STORY

I am a passed out Agricultural sciences graduate student. I have the knowledge in both
agriculture sector and Agri-businesses sector. I am hoping to develop a farm with Agro-
tourism concept. I already have selected a great place with enchanting natural beauty,
which is located in Ratnapura District, Wewalwatha village. The importance of this
selected area is that this land has great and clear view of fourth tallest water fall,
Alupola Water fall in Sri Lanka.

SWOT analysis to identify the business needs

Strengths:
 Unique Natural Setting: The agrotourism place benefits from its proximity to a
stunning waterfall in the lush Sri Lankan landscape, attracting visitors seeking a
tranquil and picturesque environment.
 Cultural Experience: Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage can be integrated into the
agrotourism experience, offering visitors the chance to learn about local
traditions, cuisine, and farming practices.
 Biodiversity: The region's diverse flora and fauna provide opportunities for
guided nature walks and wildlife spotting, enhancing the overall visitor
experience.
  Local Produce: The agrotourism place can offer visitors fresh, locally grown
produce, providing a direct connection to the source and promoting sustainable
and healthy living.
 Authentic Activities: Offering visitors hands-on experiences like tea plucking,
spice cultivation, and traditional cooking classes can provide an authentic taste
of local life.

Weaknesses:
 Seasonal Factors: The tourist season might be influenced by the weather,
potentially leading to fluctuating visitor numbers.
 Infrastructure Challenges: Ensuring proper facilities, accommodations, and
transportation options for visitors might be a challenge, especially in remote
areas.
 Environmental Impact: Balancing the influx of tourists with environmental
conservation can be difficult, as increased foot traffic could potentially harm the
fragile ecosystem.
 Competition: Other tourist destinations in Sri Lanka might also offer waterfalls,
agrotourism activities, and cultural experiences, competing for a similar
audience.

Opportunities:
 Cultural Exchange: Collaborating with local communities to offer cultural
performances, workshops, and interactions with residents can provide an
enriching and immersive experience for visitors.
 Eco-Friendly Initiatives: Implementing sustainable practices such as waste
reduction, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly accommodations can attract
environmentally conscious travelers.
 Promotion through Tourism Boards: Collaborating with local and national
tourism boards can help in marketing the destination to a wider audience both
domestically and internationally.
 Package Deals: Partnering with nearby accommodations and tour operators to
offer package deals that include the agrotourism experience can increase
visibility and attract more visitors.
 Online Presence: Utilizing social media, a dedicated website, and online travel
platforms can effectively showcase the destination's beauty and activities

Threats:
 Environmental Degradation: Overcrowding, inadequate waste management, and
improper visitor behavior could negatively impact the natural beauty of the
waterfall and surroundings.
  Regulations and Permits: Changing regulations related to land use, tourism, and
environmental protection could disrupt the operation of the agrotourism place.
 Economic Volatility: Economic downturns or changes in travel patterns could
affect the willingness of tourists to spend on discretionary activities like
agrotourism.
 Negative Reviews: Negative reviews or poor visitor experiences shared online
can quickly deter potential visitors and harm the reputation of the destination.

Vision Mission and the Goal

Vision

To become a globally recognized agrotourism destination that offers a harmonious blend

of natural beauty, sustainable farming practices, and cultural immersion, while fostering a
deep appreciation for the environment and local traditions.

Mission

Our mission is to provide visitors with an authentic and enriching agrotourism

experience that showcases the beauty of our enchanting waterfall surroundings,
celebrates the diverse local culture, and educates about sustainable agriculture practices.
We are committed to fostering a positive impact on the environment and the community
while creating lasting memories for our guests.

Goals:
1. Environmental Sustainability: Implement and maintain sustainable farming
practices that preserve the natural ecosystem and minimize our ecological
footprint.
2. Cultural Exchange: Create opportunities for visitors to engage with local
communities, traditions, and artisans, promoting cross-cultural understanding.
3. Visitor Experience: Offer a range of engaging activities and accommodations that
cater to various preferences, ensuring a memorable and fulfilling stay.
4. Education and Awareness: Educate visitors about the importance of sustainable
agriculture, conservation, and the preservation of local heritage.
5. Community Empowerment: Collaborate with local communities to provide
economic opportunities, support education, and enhance overall well-being.
 6. Marketing and Reach: Increase visibility through effective marketing strategies,
both online and offline, to attract a diverse range of visitors.
Objectives
 To develop a sustainable income.
 Develop Sustainable Practices: By the end of the first year, establish a
comprehensive sustainable farming system that integrates organic methods,
efficient water usage, and waste reduction.
 Community Partnerships: Within six months, establish partnerships with local
schools for educational initiatives and local artisans for authentic products.
 Online Presence: Increase online engagement by achieving a 30% growth in
social media followers and launching a dedicated website within the next year.
 Sustainable Growth: Achieve a 20% increase in visitor numbers by the end of the
second year while maintaining a high level of guest satisfaction.
 Positive Reviews: Maintain a 4.5-star rating or higher on online review
platforms, with a goal of receiving 90% positive reviews from visitors.

Market Analysis

Decide the nature and identity of the business and define its
scope and then to figure out how to make it recognizable in
Feild survay the marketplace.

Cost
Competitors Threats
market How they maintain customer base
analysis

Management Plan
1. Selection of Organizational Structure: Outline the organizational hierarchy,
roles, and responsibilities of key personnel. Define the leadership roles
responsible for different areas such as operations, marketing, finance, and
customer service.

2. Making of operation plan: Organizational Structure: Outline the organizational

hierarchy, roles, and responsibilities of key personnel. Define the leadership
roles responsible for different areas such as operations, marketing, finance, and
customer service.
 3. Setting an accounting section

4. Community Engagement: Explain how the agrotourism place will collaborate

with the local community to foster mutual benefits. Highlight initiatives that
support local artisans, schools, and economic development.

5. Maintenance and Upkeep: Detail a regular maintenance schedule for facilities,

pathways, accommodations, and farm areas. Address how the natural
environment and waterfall area will be preserved and protected.

6. Financial Management: Provide a basic budget outlining projected income and

expenses. Detail pricing strategies for different activities and accommodations.

7. Register in Sri Lankan tourist board as a recognized agro tourism center.

Marketing Strategy

Marketing strategies will be developed based on the four piece concept of marketing
strategy. (Product, Place, Price, Promotion)

Product:
 Enhance the agrotourism experience by offering a "Farm-to-Table Adventure"
package. Visitors can participate in guided tours of the organic farm, handpick
fresh produce, and then learn to cook traditional local dishes using their
harvested ingredients.
Price:
 Example: Implement a tiered pricing structure. Offer different packages, such as
a basic waterfall tour, a full-day agrotourism experience including workshops,
and a premium package with a luxury stay by the waterfall.
Place
 Collaborate with local transportation services to offer shuttle services from
nearby towns to your agrotourism place. Make transportation convenient and
eco-friendly, aligning with the sustainable theme.

Promotion:
 Create an engaging website with a virtual tour of the waterfall, farm, and
accommodations. Include an easy online booking system.
 Regularly post visually captivating images and videos on social media platforms,
showcasing visitors' interactions with the waterfall, farm animals, and cultural
activities.
 Write blog posts about the history and legends associated with the waterfall,
creating intrigue and emotional connections.
 Create video tutorials on how to cook signature dishes from the region,
emphasizing the use of locally sourced ingredients from your farm.