worldagritourismdayworldagritourismday
International Conference on OCASSION OF
16th May 2026
Agri Tourism is a form of sound, environmentally sustainable and socially responsible tourism development which has the potential to contribute substantially to local socio-economic development and poverty reduction. Importantly and with the right support and guidance, Agri Tourism can also contribute to the conservation and protection of natural, cultural and ethnical resources. There are many good examples of successful Agri Tourism Projects in the world but many of these exist in isolation or are relatively unknown. Thus, it is important that these good projects are brought together so that the mechanisms that have led to their success and the lessons learned can be used to form a set of over-arching guidelines for Agri Tourism development in the rest of the World.
AGRI TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (ATDC – Agri Tourism India) has focused on enhancement of local socio-economic development and poverty alleviation of rural and remote communities since early 2000s through Agri Tourism and community-based agritourism development. Agri Tourism projects have commenced under the ATDC’s guidance. Maharashtra is the first State in India to have a formal “Agri Tourism Policy in September, 2020”
Foreword
Agri tourism is more than an economic activity; it is a movement that reconnects agriculture with society, empowers farming communities, and builds sustainable rural futures. Over the past two decades, the global agri tourism movement has demonstrated how farms can evolve into centers of learning, culture, hospitality, and entrepreneurship—while preserving the dignity of farmers and the soul of rural life.
As we prepare to observe the 19th World Agri Tourism Day in 2026, we do so at a defining moment in global agriculture and rural development. The recognition of 2026 as the International Women Farmer Year provides us with a powerful opportunity to acknowledge, celebrate, and strengthen the leadership of women farmers—who have long been the backbone of agriculture, yet remain underrepresented in decision-making, markets, and policy frameworks.
Women farmers across the world are leading transformative agri tourism initiatives. They are opening their farms to visitors, safeguarding rural heritage, innovating farm-based enterprises, generating diversified incomes, and reinvesting in their families and communities. Through agri tourism, women farmers are not only supplementing farm incomes, but also shaping sustainable rural economies rooted in culture, ecology, and inclusivity.
The theme of World Agri Tourism Day 2026, “Women Farmers Leading Agri Tourism and Sustainable Rural Economies Globally,” reflects our collective commitment to place women farmers at the center of agri tourism development—as leaders, entrepreneurs, hosts, innovators, and change-makers.
This conference concept note outlines a global platform designed to bring together policymakers, practitioners, researchers, investors, development agencies, and farming communities to exchange knowledge, influence policy, foster partnerships, and scale women-led agri tourism worldwide.
I invite governments, international organizations, academic institutions, private sector partners, and civil society to join hands in making the 19th World Agri Tourism Day Conference a landmark step toward women-led rural transformation. Together, let us ensure that women farmers are recognized not merely as contributors to agriculture, but as global leaders shaping the future of agri tourism and sustainable rural economies.
Pandurang Taware
Chair
World Agri Tourism Day Committee
Global Agri Tourism Network
Agri tourism has emerged globally as a powerful model for sustainable rural development, income diversification, cultural preservation, and experiential tourism. By integrating agriculture and tourism, agri tourism provides farmers with additional income opportunities while offering visitors authentic rural experiences rooted in local culture, food systems, ecology, and traditions.
Over the past two decades, agri tourism has evolved from small, informal farm visits into a structured rural enterprise contributing to livelihoods, employment generation, women’s empowerment, youth engagement, and climate-resilient rural economies. The World Agri Tourism Day, observed annually, has played a pivotal role in promoting awareness, policy dialogue, innovation, and global networking in this sector.
The year 2026 has been recognized globally as the International Women Farmer Year, acknowledging the critical yet often under-recognized role of women farmers in global food systems, rural economies, and sustainable development. Women constitute nearly half of the global agricultural workforce and play a central role in food production, value addition, biodiversity conservation, and community resilience.
Against this backdrop, the 19th World Agri Tourism Day Conference 2026 is envisioned as a landmark global platform to celebrate, recognize, and strengthen women farmers as leaders of agri tourism and sustainable rural economies.
Women Farmers Leading Agri Tourism and Sustainable Rural Economies Globally
Women farmers are increasingly emerging as pioneers of agri tourism enterprises—hosting visitors, managing farm stays, curating cultural experiences, leading farm-based entrepreneurship, and reinvesting income into families and communities. Agri tourism offers women farmers:
This theme aligns with: – International Women Farmer Year 2026
– UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 1, 5, 8, 10, 12, 13)
– Global priorities on inclusive growth, gender equity, and sustainable tourism
The conference will highlight women farmers not as beneficiaries, but as leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers shaping the future of agri tourism worldwide.
To establish women farmers as global leaders in agri tourism, driving inclusive, resilient, and sustainable rural economies.
Global Vision, Leadership and Policy
Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Markets
World Agri Tourism Awards – Women Categories
Key Outputs
Expected Outcomes
The conference will be organized in partnership with
The 19th World Agri Tourism Day Conference 2026 will serve as a historic global platform to recognize, empower, and position women farmers as leaders of agri tourism and sustainable rural economies. By bringing together policymakers, practitioners, entrepreneurs, and global partners, the conference aims to catalyze long-term impact, inclusive growth, and resilient rural futures worldwide.
Day 2 : Agritourism Innovations, Cultural exhibitions, and networking
The host/moderator provides a brief summary of Day 1, reviewing the main takeaways and setting the stage for the second day of the conference.
Panelists from technology companies, agritourism entrepreneurs, and
innovators discuss how technology is shaping the future of agritourism and improving operational
efficiency, marketing, and customer
engagement.
Key Topics to be Discussed:
This workshop will focus on building partnerships and networks for growing agritourism businesses.
Learning Outcomes :
Participants will be treated to cultural exhibitions showcasing music, dance, and traditions from different regions. This segment will emphasize how agritourism plays a key role in preserving and promoting local cultures.
Participants will be able to visit virtual booths set up by agritourism operators, entrepreneurs, and service providers.
Simultaneous breakout discussions to encourage
participant engagement on key areas of interest :
A celebratory ceremony to honor outstanding contributors in the agritourism industry. Categories may include: