The Agritourism Summit to take place in NSW – tickets on sale now

Australia’s first Agritourism Summit is set to take place on 29 August 2024 in the Southern Highlands of NSW.

The event is where tourism and farming connect in an insightful and practical day-long event for farmers. This unmissable event will offer a unique opportunity for aspiring and established agritourism entrepreneurs to gain valuable knowledge and network with industry leaders.

The Summit will feature expert speakers who will share their journeys on building and expanding an agritourism business. Attendees will learn from successful case studies, gain practical advice on how to start their own agritourism on-farm experience, and discover the latest trends shaping the future of the industry. Sessions will cover a range of topics including how to deliver a visitor experience while running your day- to-day farming operations, regulatory considerations, marketing tips and sustainable practices. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable ideas to take their businesses to the next level.

Event founder and farmer himself Gary Fitzroy says “I created the Agritourism Summit to help farmers understand how to connect their passion and knowledge with visitors, while also adding a new revenue stream to their farming operations. Whether it be a farm stay, farm tour or pick your own produce experience, agritourism allows visitors to get a taste of the people, produce and lifestyle of farming.”

Program highlights include keynote presentations where industry leaders will share their personal journeys and strategies for success in the agritourism sector. Panel sessions will delve into current trends, challenges, and opportunities in agritourism and provide practical tools and techniques for business growth and innovation. There will be plenty of networking opportunities to connect with fellow farmers, industry experts, and potential partners in a collaborative environment.

The Summit will take place at Peppers Manor House, Bowral which offers an idyllic setting for this event, combining modern amenities with the charm of the Southern Highlands. With strictly limited seats available, early registration is highly recommended to secure a spot and benefit from early bird rates of $195 plus gst.

Agritourism Summit runs in conjunction with the AgriShow a dedicated farm field day running at Moss Vale Show ground August 30 and 31, conference registrations include free access to the AgriShow.

Agritourism Summit is supported proudly by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

Event Details:

Date: 29 August 2024

Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: Peppers Manor House, Kater Road, Sutton Forest, Bowral, NSW

Registration: Visit www.agritourismsummit.org to book your seat and take advantage of early bird rates. Includes Morning and Afternoon tea, light lunch.

Don’t miss this chance to enhance your agritourism business and connect with the leading minds in the industry. Secure your spot today and join us for a day of inspiration, learning, and growth.

For media inquiries, please contact: info@expertiseevents.com.au

About AgriTourism Summit:

The AgriTourism Summit is a premier event designed to support the growth and development of the agri-tourism industry. By bringing together experts, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts, the summit aims to foster innovation, share best practices, and build a strong network of agri-tourism professionals.

29 August 2024 | Peppers Manor House, Southern Highlands, NSW

Enquiries: info@expertiseevents.com.au

AgriTourism Summit organiser Gary FitzRoy, who also runs his own agritourism operation offering on-farm accommodation, said: “We’re delighted to bring the summit to Orange after a fantastic inaugural event last year in the Southern Highlands. Orange is quickly establishing itself as one of Australia’s top agritourism destinations, making it the perfect location to explore how we can further develop this sector nationally and help farmers diversify their offerings.
“In Australia, where farmers face the daily challenges of climate extremes, agritourism presents a drought-proofing strategy and a sustainable solution for the future. However, developing and scaling the sector will require supportive government policy and a roadmap for growth. This year, we want to delve into how we can unlock agritourism’s potential, break through some of the barriers which exist and come up with a sector-led action plan to present to policy makers.”
New to this year’s program, delegates will have the opportunity to attend breakout sessions,
focusing on a range of relevant topics—from navigating red tape to building a brand in the
agritourism space. The first day will conclude with a ‘Welcome to Orange’ networking event at Banksia, one of the region’s premier venues, where local produce will be showcased for delegates to enjoy.

On day two, delegates will take part in immersive farm tours organised by destination marketing organisation Orange360, offering an opportunity to visit local agritourism hotspots and gain invaluable insights directly from those who manage and operate them.
The summit is supported by Destination NSW and Orange City Council, both of which recognise the growing importance of developing agritourism in boosting regional tourism.
Agritourism was identified as a growth opportunity in the NSW Government’s experience-led NSW Visitor Economy Strategy review and its 2035 target of $91 billion in annual expenditure.
Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper said: “The NSW Government is proud to support the 2025
AgriTourism Summit and its focus on future-proofing regional visitor economies.
“NSW has so much to offer. It is one of the most seasonally diverse agricultural regions in
Australia, and we are seeing an increasing number of domestic and international visitors
immersing themselves in authentic experiences across the state.

“From booking unique farm stays to sampling wines at our world-class vineyards, foraging for
truffles in our cool-climate regions, shucking oysters in our waterways and picking fruit in our orchards. Agritourism plays a vital role in our visitor economy strategy. ”NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said: “Diversifying revenue streams for farmers through agritourism is an emerging activity and can grow to securing year-round income that balances seasonal income.
“Bringing together potential practitioners and experts at this summit is a smart idea and
eventually we know from overseas experiences if agritourism grows it can boost the brands of location-based foods, wines, and fibres into national and international markets.”
Also, joining this year’s event is the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) of NSW, a not-for-profit
organisation committed to advancing agricultural business to ensure long-term prosperity for future generations.
Orange 360 will organise delegate family visits and publicise the event to the broader region.
The program is currently being developed, with potential speakers and attendees encouraged to register their interest by visiting the official summit website at www.agritourismsummit.org.

About AgriTourism Summit
The AgriTourism Summit is an annual event that brings together key players in the agritourism industry to discuss trends, challenges and opportunities within this growing sector. Featuring expert speakers, case studies and hands-on learning experiences, the summit serves as a vital platform for networking, innovation and collaboration.
The AgriTourism Summit will take place on 12-13 August 2025 in Orange, NSW. It promises an unparalleled opportunity for learning, collaboration and inspiration in one of Australia’s most celebrated agritourism regions.