THE VILLAGERS
Description
Our concept, The Villagers, is focused on creating an innovative online platform that connects our farm in Greece with people who are looking for authentic life experiences in nature. Through this platform, visitors will have the opportunity for as many days as they wish, to actively participate in the farming activities and experience the lifestyle of the farmhouse. With this platform, agritourism gains a digital ally, promotes the development of our local community, and offers visitors the opportunity to live an authentic experience away from the city and boost the local economy.
-The Need (The Problem We Are Solving)
In our increasingly urbanized world, many individuals are becoming more disconnected from nature, the land, and the origins of their food. As cities expand, populations are detached from agricultural roots and the essential connection with nature that provides both nourishment and emotional well-being. Urbanization has led to a desire for authentic, nature-based lifestyles and experiences, but many people find it difficult to access this connection due to busy urban lives, lack of awareness, or simply because of the challenges in finding such experiences.
This creates a growing need for an accessible, meaningful way for individuals, particularly those from urban centers, to reconnect with nature and experience farming life firsthand. There is a clear market demand for spaces that allow for learning, relaxation, and stress reduction, all while providing visitors with a chance to immerse themselves in authentic, hands-on experiences that offer both personal enrichment and insight into sustainable living.
The Villagers meets this need by offering a direct solution—an easily accessible platform where visitors can experience life on a working farm, get involved in farming activities, and enjoy an educational experience that provides them with not only memories but also new skills and perspectives on sustainable living. And that's the need we meet.
-The Market
Our target market is tourists in Greece, including both local and international visitors.
~Target Demographics:
Urbanites seeking nature experiences: Tourists looking to disconnect from city life and experience rural living through authentic, hands-on activities.
Families: Parents and children looking for educational vacations where they can engage in farm-based learning activities.
Wellness seekers: Travelers interested in stress-reducing, nature-filled retreats, where they can learn about farming, organic food, and sustainable practices in a peaceful, rural setting.
Tourists interested in local Greek food and culture: Those who wish to learn more about traditional Greek agricultural practices, cooking methods, and culinary heritage.
-Main Revenue Generation Mechanism
Our main revenue generation mechanism is through sponsors. We plan to seek sponsorships from local businesses, brands, and agricultural organizations that align with the values of sustainability and agritourism.
Bio-products Visitors will not only participate in farming activities but also have the opportunity to produce their own organic goods, such as fruits, vegetables, or honey, which they can later purchase or take home. These bio products will serve as a key revenue stream, allowing visitors to experience the production process and directly benefit from the farm’s output.
Restaurant and Cooking Classes: To deepen the authentic experience, we offer a farm-to-table dining experience, where visitors can enjoy meals prepared with ingredients harvested from the farm. We will also offer cooking classes, where visitors can learn to prepare traditional Greek dishes using fresh, locally grown produce. These classes are an additional paid experience for visitors who want to immerse themselves in the traditional lifestyle and Greek culinary heritage.
Membership and Return Visitors: We also plan to offer loyalty programs that encourage repeat visits. Subscribers may receive discounts on stays or activities, and early access to special events, workshops, or seasonal farming activities. This ensures a steady flow of revenue and helps build a loyal customer base.
-Team Experience
The core team behind The Villagers consists of college students passionate about agritourism, sustainability, and rural development. While our experience may be limited, our enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness to learn from real-world challenges make us ready to take on this exciting venture. We are committed to continuously learning and adapting as we grow the platform, leveraging our academic knowledge and the support of advisors and local experts in agriculture, marketing, and business development.
-Unique Features of Our Idea
The key features The Villagers offer are:
1. True Immersion in Farming Life: While many agritourism experiences offer farm stays, few allow guests to truly participate in daily farming operations. Our visitors can take part in everything from harvesting to animal care, providing a richer, more immersive experience. Also, they will have the opportunity, to participate in farm tours and workshops !
2.Connection with nature: By offering hands-on participation in farming activities, we encourage guests to develop a deep respect and understanding for the intricate relationships between people, animals, plants, and the environment. In this way, they cultivate a deeper understanding for the farming processes
3. Local Economic Boost: Our platform doesn't just support one farm; it aims to create a network of local farms and businesses in the future that benefit from the agritourism boom.
4. Focus on Sustainability and Education: Visitors can learn about organic farming, environmental conservation, and the importance of local food production in today’s world. This focus on education makes our offering ideal for families, schools, and those interested in sustainability.
Sustainable Development Goals
8. Decent Work and economic growth
This Sustainable Development Goal focuses on promoting sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all. Since The Villagers supports local economies by connecting visitors with farms and businesses in rural areas, it creates job opportunities, encourages rural entrepreneurship, and contributes to economic development through agritourism. Our platform directly stimulates growth by promoting new sources of income for farmers and local communities.
13. Climate Action
As our business promotes sustainable farming practices that reduce environmental harm, Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate action is relevant. By educating visitors about the impact of farming on the climate and offering hands-on experiences in eco-friendly farming, we are helping mitigate climate change through promoting awareness and encouraging sustainable practices.
15. Life on Land
This Sustainable Development Goal is closely connected to your focus on sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation. Our platform educates visitors about the importance of responsible farming practices, which help preserve ecosystems and support biodiversity. By promoting methods that protect the land and its resources, our platform plays a role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, which is the essence of SDG 15.
Notice: Undefined variable: post_id in /var/www/vhosts/hei-prometheus.eu/httpdocs/entrepreneurship-acceleration-platform/wp-content/themes/understrap-child-1/loop-templates/content-businessidea.php on line 293
Members
Technologies
Product Type - System
Sector
Belongs to a competition
Thematic Area
Categories
Type of need
Establishment - We want legal or accounting assistance to set up our business
Free or Discounted Services: In exchange for support, we can offer free access to our platform's services, including: A free farm stay for a certain period (e.g., 3 to 7 days), where mentors or contributors can experience the agritourism services firsthand. Free access to cooking classes, workshops, or farm tours for the contributor or their team members. A discount on additional services like bio products or extra farm activities. Co-Branding Opportunities: For partners or sponsors, we can offer co-branding opportunities, where their logo or brand is featured in our promotional materials, on our website, or during events. This will give them exposure to an engaged audience of people interested in sustainability, nature, and agritourism.
Other
Free or Discounted Services: In exchange for support, we can offer free access to our platform's services, including: A free farm stay for a certain period (e.g., 3 to 7 days), where mentors or contributors can experience the agritourism services firsthand. Free access to cooking classes, workshops, or farm tours for the contributor or their team members. A discount on additional services like bio products or extra farm activities.