Page 38 - Rural Tourism Report Washington County

CHAPTER 3: THE WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM SECTOR

This chapter focuses on the current size, economic impact, land use, success factors, challenges, trends,
and potential growth of the Rural Tourism industry in Washington County. It also identifies and explains the
categories and scale of rural tourism in the County.

This study looks at rural tourism in a broad sense, to include agritourism, educational tourism, cultural/
heritage tourism, voluntourism, eco-tourism, recreational and fitness tourism, agricultural, culinary experi-
ences, lodging/hospitality, entertainment, retreat and event arrangements, and other activities that draw
visitors to farms, wineries, ranches, and other rural lands.

Introduction
The beauty and rural richness of Washington County Information within this chapter was provided by
makes it an attractive destination for visitors who Travel Oregon—Oregon’s Tourism Commission,
seek the scenic treasures of the Tualatin Valley and Dean Runyan research , and examination of
36
wish to discover the bounty of local farms and the successful rural tourism models in the U.S. and
charm of small rural communities. abroad. The sections on successes and challenges
were formulated from responses to interviews with
A sector of farms, agricultural plants (such Washington County rural tourism operators and
as wineries), and other rural businesses have expert opinions from leaders of the Washington
responded to the interest of the traveling public by County Visitors Association, agriculture organizations,
providing opportunities for consumer direct sales commodity groups, government agencies, rural
of products and experiences on their property. This residents, and the consulting team. This chapter
age-old type of product marketing has expanded in also includes research by County staff that explores
recent years in response to consumer demand. the presence and characteristics of tourism related

activity on 127 sites in rural Washington County.
Most rural tourism in Washington County is based
in agriculture, bringing visitors to farms and 36 Runyan, Dean. “Oregon Travel Impacts 1991-2014p.” pdf. April 2015. Page 6.
www.deanrunyan.com_library/ORlmp.pdf
agricultural plants to buy products and
experiences, and diversifying the incomes
of farms and rural communities. Rural
tourism also generates challenges such
as congestion on rural roads and the need

to accommodate agriculture production
schedules and practices.

As such, it is imperative that rural tourism
be developed thoughtfully and in close
communication with both the agriculture

and tourism communities.

Photo courtesy of Mary Stewart
34 WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM STUDY