Page 74 - Rural Tourism Report Washington County
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CHAPTER 3: THE WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM SECTOR
• All interviewees believed that liability » Distribute effective materials like the Tri-
concerns had been a major reason why County Farm Produce Guide, which helps
farmers had been reluctant to add rural visitors locate produce farms;
tourism to their business mix. All felt that » Add more travel loops and trails, such as
recent passage of the Agritourism Limited WCVA’s Quilt Barn Trail (which may eventu-
Liability Bill, SB/HB 341 (June 22, 2015), which ally connect to Tillamook), and a dedicated
limits farmer liability in cases of visitor injury wine trail;
or death associated with agritourism, will
improve rural tourism startup/sustainability » Encourage birding and photography;
potential. » Promote package tours, lodging near rural
areas, and provide event itineraries;
• Most interviewees felt that development of a
“Good Neighbor Relations” program for rural » Support farm-to-table dining opportunities;
tourism operators and their communities » Consider seasonal activities that could
was important, especially since Washington translate into multiple seasons, for example
County Community Development Code year-round mazes on nursery sites;
enforcement operates on a complaint- » Where farms and other rural sites have access
driven basis. As part of this, they suggested to water, consider potential for water sports;
creation of neighbor agreements prior to
events so that neighbors understand what » Build the sense of welcome by growing re-
to expect and complaints are less likely; lationships with visitors. Invite people in and
and encouraged maintaining open lines make them feel welcome;
of communication between farmers and » Get to know tour operators. "We need to
neighbors about rural tourism activities, know them better and they need to under-
farm products, and associated agricultural stand what we have to offer." Use Living
practices. Some felt that a County mediator Social and Groupon to incentivize visitors to
service was needed to help resolve try new experiences;
disputes, similar to that provided by Oregon » Help farms who traditionally grow and dis-
Department of Agriculture. tribute for the wholesale market to diversify
• Interviewees recommended building upon through consumer-direct marketing to build
good product development, marketing and a local customer base;
customer service work of WCVA, other tour- » Expand opportunities for different age
ism marketing organizations, and individual groups. Example: One golf course has expe-
rural tourism operators. Interviewees offered rienced a decrease in traditional golfers so is
the following related input: adding foot golf (golf with soccer balls) under
» Provide printed and online maps to activ- the direction of younger management.
ity sites;
70 WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM STUDY
