1) What kind of tour operation can I do on my property?
The options are almost limitless but two activities with existing
markets are Heritage Tours and Birdwatching. Providing a guided tour can
improve your tour quality and prices.
• Heritage tours are generally guided visits that give guests information about the history and culture of the local ranch/farm, family and community.
• Birdwatching can be guided or simply providing access and can be sold to families or serious birdwatchers. Many people use birdwatching as the reason to visit areas but are interested in many different nature based, historical or shopping activities. Don’t forget retail opportunities.
Tourists to rural Texas are generally interested in both nature and history. Remember many things you think are common may seem interestingly different to visitors, including having them help out with farm work! No kidding! Remember to offer or partner with lodging and restaurants as everyone needs food and sleep. Don’t forget to consider simply contracting your land out to an existing tour operator/nature guide.
2) How much money can I make?
This of course varies tremendously depending upon your resources
and the size of your investment. Few landowners are 100% tourism, most
likely tourism will be a supplement and diversification to existing operations
and will not produce large incomes. Incomes can very from a few thousand
to hundreds of thousands. Try to target the ‘high end” user that can afford
a quality trip. Avoiding large numbers of visitors should make it easier
to manage visitors and protect your land.
3) What is my liability?
Liability concerns are generally more bark than bite. Everyone
should be aware of basic safety and should evaluate their insurance coverage
but Texas has established laws to limit landowner liability for tourism
operations. For more information see the TCE publication B-6103 “Developing
Trails & Tourism on Private Lands in Texas” Look for the link to Extension
Publications at the site listed at the top of this fact sheet.
4) What kind of people want to go on a ranch or nature tour?
Well think about why you like living on the ranch. Many many
people just want to get out of town and see a different way of life, some
want to view wildlife, some to learn local history, some just to meet a
rancher or see some cows. The Texas Departments of Tourism & Economic
Development conducts and publishes reports on who is visiting Texas and
what they want to do while here. You can view these reports by looking
for the link under Texas Travel Information on the web site listed above.
5) How do I market my tours?
Tell your family, friends and strangers about it. Tell Everyone
and always have a business card/flyer to give out. Print a simple Brochure
and get a simple web site. A web site is probably the cheapest way to advertise
but remember to advertise your web site! Web domain name registration is
only $35 dollars or less and hosting can be less than $25/month. Also contact
your Chamber of Commerce. Partner with others as word of mouth is still
the best advertising you can get.
6) Where can I get more ideas and assistance?
• Internet - For a start go to the TCE Extension Program for
Nature Tourism Web Site (New in Fall 2001)
http://agfacts.tamu.edu/~mphillips and visit the
Texas A&M; Recreation Parks and Tourism Sciences Extension Site
(Link number 1, http://wwwrpts.tamu.edu/tce/
• Small Business Association
• Texas Parks and Wildlife
• The Texas Department of Agriculture also has information and
loan programs. See the link for Business Plans at the web site listed above.
• AND OTHER TOURS! Go on someone else’s tours, take notes,
ask questions and of course enjoy yourself.