Agritourism – where tourists spend time on farms to experience rural life – is growing rapidly in the Kingdom, with scope for even greater growth. According to 2007 statistics from the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, over 250,000 farms are working to achieve economic and social returns in agricultural areas. These farms satisfy the desires of citizens, the region's inhabitants and expatriates who want to experience the country life. Due to the increase in the number of farms in the Kingdom, particularly in Al-Qassim region, more attention is being given to agritourism where visitors to a farm can enjoy a wide variety of rural activities. Agritourism is profitable for farmers. It helps them make good money and improve their living standards. It also increases agricultural produce, diversifies the sources of income for farms and creates job opportunities for those living in rural areas, thus reducing the number of people migrating to cities. The promotion of agritourism on different farms during the Onaiza Festival was greeted positively by citizens. The agritourism project will be implemented at farms in different governorates of Al-Qassim in the future to boost the region's economy.
