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Mountain Partnership moderates webinar on agritourism

04.03.2022

“Agritourism in mountains connects local food movements with local farmers and producers,” said Rosalaura Romeo, Mountain Partnership Secretariat, while moderating a virtual coffee event on sustainable agritourism on 3 March 2022. The webinar aimed to shed light on the importance of developing and promoting sustainable agritourism by tapping into the potential of innovative solutions and public-private partnerships, as well as empowering farmers, youth and women.

Tourism in rural areas can play a pivotal role in supporting rural economies through diversifying farmers’ income and raising awareness of the significance of rural areas for food security. It can also protect culinary and cultural heritage, help to conserve local biodiversity and maintain beautiful landscapes.

“The world’s mountains have long attracted visitors for their scenic beauty, sports opportunities and rich cultural heritage,” added Rosalaura Romeo. “For many rural mountain communities, tourism can increase household incomes, enhance job opportunities and revitalize local traditions.”

While the tourism sector is under pressure from the ongoing global pandemic, travelers’ growing interest to visit rural areas represents an immense opportunity, especially if conducted in an environmentally responsible manner.

Speakers from European Union and United Nations institutions, private sector, farmer organizations and local authorities shared experiences of agritourism and Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) in Indonesia, Slovenia, Spain, Sierra Leone and around the world.

They highlighted the importance of local communities’ involvement and commitment to advance tourism initiatives, noting how agritourism can help to shorten value chains and bring consumers closer to products.

The event was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Liaison Office in Brussels together with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), with technical support from the FAO GIAHS team.

Watch FAO's video on GIAHS
Watch UNWTO's 2021 Best Tourism Villages video
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Photo: FAO-GIAHS