Global Agritourism Conference 2026 Speakers

The Inspiring Speakers and Energising Breakout Sessions at the Global Agritourism Conference 2026

Conference MC

The following is a list of speakers who took part in the inagural Global Agritourism Conference programme in 2026.

Session 1 – Welcome to the conference

Session 2 – Keynote – A Global Agritourism Network – Country Benchmarking – Facts and Figures Around the Globe

Five leaders from different countries share insights into the agritourism landscape in their home countries and the strategy, infrastructure and policy that supports this. Speakers share sector definitions and key data across a number of KPIs and provide an honest insight into what is going well together with some of the challenges faced in growing agritourism and farm retail.

Session 2a – From Diddly Squat to Only Farmers: Opening the Farm Gate to a New Era of Agritourism

Session 3 – Keynote: The Policy Landscape

This session focuses on representation and lobbying for increased support for rural economies and in particular rural tourism and agritourism. Klaus outlines his views on which European countries are effective within their networks in harnessing people to come together to have a strong voice to influence their national and European policy – giving examples and case studies.

Keynote: Opportunities for Farm Retailing and Farm Cafes

Showcasing food and drink produced on the farm is a core part of the agritourism experience, presenting attractive and significant consumer offerings that provide a better understanding of farming and food production. This session, features four world-class operators sharing their expertise in farm retail and hospitality businesses from Scotland, England and Australia.

Session 5.1 Policy

Local and national policies have a significant impact on the growth and profitability of agritourism in a particular country or region. This session will explore some of the successes and challenges that policy has influenced with case studies from USA, Philippines, Belarus and Canada.

Session 5.2 Succession

Agritourism can play a key role in facilitating succession of the family farming business.  This session hears from three case study farmers about how growing the pie through agritourism and farm retail has helped multiple family members have a role in the farming enterprise. Specific research in succession across a number of businesses is presented.

Session 5.3 Collaboration & Education

Businesses, regions and countries collaborating provides significant benefits for knowledge sharing, confidence building and economic growth. This session will share examples from the USA, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

Session 5.4 Consumer Trends

This session examines current and expected future trends in agritourism and farm retail and provides insights from experts in this field.

Session 6.1 Farm Stay Accommodation

Case study farmers from across the globe share the story of their farming and accommodation businesses with insights into customers, sales and costs and adapting to changing market conditions.

Session 6.2 Country Benchmarking

Four leaders from different countries share insights into the agritourism landscape in their home countries and the strategy, infrastructure and policy that supports this. Speakers share sector definitions and key data across a number of KPIs and provide an honest insight into what is going well together with some of the challenges faced in growing agritourism and farm retail.

Session 6.3 Research Focus

This session focuses on research and insights into agritourism and its impact.

Session 6.4 Sustainability and Sustainable Food

Session 7.1 Tours & Experiences

Session 7.2 Data Trends & Measurement

Session 7.3 Marketing & Market Research

This session focuses on understanding your market and customer.

Session 7.4 Research Focus

Session 8.1 Innovation

Session 8.2 Country Insights

Session 8.3 Scholars, Next Generation Views

Presenters selected from the Global Agritourism Scholarship cohort.

Session 8.4 Young Agritourism Entrepreneurs from Scotland’s Islands

This session is focused on Farmers, sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs Address

Session 9: Agritourism Data Insights & Marketing

International brands at the heart of the tourism industry process millions of bookings and reviews for global agritourism every year. Keynote speaker, Justin Reid, Senior Director of Media, Destinations, Hotels and Growth at Tripadvisor, shares data and insights about the agritourism sector from Tripadvisor’s global perspective.

Session 10: World Agritourism Awards

The World Agritourism Awards will recognise the significant impact that women have had on rural development, enabling economic empowerment, skill development, climate resilience, and community-based enterprise. By placing women farmers at the centre of agritourism, this theme highlights inclusive growth, gender equity, and sustainable rural economies that benefit farming families and rural communities worldwide.