More tourists opt for Italy farm holiday

(ANSA) - Rome, July 30 - Visitor numbers at Italian farm holidays are set to rise about 3% this summer season compared to the same period in 2014 thanks partly to increased interest from foreign tourists, industry event organiser Agrietour said on Thursday.
    Growing demand for farm holidays near beaches has helped fuel growth, Agrietour said, with particular interest seen in Tuscan provinces near the sea, such as Grosseto. Numbers are also up for farmhouse holidays near famous art cities in the Marche, Tuscany, Umbria, Veneto regions.
    Areas close to mountains are also proving popular, such as Trentino and Valtellina. Requests for farm holidays in Sicily and Lombardy, regions which have been developing the sector, have also increased.
    Demand from foreign tourists is particularly firm, especially from younger people in the 18-35 age range, Agrietour said.
    An Italian farm holiday usually offers accommodation and provides guests with home-made food. Visitors are often invited to see how the food is made and participate in some farm work.
    While Italians say they are mainly attracted to farmhouse holidays because of the healthy food and to save money, foreigners like them because of the peace and quiet and their care for the environment, Agrietour said.
    There are more than 20,000 farm holiday providers in Italy, with annual turnover of more than 1 billion euros. Just over 45% are based in the north of the country, 34.4% in the centre and 20.5% in the south.