For the third year running, the last week of September has been proclaimed, “Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Week”.
Tourism on farms continues to increase. Things like farm-to-table events, wine tastings, harvest festivals, craft breweries, distilleries, farm weddings, art tours, and baking classes are just a few of their options.
“People are getting into their cars and traveling to farms in growing numbers,” said Sylvia Burgos Toftness, a board member of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association (WATA). Allied Market Research showed what visitors want. On-farm stays, education, ecotourism, and a way to satisfy their curiosity about rural and farm living were priorities.
“Our website, www.wiagtourism.com, makes it easy,” said Sheila Everhart, WATA Executive Director. “Our site’s includes an interactive map to help visitors find all kinds of activities, foods, and beverages.” The WATA member farms include petting zoos, event barns, wineries, you-pick orchards and berry patches, pasture walks, corn mazes, tree farms, pumpkin patches, and more,” she said.
The Wisconsin Department of Tourism saw overall tourism surge in 2021. It generated $20.9 billion in total economic impact, an increase of 21 percent over 2020.
In 2022, Wisconsin hosted over 111.1 million visitor trips, generating $1.5 billion in state and local taxes.
“A lot of Wisconsin family farms need the revenue on-farm tourism generates,” said Everhart.
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