Peak farmer organisations across Australia have teamed up with Airbnb in bid to bring tourism dollars to regional areas and help farmers diversify their income.
These partnerships aim to help boost tourism infrastructure in regional areas to drive economic recovery - including through developing world-class farm stays and exciting new experiences that showcase the best of rural Australia.
The Victorian Farmers Federation, Tasmanian Farmers & Graziers Association, Northern Territory Farmers Association, and Queensland Farmers' Federation, are all working together with Airbnb to spotlight the regions and give farmers the tools they need to build income-generating tourism businesses from which their local community can also benefit.
Airbnb Head of Public Policy for Australia Derek Nolan said guests were always looking to explore their own backyard through authentic experiences that immersed them in regional communities.
"Farm stays are a terrific way to both help farmers diversify their income, as well as put their communities on the tourism map," he said.
"Farmers can also develop unique experiences on Airbnb, which is an exciting way to further grow their tourism business alongside the accommodation they offer.
"Experiences are one-of-a-kind activities hosted by experts and a great way to creatively give visitors another way to connect with rural life.
"Importantly, each farm stay host plays a vital role in growing tourism in their region, helping local businesses thrive and showing guests what makes their patch of the world so very special."
As part of this initiative, Airbnb is running interactive webinars designed to help farmers become farm stay or experience hosts on Airbnb, as well as providing them with a guide to help them play a role in growing sustainable tourism in their region.
Tasmanian Farmers & Graziers Association chief executive Peter Skillern said Tasmania was aniconic tourist destination for people around the world.
"As a state, it provides breathtaking natural beauty - something that all Tasmanians are proud of," he said.
"However, many tourists wish to experience much, much more.
"A farm stay in Tasmania provides you with not only the opportunity to see the traditional tourism sights but also the opportunity to see, and literally taste, the agricultural production and product from our wonderful state."
Victorian Farmers Federation President Emma Germano said hosting a farm stay allowed farmers to diversify their farm income, as well we showcase the beautiful Victorian countryside and our vibrant food and fibre industry to visitors.
