025-08-20T03:01:03ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Sustainable Tourism2813-28152025-02-01410.3389/frsut.2025.14987491498749Exploring the supply side dynamics of agritourism in Tamil NaduSarath Sennimalai0Badiya Venkata Rao1S. D. Sivakumar2Department of Agricultural and Rural Management, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu, IndiaNational Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Telangana, IndiaDepartment of Agricultural and Rural Management, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu, IndiaIntroductionAgritourism is an emerging sector with the potential to drive rural development, economic diversification, and cultural heritage preservation. In Tamil Nadu, agritourism remains underexplored from a supply-side perspective. This study investigates the motivations, operational challenges, and expectations of farmers engaged in agritourism to understand its sustainable development potential.MethodsA mixed-methods approach, guided by grounded theory, was adopted to examine supply-side dynamics. Data were collected from 20 agritourism farm owners in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu through structured questionnaires using a five-point Likert scale. Qualitative insights were also gathered through in-depth interviews to supplement quantitative findings.ResultsFindings reveal that farmers are primarily motivated by economic sustainability, additional income generation, rural heritage preservation, and farm diversification. However, key barriers include inadequate agritourism licensing, insufficient public awareness, and limited marketing efforts. Farmers also face challenges in accessing institutional support and navigating regulatory frameworks.DiscussionTo promote sustainable agritourism, the study recommends the establishment of a dedicated agritourism development committee, the formulation of specific government guidelines, and the integration of agritourism awareness into school curricula. These measures can enhance visibility, create employment opportunities, and ensure the long-term sustainability of agritourism in Tamil Nadu. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, aiming to strengthen agritourism as a viable rural enterprise.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frsut.2025.1498749/fullagritourismsupply sidefarm ownersmotivationsexpectations
spellingShingle Sarath Sennimalai
Badiya Venkata Rao
S. D. Sivakumar
Exploring the supply side dynamics of agritourism in Tamil Nadu
Frontiers in Sustainable Tourism
agritourism
supply side
farm owners
motivations
expectations
title Exploring the supply side dynamics of agritourism in Tamil Nadu
title_full Exploring the supply side dynamics of agritourism in Tamil Nadu
title_fullStr Exploring the supply side dynamics of agritourism in Tamil Nadu
title_full_unstemmed Exploring the supply side dynamics of agritourism in Tamil Nadu
title_short Exploring the supply side dynamics of agritourism in Tamil Nadu
title_sort exploring the supply side dynamics of agritourism in tamil nadu
topic agritourism
supply side
farm owners
motivations
expectations
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frsut.2025.1498749/full
work_keys_str_mv AT sarathsennimalai exploringthesupplysidedynamicsofagritourismintamilnadu
AT badiyavenkatarao exploringthesupplysidedynamicsofagritourismintamilnadu
AT sdsivakumar exploringthesupplysidedynamicsofagritourismintamilnadu