Sustainable Agri-Tourism: Innovations, Advances and Practices

Dear Colleagues,

Agri-tourism is a dynamic and influential business sector with far-reaching implications for global sustainability. As destinations face increasing pressures from over-tourism, resource depletion and cultural/heritage disruption, the need for innovative and responsible agri-tourism practices has become more urgent than ever. This Special Issue, "Sustainable Agri-Tourism: Innovations, Advances and Practices”, invites contributions that explore the growing number of geopolitical, cultural, environmental and socio-economic forces affecting agricultural travel destinations and how these challenges are being addressed to promote environmental stewardship, economic prosperity and cultural uniqueness.

Agri-tourism intersects with multiple dimensions of sustainability—from land use and biodiversity to cultural heritage and community well-being. The rapid advancement of digital technologies, rise in regenerative models and global push toward net-zero emissions are reshaping how agri-tourism is designed, delivered and experienced. Equally important are development strategies that balance revenue generation with the cultural well-being of host destinations.

Thematic Pillars

1. Agri-Tourism Digital and Data-Driven Innovations

Smart tourism technologies, AI and big data analytics for destination management, visitor engagement and sustainability monitoring. These include advances in digital communications for agri-tourism destinations, smart farming applications that enhance rural tourism experiences and data-driven tools for identifying and managing agri-tourism opportunities.

2. Nature-Based Solutions and Regenerative Tourism

Ecotourism, conservation-based tourism and regenerative practices that restore ecosystems and cultural landscapes. Agri-tourism initiatives, biodiversity-friendly farming and indigenous-led agricultural tourism are key examples of how agriculture supports nature-based tourism models.

3. Circular Economy and Net-Zero Pathways

Resource-efficient infrastructure, zero-waste accommodations, carbon offset programs and circular design in tourism services. Agri-business models that promote farm-to-table supply chains, sustainable packaging, energy efficiencies and waste reduction in food systems are essential components of circular tourism economies.

4. Community-centric and Inclusive Innovations

Community-based tourism and social entrepreneurship that empowers local stakeholders. Agricultural education and community farming initiatives foster inclusive rural economic development and entrepreneurship.

5. Resilience, Risk and Climate Adaptation

Climate-resilient infrastructure, disaster risk reduction and adaptive strategies for environmentally and socially vulnerable destinations. Climate-smart agriculture, adaptive land use planning and integrated rural resilience strategies enhance tourism’s ability to respond to environmental risks.

Conclusion

We invite original research papers, reviews and case studies that offer methodological rigor, interdisciplinary insight and practical relevance to agri-tourism. Contributions should aim to bridge academic research with managerial applications, fostering dialog among scholars, practitioners, policymakers and local stakeholders. This Special Issue supports the journal’s mission to promote transdisciplinary approaches to sustainability and contribute meaningfully to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Dr. Albert Barreda
Dr. Yoshimasa (Nancy) Kageyama
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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