Latest news with #agritourism
Vogue
21-07-2025
- Vogue
Why Regenerative Farming Is the Latest Wellness Travel Trend
A growing number of travelers are starting to ask the same questions around work and wellness—and finding their answers in the soil. Farm hospitality, a modern evolution of agritourism where beauty, design, and land stewardship merge, suddenly feels more relevant than ever. 'Travelers are looking for meaning,' says Isaac French, founder of Experiential Hospitality. 'They want to slow down and experience something real, especially in a screen-saturated and overstimulated world. Regenerative farming represents quite possibly the single biggest setting for that experience and transformation.' Perhaps that's why the modern agritourism market is in full bloom, growing 12% yearly and poised to reach $14.5 billion by 2029. A constellation of forces—including piqued curiosity in regenerative agriculture, an evolving definition of well-being, and a hunger for IRL connections—is cultivating the fertile ground for its rise. 'One of the components of wellness is a sense of being grounded. There, nature can help a little,' reflects Karen Roos, owner and visionary behind Babylonstoren in South Africa and The Newt in England, two estates that have set the bar for the new wave. 'Our guests love grounding themselves on a working farm.' A new era of wellness tourism No doubt it's the dual promise of freedom and connection that's driving wellness tourism as it skyrockets towards becoming a $1.35 trillion market by 2028. When combined with a rising interest in experiential travel, which is expected to top $3.1 trillion by 2025, there seems to be a longing for nature-based escapes. According to Spa Business, 79% of wellness travelers seek outdoor immersion, 75% prioritize healthy cuisine, and 60% demand tranquility. At their best, farm hotels cover all the bases. They're not just a stay on a farm—they're places where guests can interact with and immerse themselves in their surroundings. 'People are craving experiences that feel real, where there's a sense of purpose behind the beauty,' says Mary Celeste Beall, proprietor of Blackberry Farm in Tennessee. Indeed, science confirms that even 10 minutes outdoors can measurably lower cortisol levels and blood pressure. Other research suggests that the sheer beauty of natural landscapes can amplify these effects, calming the nervous system, and lifting the spirit. A weekend on the farm may actually recalibrate guests' inner landscapes on a cellular and hormonal level.
Zawya
16-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Janaen Salalah ITC project set to redefine agritourism
Muscat – Salalah is set to host a major agritourism destination with the launch of Janaen Salalah, an integrated tourism complex (ITC) project blending agriculture, hospitality and recreation in a single development. Led by Omran Group through its subsidiary Agritourism Development Company, the project is located in the Arzat area and aims to position Oman as a regional leader in sustainable agritourism. Janaen Salalah has been granted ITC status by Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, allowing foreign ownership and expanding its appeal to international investors. Spanning over 5.5mn sqm, the project will feature 250 residential units, a 128-key five-star hotel, processing facilities for coconuts and papayas, and areas dedicated to eco-recreation, education and wellness. The project received a boost following a field visit on Tuesday by H H Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, and H E Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. The officials reviewed the site's progress, with the visit marked by ceremonial planting of the first coconut trees – a symbolic step towards realising the project's agricultural goals. According to Omran, several key milestones under Phase 1 have been achieved. These include completion of the concept masterplan, feasibility studies confirming the project's viability and appointment of an experienced agriculture contractor. Initial plantation works have already begun. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
16-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Omran says notable progress made in its Salalah agritourism project
Salalah: Omran Group, the executive arm of the Sultanate of Oman for tourism development, announced notable progress in the early-stage development of Janaen Salalah—a pioneering agritourism project located in Arzat, Salalah. This initiative forms part of Oman's broader strategy to diversify its economy by integrating sustainable tourism with agriculture-based investments. As part of the ongoing development efforts, H.H. Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, and Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agricultural, Fisheries Wealth and Water Resources, conducted a field visit to the project site, accompanied by senior officials from the Group and other key stakeholders. During the visit, they were briefed on the project's key components, development phases, and latest updates. The visit also included the ceremonial planting of the first coconut trees, marking the beginning of the initial cultivation phase. This milestone represents a key step in the broader vision to transform the site into a productive landscape that aligns with the project's agritourism goals. Developed under the Agritourism Development Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Omran Group, Janaen aims to position Sultanate of Oman as a regional leader in agritourism by combining agricultural activity, hospitality, recreation, and community living in one integrated setting. Spanning over 5.5 million square metres, the project's masterplan outlines a well-integrated mix of components, including farm-based accommodations, coconut and papaya processing facilities, educational and recreational areas, and a retail village—all thoughtfully designed to create a dynamic and immersive agritourism experience for both residents and visitors. In preparation for the official construction launch, several foundational activities have been completed as part of Phase 1. These include the finalisation of the concept masterplan design, which outlines the strategic integration of agricultural and tourism components. A comprehensive feasibility study has confirmed the project's viability, leading to a formal commitment to initiate Phase 1. Additionally, the project has secured an Integrated Tourism Complex (ITC) licence from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism—a key milestone that allows for foreign ownership and enhances investment potential. An experienced agriculture contractor has also been appointed, and initial plantation works are now underway. Once completed, Janaen Salalah will comprise 250 residential units, a 5-star hotel with 128 keys, and purpose-built zones for eco-recreation, edutainment, and wellness. These features will be complemented by vibrant public spaces and year-round programming that highlight Oman's agricultural heritage and natural landscapes—offering a destination that balances lifestyle, learning, and leisure. 'This development reflects our ongoing commitment to pioneering sustainable tourism models that drive investment, support local agriculture, and create engaging visitor experiences rooted in Oman's natural heritage,' said Mundher Al Moosawi, Board of Managers Member at Janaen. The development aligns with Oman Vision 2040, particularly under the Competitive Economy and Environmental Sustainability pillars. It contributes to national priorities such as economic diversification, governorate development, public-private partnerships, and environmental stewardship—positioning Janaen Salalah as a model for responsible, value-driven tourism growth. As Omran Group approaches the launch of the next phase of the Janaen Salalah development, efforts are accelerating to position it as a model destination that embodies innovation, enhances added value, and contributes to sustainable economic returns in collaboration with our strategic partners. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
15-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Omran says notable progress made in its Salalah agritourism project
Salalah: Omran Group, the executive arm of the Sultanate of Oman for tourism development, announced notable progress in the early-stage development of Janaen Salalah—a pioneering agritourism project located in Arzat, Salalah. This initiative forms part of Oman's broader strategy to diversify its economy by integrating sustainable tourism with agriculture-based investments. As part of the ongoing development efforts, H.H. Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, and Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agricultural, Fisheries Wealth and Water Resources, conducted a field visit to the project site, accompanied by senior officials from the Group and other key stakeholders. During the visit, they were briefed on the project's key components, development phases, and latest updates. The visit also included the ceremonial planting of the first coconut trees, marking the beginning of the initial cultivation phase. This milestone represents a key step in the broader vision to transform the site into a productive landscape that aligns with the project's agritourism goals. Developed under the Agritourism Development Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Omran Group, Janaen aims to position Sultanate of Oman as a regional leader in agritourism by combining agricultural activity, hospitality, recreation, and community living in one integrated setting. Spanning over 5.5 million square metres, the project's masterplan outlines a well-integrated mix of components, including farm-based accommodations, coconut and papaya processing facilities, educational and recreational areas, and a retail village—all thoughtfully designed to create a dynamic and immersive agritourism experience for both residents and visitors. In preparation for the official construction launch, several foundational activities have been completed as part of Phase 1. These include the finalisation of the concept masterplan design, which outlines the strategic integration of agricultural and tourism components. A comprehensive feasibility study has confirmed the project's viability, leading to a formal commitment to initiate Phase 1. Additionally, the project has secured an Integrated Tourism Complex (ITC) licence from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism—a key milestone that allows for foreign ownership and enhances investment potential. An experienced agriculture contractor has also been appointed, and initial plantation works are now underway. Once completed, Janaen Salalah will comprise 250 residential units, a 5-star hotel with 128 keys, and purpose-built zones for eco-recreation, edutainment, and wellness. These features will be complemented by vibrant public spaces and year-round programming that highlight Oman's agricultural heritage and natural landscapes—offering a destination that balances lifestyle, learning, and leisure. 'This development reflects our ongoing commitment to pioneering sustainable tourism models that drive investment, support local agriculture, and create engaging visitor experiences rooted in Oman's natural heritage,' said Mundher Al Moosawi, Board of Managers Member at Janaen. The development aligns with Oman Vision 2040, particularly under the Competitive Economy and Environmental Sustainability pillars. It contributes to national priorities such as economic diversification, governorate development, public-private partnerships, and environmental stewardship—positioning Janaen Salalah as a model for responsible, value-driven tourism growth. As Omran Group approaches the launch of the next phase of the Janaen Salalah development, efforts are accelerating to position it as a model destination that embodies innovation, enhances added value, and contributes to sustainable economic returns in collaboration with our strategic partners.
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Oman: Rummana returns to Jabal Akhdar to boost sustainable agritourism
Jabal Akhdar – The third edition of Rummana, an event blending agritourism with cultural and family-oriented activities, has kicked off at Janaen Farm in the Saih Qatnah area of Jabal Akhdar. Running from July 4 to September 27, the festival forms part of broader efforts to promote sustainable tourism in Oman's interior regions. Jointly organised by Teepee Oman and Janaen Agricultural Tourism Development Company, the event aims to highlight the agricultural and cultural assets of Jabal Akhdar, while supporting local communities and encouraging environmentally conscious tourism. Rummana coincides with the ongoing Jabal Akhdar Festival and includes a range of interactive activities. Visitors can engage in seasonal fruit picking (pomegranates, figs, pears etc), attend workshops and enjoy performances in an open-air theatre. The festival also features family competitions and a children's zone with games and a miniature car racing track. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
