Vol. 12, Special Issue 9 (2023)

Author(s):
Vishwanath H, Suresha SV, Pankaja HK and Mohan Kumar TL

Abstract:
Agro-Tourism culture which includes set of activities or operations that makes use of land of an artist or farmer to attract visitors. Agro tourism provides an opportunity to the tourists to have an authentic and enchanting practical experience of local foods, agricultural implements, practices and acquainted with the various fields and communities in the region. This research paper investigates the challenges faced by farmer owners of Agro-Tourism Centers (ATCs) in Karnataka, India. The study was conducted in four selected districts, namely Bangalore, Chikmagalur, Tumkur, and Kodagu. Ex-post-facto research design was employed, and primary data were collected from 40 ATCs, with 10 from each district. The findings challenges hinder the promotion of ATCs. The paper also presents recommendations provided by farmer owners to overcome these constraints and foster the growth of agro-tourism in the region. This research investigates the challenges like financial constraints, human resource limitations, technical obstacles, situational difficulties, and policy issues are analyzed. Recommendations include government support, comprehensive tourism packages, partnerships, customer-centric approaches, and enhanced marketing. Addressing these challenges can unlock the full potential of ATCs, benefitting the local economy and enriching tourists' experiences. By examining these challenges and the strategies proposed by the stakeholders themselves, we can pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable future for ATCs. The study underscores the multifaceted challenges faced by farmer owners of ATCs in Karnataka. It is imperative for stakeholders, including government bodies and industry players, to work collaboratively to realize the untapped potential of ATCs in Karnataka.