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Segmenting Agritourism Visitors: Moving Beyond the General Market

Author

Listed:
  • Jibin Baby

    (Central Missouri REEC, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA)

  • Dae-Young Kim

    (Hospitality Management, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA)

Abstract

Agritourism has emerged as a dynamic and rapidly expanding sector, drawing a diverse range of visitors. Despite its increasing popularity, many agritourism enterprises continue to adopt a generalized marketing approach that assumes a homogeneous audience. This underscores the critical need for visitor segmentation, and to address this gap, the present study segments agritourism visitors based on their enduring involvement, with an emphasis on intrinsic motivations and environmental behaviors. We collected data through an online survey of 550 agritourism visitors, and statistical analysis identified three distinct segments: Agritourism Lovers, Greenies, and Neophytes. “ Agritourism Lovers ” represent devoted advocates who seek meaningful connections with agriculture, natural attractions, and local foods. “ Greenies ” exhibit strong environmental consciousness, emphasizing agritourism’s role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. “ Neophytes ”, on the other hand, are newcomers who value the learning opportunities and recreational experiences associated with agritourism. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for agritourism operators, enabling the development of tailored experiences and marketing strategies aimed at maximizing visitor satisfaction and enhancing the overall value of agritourism.

Suggested Citation

  • Jibin Baby & Dae-Young Kim, 2025. "Segmenting Agritourism Visitors: Moving Beyond the General Market," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-13, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:8:p:3620-:d:1636471
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ching-Cheng Shen & Dan Wang, 2023. "Using the RPM Model to Explore the Impact of Organic Agritourism Destination Fascination on Loyalty—The Mediating Roles of Place Attachment and Pro-Environmental Behavior," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-18, September.
    2. Ju Hyoung Han & Min Jae Lee & Yun-Seop Hwang, 2016. "Tourists’ Environmentally Responsible Behavior in Response to Climate Change and Tourist Experiences in Nature-Based Tourism," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(7), pages 1-14, July.
    3. Rosa Maria Fanelli & Luca Romagnoli, 2020. "Customer Satisfaction with Farmhouse Facilities and Its Implications for the Promotion of Agritourism Resources in Italian Municipalities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-21, February.
    4. Jibin Baby & Dae-Young Kim, 2024. "Sustainable Agritourism for Farm Profitability: Comprehensive Evaluation of Visitors’ Intrinsic Motivation, Environmental Behavior, and Satisfaction," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-18, September.
    5. Salvatore Ammirato & Alberto Michele Felicetti & Cinzia Raso & Bruno Antonio Pansera & Antonio Violi, 2020. "Agritourism and Sustainability: What We Can Learn from a Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-18, November.
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