If you’re in the business of short-term rentals, you’re likely always on the lookout for fresh ways to appeal to guests. One trend that has captured the hearts of travelers around the world is agrotourism–a beautiful mix of agriculture and tourism that offers guests a taste of rural life. This is an opportunity to connect guests with nature, local culture, and farming life in ways they won’t find in a city hotel.

Agrotourism goes beyond staying in a rural setting. It gives people a chance to try their hand at activities like fruit picking, gardening, or learning how cheese is made. For short-term rental hosts, it’s a way to diversify what they offer and increase their property’s value. In this article, we’ll share tips to make your rental a go-to destination for rural hospitality.

8 tips to transform your short-term rental into an agrotourism experience

1. Embrace the local farm-to-table setup

Today’s guests are increasingly interested in knowing where their food comes from, and being part of the food production process is an exciting bonus. For example, if you have a garden on your property, consider growing seasonal vegetables or herbs that guests can pick and use for cooking. You might also partner with local farms to provide fresh produce or arrange a small welcome basket with local goodies like honey, jams, or bread.

Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced gardener; even a small herb garden with labels or instructions can make a huge difference. If you’re near a river or lake, offering fishing opportunities can be a great addition. Guests can enjoy the full experience of catching their own dinner and then cooking it with fresh vegetables from your garden.

2. Create immersive agricultural activities

Nothing says “rural tourism” quite like giving guests a chance to try their hand at farming activities. Depending on your location and the season, think about offering unique experiences like fruit picking, beekeeping, or even working with animals. This can be the highlight of guests’ stay!

You don’t need to own a full-scale farm to make this happen. Partner with nearby farmers who may be willing to let guests visit, volunteer for the day, or take a guided tour. If you have chickens, invite guests to collect fresh eggs for breakfast, or if there’s a vineyard nearby, arrange for a wine-tasting tour. This kind of experience is priceless for guests looking to escape the bustle of urban life and connect with nature.

3. Promote outdoor living spaces

One of the major draws of agrotourism is the outdoor space that comes with rural properties. Guests enjoy soaking in the views, listening to nature, and unwinding under the stars. To make your rental more appealing to these travelers, think about enhancing your outdoor area. Simple touches like a cozy fire pit, outdoor seating with a view, or a hammock for lazy afternoons can transform the guest experience.

If you’re really aiming to impress, consider creating an outdoor kitchen or BBQ area where guests can cook and enjoy meals al fresco. Set up a small garden with seating, string some fairy lights around, and suddenly, you have a magical spot where guests can feel close to nature.

4. Introduce sustainable practices

Sustainable tourism continues to grow, and agrotourism fits perfectly with this eco-friendly trend. Many travelers choose rural stays because they want to support low-impact, sustainable travel. For hosts, this is a great opportunity to attract guests who care about the environment and want to experience a more sustainable way of traveling.

Incorporate sustainable practices, such as using natural cleaning products, providing recycling and composting bins, or offering reusable products like cloth towels instead of paper ones. Go a step further by educating guests on the eco-friendly practices you’re using. For example, place signs explaining how you reduce water usage, compost kitchen scraps, or source locally. When guests feel part of the process, they’re more likely to adopt these practices during their stay (and even after).

5. Share local culture and traditions

Rural hospitality isn’t just about the land; it’s also about the people and traditions that give a place its unique character. Guests want to experience local culture firsthand, so think about ways to introduce them to your area’s traditions. This could mean sharing a bit about local history, teaching them traditional recipes, or even organizing a small workshop on something like pottery, knitting, or woodworking.

If you’re not directly connected to local traditions, seek out local artisans, musicians, or storytellers who might be interested in hosting workshops or performances. This not only supports the local community but also creates meaningful memories for your guests.

6. Make your rental pet-friendly

Agrotourism and the great outdoors go hand in hand, and guests often want to bring their pets along to enjoy the fresh air. If your property is suitable for pets, consider making it a pet-friendly rental. This can be as simple as providing a few amenities like pet bowls, a designated outdoor space for pets, or information on local pet-friendly trails and parks.

Being pet-friendly is a major draw, especially for city-dwelling pet owners looking for a place to escape with their furry friends. Make it clear in your listing that pets are welcome (if you allow them), and share any pet-specific rules or amenities. Many travelers are willing to pay a bit extra for the convenience of bringing their pets along, making it a worthwhile investment for hosts.

7. Offer digital detox

One of the beauties of rural hospitality is the chance for a true digital detox. While having Wi-Fi is a must for most travelers, consider marketing your property as a peaceful, tech-free retreat. Provide alternatives like board games, books, or even a set of outdoor games that families or groups can enjoy together. Emphasize the idea of disconnecting from screens and reconnecting with nature.

A digital detox doesn’t mean guests have to go completely off the grid; rather, it’s about offering an environment that makes it easy to take a break from constant connectivity. Position your property as a peaceful retreat where guests can focus on life’s simple pleasures and encourage them to use the time to recharge.

8. Set up guided nature trails or walking paths

One simple but effective addition to a rural short-term rental is a marked walking trail or path around the property. Whether it’s a loop through a garden, a path that winds around a field, or a short hike to a scenic overlook, trails allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the area’s natural beauty. You could provide maps or markers along the path that highlight different plants, wildlife, or points of interest.

If there’s an option for a longer hike nearby, consider creating a detailed guide with the best routes, estimated hiking times, and photo spots. Guests appreciate these curated experiences, as they make it easy for them to explore without needing to research or plan.

Transform your short-term rental into an agrotourism haven

Agrotourism is a fantastic way for short-term rental hosts to stand out from the competition and attract more guests. Imagine visitors leaving with not only beautiful photos but stories of gathering eggs, picking fresh herbs, or learning a traditional craft. We guarantee they’ll be returning for more!

With Hosthub, bringing agrotourism to life becomes much more manageable. Hosthub’s PMS and channel manager can streamline your operations, allowing you to focus on creating memorable experiences for your guests. This way, you’re not getting bogged down by administrative tasks. Start a free trial or book a demo today.