​Maximise your cash-flow by diversifying into tourism. Join the accelerated 6-month Agritourism Success Programme and learn all about developing, marketing and growing a professional tourism business on your farm, station, vineyard or orchard. 

"This is a very impressive line up of highly respected and experienced tourism leaders and operators. Marijke will provide the coordination needed to plan entry to an exciting world of tourism and the sharing of our Kiwi rural life."
​
Hon. Damien O'Connor, Minister of Agriculture, Minister for Biosecurity, Minister for Trade and Export Growth, Minister for Land Information and Minister for Rural Communities.

Hon. Damien O'Connor

Next start date:

Late 2023

Registration form

​Have you always wanted to start an agritourism business? Or do you have a tourism business but you'd like to learn more on how to develop and grow it further? Then read on...

The Agritourism Success Programme is an accelerated 6-month course for NZ farmers, station owners/managers and vineyards who are interested in diversifying into tourism, and for those who want to grow their existing tourism venture. 

Developed by one of NZ's leading tourism marketing specialists, the course covers all aspects of developing, marketing, running and growing a successful agritourism business. 
​The agritourism industry is growing worldwide and forecasts are strong. There are great opportunities to set up or grow an agritourism business. We'll teach you how!

Learn about the latest product development, visitor and marketing trends, set up systems, gain inspiration from other successful people, learn new skills and get the professional support to develop a plan and achieve your goals. In other words: hit the ground running and get it right the first time!

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How does it work?

• ​In a small group (max 6 businesses), we start with the 1-day Strategic Planning Day: come away with a detailed business and marketing plan. The Tourism Business Success Planner as well as a smart online system will help you plan and keep track of your goals. 
• Next is the 1-day Marketing Planning Day: learn all about the latest marketing trends, how to market your tourism business, your website, social media, how to reach international and domestic markets in the most (cost-effective) way and much more. 
• Later in the programme, reconnect with peers through the half-day network meeting with participants from all regions.
• Several one-on-one coaching sessions specific to your business (including a visit to your farm) will help you with specifics you're dealing with.
• 18 webinars – including interviews with high profile speakers. If you can't make it, no problem; just watch the recording!
• And last but not least, you'll have unlimited access to the resource website packed with useful information for course participants only.

Speaker Series

​As part of the 18 webinars, there are 9 interviews with high profile, inspirational and successful speakers who will share their knowledge and insights. Topics include: financial planning, sustainability, product development, success stories, international marketing trends, social media and more. Speakers include: (more to come soon)

Hon. Damien O'Connor, Minister of Agriculture & Trade

Anna Black, Chairperson Tourism Export Council

Martin Hawes, Financial Expert

Jacqui Taylor, Agritourism South Africa

Kirstie MacMillan, Farm to Farm Tours

What will I learn? Course Content:

Business & Marketing Planning

• Agritourism Business & Marketing Planning, identify opportunities, set goals and develop an action plan
• “The Tourism Business Basics”: all you need to hit the ground running. Save time & money by doing what works and getting it right from the start
• Set up an online project management system to help you track your goals
• Health & Safety, compliance and all about Qualmark
• How to develop a diversified distribution strategy to spread your risk
• How to maintain work-life balance

Product Development

• International and domestic agritourism trends - how has Covid changed tourism?
• Sustainable and regenerative tourism
• Agritourism product development & innovation;
• Tailoring & pricing your product to the needs of specific domestic and international markets
• How to develop an exceptional customer experience
• How to co-operate with other businesses to market your business and develop package​

Marketing

• ​How much to spend on marketing; what works, what doesn’t 
• Digital marketing: how to make the most of your website, blogging, search engine optimisation etc.
• How to use social media to grow your business and develop great content 
• How to use email marketing to keep in touch with customers and increase your direct bookings 
• Marketing materials & branding 
• Working with Tourism New Zealand, your Regional Tourism Organisation and other industry organisations
• And some great extras! 

About the presenter

Marijke Dunselman is the developer and presenter of the Agritourism Success Programme. She's one of NZ's leading tourism marketing specialists and trainers with over 24 years' experience in the NZ tourism industry. She has worked with hundreds of tourism businesses, including many farmers, and is passionate about helping them establish and grow. 

Marijke's educational background includes a Master of Entrepreneurship, Bachelor of Business (International Marketing) and a Diploma of Teaching. She speaks four languages.
Marijke has lived in the Netherlands, France, the USA, Christchurch, Southland and worked as Manager of Tourism Southland before starting her consultancy and training business. She's been based in Queenstown since 2006. 
In her spare time, she enjoys riding, tramping,  biking, walking her dog, skiing, paddle-boarding, travelling and socialising with friends & family, and doing volunteer work.

Marijke Dunselman

Registration, cost and funding information

The cost is $ 5,950+gst for the complete 6-month programme as outlined above.

MBIE Regional Business Partner Programme funding 
This course is registered with the Regional Business Partner Programme (run by MBIE - Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) and up to 50% funding could be available for qualifying businesses. 

If you haven't registered your business with the Regional Business Partner website yet, go to: ​web.regionalbusinesspartners.co.nz/business/  

If you have any questions, email Marijke: info@agritourism.co.nz or call 021-456451.

Next start dates:

Late 2023 - New Zealand

Registration form