What’s capturing visitor interest and how your farm can stay ahead.
As Agri-Tourism continues to grow in popularity, businesses face more competition than ever. Standing out means tapping into what today’s visitors are looking for: immersive experiences, meaningful connections, and shareable moments.
At Talking Tortoise, we work with a wide mix of agritourism clients; from farm retail members to farm attraction operators. We’re always researching what’s new, what’s working, and what’s next. As we head into the bucket and spade season, here are three trends that we’re keeping an eye on this summer:
1. Drone Tours: Bringing Farm Stories to Life from Above
Drone technology isn’t just a flashy extra. It’s fast becoming a powerful tool in Agri-Tourism marketing. Aerial views are offering visitors a unique perspective, showcasing vast fields and farm layouts that they simply can’t get from the ground.
We’ve seen farms across our network use drones to capture stunning footage that gives potential visitors a virtual taste of the experience. These visuals make for highly shareable content, providing exciting opportunities for marketing campaigns; whether through social media teasers or targeted video ads. Drone tours are quickly becoming a key tool in the way agritourism businesses engage visitors long before they arrive on-site.
2. Pick-Your-Own (PYO) Experiences: From Produce to Purpose
Pick-Your-Own (PYO) activities are making a major comeback this summer, and for good reason. This hands-on experience is a great way for visitors to connect with nature, learn about agriculture, and take home fresh produce.
From strawberries, wildflowers and pumpkins, PYO offers something for everyone, making it a perfect family activity. What’s interesting is how farms are diversifying the experience by tying it to seasonal events or themed weekends. These kinds of experiences are highly “Instagrammable,” creating organic marketing momentum as visitors share their day online. PYO is no longer just a casual visit; it’s becoming a full experience that can attract repeat visitors and build a loyal following.
3. Farm-to-Table Dining: Turning Visitors into Storytellers
The demand for authentic, locally sourced food experiences continues to rise, and agritourism is no exception. More farms are hosting small-scale, curated events that blend food with narrative: chef-led dinners, ingredient-foraging walks, and cooking workshops that explore the journey from field to fork.
These aren’t just meals, they’re immersive storytelling experiences that attract food lovers, eco-conscious travellers, and curious locals alike. In fact, we’ve seen some of our network host chef-led events or pop-up dinners that bring guests directly into the farm-to-fork journey.
While these trends are just a few that are trending at the moment, it is important to note that they are not universal solutions. Every farm and Agri-Tourism business has its own unique audience, and what works for one may not be the perfect fit for another.
At Talking Tortoise, we’re keeping a close eye on how these and other trends evolve throughout the season. Whether you’re building your first visitor experience or refining your current offer, we’re here to help you navigate the changing landscape with insight, creativity, and flexibility.
