Farm destinations are expected to offer ever increasing quality
23.3.2018 BY By Juhani Saukko
Growing interest in lodging services situated in the countryside has created an industry where the operators are mainly private entrepreneurs and cooperative associations. Success in the farm tourism business is based on providing a total service package where the quality of the buildings used for lodging and other services is a key factor. Natural log buildings blend in with the rural landscape and meet the needs of even the more demanding travellers.
Visiting farms is a trendy way of enjoying a wide variety of experiences in a rural setting, close to nature. More and more city dwellers across the world wish to spend at least a part of their holiday in a relaxing and idyllic environment where they can also partake in different hobbies, services and experiences.
Diverse offering of experiences and lodging services in the country
Farm tourism has plenty of target groups as the experiences are of interest to a wide variety of people of all ages. The countryside appeals to couples, families, groups of friends and people who like to spend time alone, as well as people who are interested in group trips that are tied to a hobby or interest. Farms are also popular venues for family celebrations and other events.
Naturally, the countryside environment and comfortable lodgings form the core of the service package. Some customers only stop for a short while as they are looking for a cosier alternative to a hotel along their route. However, ”excursions” to the countryside that last for a weekend or a week are becoming increasingly popular: people wish to use their free time to take in the local atmosphere and food and drink, experience the nature and culture and even go shopping.
Specialisation and quality as the keys to success
Whether one’s farm tourism business is small or large, standing out from the crowd is important. Putting effort into the service offering truly pays off. The lodging and dining spaces must be clean, cosy and well-equipped. Showing personality and specialising in, say, a natural lifestyle draws people in from near and far.
The farmhouse environment with its buildings, people and animals is alluring and creates a genuine atmosphere. Even if many of the main buildings are old, new log cabins blend in perfectly and they can be situated in the same yard or some distance away in their own peace and quiet. In addition to lodgings, you also often need other buildings. If you are offering beds for many guests, a separate space or building for dining and hosting parties and events is a good solution. A log sauna, outdoor hot tub and a place for swimming are great examples of amenities that make your business more attractive.
Offering spaces for hobbies and recreational activities is also a splendid way of outdoing the competition. Getting to know the farm animals and participating in the work at the farm are pleasant experiences for many. Hiking, moving on the waters and fishing are interesting to people living in the city. Families with small children also appreciate spaces and equipment for yard games and playing.
The farm can also sell its own produce or products from the local community: food stuffs, wine, gift items and so on. Local flea markets and other events are also a draw for many farm tourism entrepreneurs.
Log buildings create the desired atmosphere
Log buildings make for suitable additions to old farms and they can also be used to create completely new farm tourism destinations. Modern, ecological and healthy lodgings are an excellent trump card in marketing. Because farm tourism packages and stays are usually marketed via websites, good photos of the cosy yard and accommodations are important in attracting travellers, holidaymakers and event organisers.
Log buildings blend in with the natural landscape whether they are built in the traditional or a more modern style. Buildings realised in the same style create a harmonious and functional whole. A partner who is as seasoned in recreational construction as Honka is can help the entrepreneur design a building package that suits his or her ideas.
A tried and true holiday destination is place where visitors will return to time and time again. Lahdelma Oasis in Eastern Finland is a good example of larger farm tourism business with plenty of personality. This farm destination offers a spa and terrific lakeside saunas as a part of its service offering.
Take a look at Lahdelma Oasis, a destination that combines organic farming and tourism:
