000			02386cam a2200277 4500
008			020131n2002 000 0 eng u
020			_a1842190873
022			_a1354-506X
035			_a(Sirsi) u116560
041			_aeng
050			_a381.45000285
100			_aWarren-Smith, Izzy
245			_aIs the internet a lucrative investment for the farm tourism industry? A test case for Herefordshire and Shropshire, UK
260			_aLondon _bRICS Foundation _c2002
300			_a12p. _c30cm.
350			_a£5
490			_aRICS Foundation Research Papers _v4(7)
520			_aThe advent of information technology has opened up new marketing opportunities for small rural firms in the UK, many of which have limited resources for marketing. Websites are relatively easy and inexpensive to construct, and as a result many small firms are now advertising using the internet. Small farm tourism accommodation enterprises are one such group. Increasing use of the internet appears to be having both positive and negative socio-economic effects, not only on the individuals who use it, but also on the communities in which they live. Indications are that increased internet usage can increase isolation. However, it is also acknowledged that the internet may be able to provide opportunities which may be beneficial both socially and economically, such as advice and business. In the case of farm tourism accommodation providers, for example, it may provide an invaluable opportunity for additional marketing, as well as providing the basis for new business ventures. In Shropshire and Herefordshire, a large number of farms have diversified into tourism accommodation. Some advertise on the internet, whilst others have remained with the more traditional forms of marketing. This paper attempts to evaluate the relative success of internet usage within 'on-farm-but-non-farm' enterprises. Initial findings of the study show that, as with micro- and small enterprises in both Australia and the USA, it is the perceived and prospective, rather than the actual, benefits that are driving internet uptake. [Taken from Research Paper].
650			_aFARM DIVERSIFICATION
650			_aMARKETING
650			_aTOURISM
690			_aINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY-INTERNET
700			_aPescod, Julie
710			_aRoyal Institution of Chartered Surveyors _bFoundation _94173
942			_n0
999			_c101879 _d101879