Italy's 'agriturismo' farm-holiday eateries are flourishing despite the financial crunch and expecting brisk business this Christmas.
''Bookings are steady for this holiday season,'' the Coldiretti farmers' association said Wednesday.
''A lot of people are looking for somewhere fairly close to home for a short, peaceful break, to get away from all this crisis talk,'' it said.
The farmers organisation cited an Istat report showing the number of agriturismo in Italy almost doubled over the last decade.
Italy now has some 18,000 agriturismo, almost half in northern Italy. Last year saw a 6% increase in number.
Tuscany and Alto Adige are the regions with the most such farms, about 3,000 each.
The establishments, which typically offer lavish local fare and an optional bed for the night, are increasingly being run by women, Istat said.
Some 35% have a female hand at the helm, it said.
More and more are offering extra attractions like riding and nature hikes, Istat said.
