Page 72 - Rural Tourism Report Washington County
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CHAPTER 3: THE WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM SECTOR
• Most interviewees felt there was a shortage of • As another form of “farm stay,” several
lodging and dining options in rural areas. Con- interviewees indicated they knew of several
sistent with state law, CDC provisions current- rural neighbors using Airbnb or VRBO to rent
ly allow farm stays, including a meal, for up out rooms or entire residences short term.
to five guests. A change to regulate number Most interviewees did not have a problem
of rooms, rather than guests, was suggested with this and didn’t see any drawback in a
by some to make such ventures profitable. rural area where there are no close neighbors
Interviewees who have experience with guest or where neighbors have given approval.
lodging said that the business model is a lot of However, while there was no strong objection
work and that not too many farmers will want to the concept, a few interviewees felt it
to undertake this form of rural tourism hospi- worrisome that in some cases a short term
tality. Others have the perception that several renter might hold any type of event without
farmers in Washington County wish to host regard for neighbors or oversight from the
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overnight stays, explaining that such opportu- owner . (Please see page 109 for a related
nities immerse visitors in the farm experience, discussion on complaints related to rural
providing them an opportunity to experience tourism). Some felt that neighbor approval
land, soil, and water; and to try their hands at and use guidelines and/or supervision from
the phases/tasks of modern farming. Most of the owner were important. Most interviewees
felt that those doing short term rentals should
these perceived that many farms have extra adhere to County regulations such as noise
residences or buildings sitting vacant or forced restrictions and should pay the Transient
to be used for storage due to land use restric- Room Tax to help fund tourism, as B&Bs do.
tions. They suggested that these buildings
could be better used as guest houses or vaca- • Some interviewees mentioned a lack of cell
tion rentals . Several suggested that expand- phone and internet reception in some rural
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ing opportunities for overnight stays was the parts of the County, complicating travelers’
most important thing that could happen to use of mobile maps and access to destination
support rural tourism. One even suggested information. Improvement of these services is
needed to help travelers locate and learn about
that a high-end boutique inn be recruited.
rural tourism sites more easily.
60 Note: Often these are agricultural buildings not constructed to safe human occupancy standards, unlawfully placed/constructed buildings that are not inspected/
permitted, temporary health hardship dwellings allowed only for the duration of related needs, dwellings that were to be removed following approved replacement, or
housing approved for farm workers only.
61 It appears to be against Airbnb rules for a renter to hold events on-site, however any official Airbnb enforcement policy was not verified. Note that some short term
rentals are completed privately and not through one of the major online services such as VRBO and Airbnb.
68 WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM STUDY
