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State to inventory agritourism
Oklahoma
An inventory of Oklahoma agritourism businesses is being conducted to find out everything the state has to offer vacationers. The state's new Director of Agritourism, Francie Tolle, said the inventory is essential to adequately promote the industry.
"We need to know everything we have to offer in different areas of the state before we can initiate effective marketing strategies and let our customers know what all we have to offer," she said. "Not only will it let us help tell people where these businesses are, it will also help give us ideas what kind of new tourism opportunities might be available in specific areas."
Agritourism ventures cover a broad spectrum, Tolle adds. Hiking, equestrian activities, farm tours and wildlife recreational activities are just a few examples of how rural Oklahoma can cash in on the tourism industry.
"People are becoming much more interested in exploring different things," she said. "The bulk of the population is at least several generations away from farming and rural life and these things have more appeal to them than big cities and shopping malls.
"The only thing holding them back from pursuing this type of recreational experience is that they don't know what they kind find or where to find it," she said. "That's what this inventory is for."
Local chambers of commerce and county extension offices are currently being targeted to help locate existing agritourism businesses for the inventory.
Tolle said a downloadable version is also available on the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry's web site at www.oda.state.ok.us.
Copies can also be requested at 405-522-5652 or by writing her at: Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, 2800 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105.
Date: 6/23/05
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