Third International Conference on Tourism & Leisure Studies

Abstract

This study will explore the Agritourism climate in the Central Valley region, with a focus on the City of Sacramento. This area is undoubtedly an Agricultural hot-spot; however, the historic precedent suggests that Sacramento is not a tourism attraction. The attempt to re-brand this region has the explicit intention to change the face of Sacramento to not only attract tourists from surrounding cities, but also to draw international attention. While this re-branding has the ultimate goal of strengthening the local economy, this attempt has been met with both adamant encouragement and disapproval. Regardless of the public opinion, entrepreneurs have sought to develop agricultural attractions within the region in an array of forms. This study will focus on the Agritouristic development in the region, along with its implications on the local population and economy. This will be done with first-hand accounts of the existing and developing Agritourism organizations and attractions in the region, as well as direct input from local stake-holders and community members.