Agri-tourism – A Means of Creating Rural Hospitality Industry in Rajasthan

AbstractRajasthan has been a significant player in India’s tourism industry, contributing 15% to the state’s GDP and providing employment to around 10 million people. Despite this, the potential of agri-tourism, which is closely linked to rural tourism, remains largely untapped. Agri-tourism involves activities that draw visitors to farms, allowing them to participate in farm operations and appreciate food production. It is growing at a 20% annual rate and aligns with the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by promoting sustainable practices and rural livelihoods. Rajasthan, with its diverse climates, rich cultural heritage, and significant agricultural output, has great potential for agri-tourism. Despite this potential, agri-tourism in Rajasthan faces several challenges. The primary issues include a lack of awareness about agri-tourism, limited government support, and insufficient manpower to undertake such activities. To improve agri-tourism, several recommendations have been suggested, including developing rural infrastructure, promoting agri-tourism through mass media, providing training and capacity building, and forming strong alliances between various stakeholders.