Agritourism has made the dictionary, Jeff Weeks was pleased to announce during the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast Tuesday morning.

Weeks is the eastern region coordinator for agritourism with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture.

Agritourism diversifies farm and ranch operations by adding opportunities for people to visit or participate in activities from star-gazing to horseback riding, from pumpkin patches and corn mazes. And then there’s hunting, fishing, camping and other activities that can increase the capacity to boost on-farm revenue without increasing acreage.

“Agriculture has long been the states leading industry, and tourism is third,” Weeks said during his slide show presentation at Go Ye Village.

More than $4.5 billion in travel-generated spending was reported last year in Oklahoma – and the state boasts more than 70,000 jobs.

“We have 50 licensed wineries in the state,” Weeks said. “We have farm and ranch stays, hayrides, wildlife watching, U Pick It farms, bed and breakfasts, camp-outs, campfires, chuck wagon cookouts – many opportunities to see farm products,” Weeks said.

Weeks said agritourism is the fastest-growing trend in the global market, with two-thirds of the adults in the U.S. traveling to rural destinations for leisure last year.

“People are taking shorter vacations – ‘get-aways’ – and traveling more by car, and taking last-minute trips,” he said. “They’re looking for ‘family time’ on vacation – time to bond and experience each other, reconnect with their rural roots, reminisce.”

He noted the general population is three to five generations away from the family farm.

Unique and authentic experiences are the attractions.

“Fabricated fun is out,” Weeks said. “Disney has been done. People want to get away from the rat race and experience the hospitality and safety of rural areas.”

Agritourists are divided into four categories: active doers, 21 percent, are “highly educated and have big wallets; scenic relaxers, 26 percent, enjoy hiking and camping; big trippers are 23 percent’ and homebodies are 30 percent.

“Agritourism in also an opportunity to educate the public about how food is grown,” Weeks said. “It keeps tourists in the area longer, brings new money into the community with food, lodging, fuel and local shopping.”

One pumpkin patch and corn maze had 17,000 people visit last year, he said.

Agritourists come from every state and many countries, with Germany sending the most.