Published by carratelli3 years ago

Are a farmhouse and a bed and breakfast the same thing? The differences between the two businesses and how to choose the best solution for starting a hospitality business.

Agritourism and Bed and Breakfast: What are the differences?

 

Want to generate income from your home but aren't sure: are a farmhouse and a bed and breakfast the same thing? Which option is best for you, and what differences should you consider?

Agritourism is a complex business in which agricultural or livestock farming activities are combined with land conservation and hospitality (catering and/or accommodation). 

A B&B, on the other hand, is a simpler business, as it involves renting rooms and providing breakfast. Let's take a closer look at the specifics of the two business types to understand which is more suitable for you (and your budget).

 

The characteristics of farmhouses

 

Agritourism is a complex reality that involves the performance of multiple activities. 

  • - First of all, agritourism businesses must carry out a predominant agricultural, forestry, or livestock-rearing activity. 
  • - Secondly, they must protect the land by adopting suitable crops, preferably local ones, and by promoting rural traditions. 
  • Finally, they must complement these two objectives with a hospitality business. This could involve running a restaurant (the food offerings of which must be based on the company's own products, or at most, those of neighboring businesses), offering accommodations, or both.
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For the exercise of this activity, some specifications are delegated at the regional level, therefore it is necessary to consult local regulations.

 

Bed & Breakfast 

 

A B&B, as its name suggests, is a lodging service that provides only bed and breakfast. Widely used in Anglo-Saxon countries for its opportunity to experience local traditions and stay in characteristic homes, in Italy it is often confused with a bed and breakfast service in any establishment, including hotels. In other words, Italy lacks a full understanding of the type of tourism that bed and breakfasts are supposed to support. 

In accordance with regulations (Presidential Decree 445/2000, Law 241/1990, art. 1, and regional legislation), the Bed & Breakfast is a private residence with 3-6 rooms available to guests. This facility offers bed and breakfast accommodations.

The B&B's strengths are: 

  • - family management
  • - the care of services, so that a welcoming and hospitable atmosphere is fostered
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The B&B offers private parking, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a bathroom with a hydromassage shower, and more. Breakfast should promote local food culture, in keeping with the spirit of this business. 

In fact, it represents an income opportunity for those with a large home in a tourist area, whether in the city, by the sea, in the countryside, or in the mountains. It should be noted that this type of activity must be occasional and must be carried out in a part of the owner-occupied private residence. 

Legislative Decree No. 79 of May 23, 2011, introduced the entrepreneurial B&B model, which, with various bureaucratic requirements, including the opening of a VAT number, allows this activity to be carried out at a business level.

 

Agriturismo o B&B?

 

Therefore, agritourism and B&Bs are two very different realities: the former allows you to start a real business that combines agricultural income with revenue from hospitality and product sales; the latter allows you to generate income from part of your home, requiring less involvement, unless it's a business. 

 

If you are thinking of starting a hospitality business and want to better evaluate the opportunities in relation to the type of property you have available, rely on our service Property Management. 

If you're looking for a property to rent out, tell us about your project: together we can find the right and most cost-effective way to make it happen. Contact us! 

Carratelli

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