The Appeal of Ciociaria for Sustainable Tourism | Alessio Porcue Testata Giornalistica
The Appeal of Ciociaria for sustainable tourism: from Australia they say "yeah!"
Two hosted cycling tour groups from Australia on an itinerary in two stages from Veroli to Atina have just demonstrated it is possible to deliver sustainable tourism in Ciociaria - by following the compass of great hospitality with a green ‘slow travel’ approach.
Piero Cima-Sognai - 1 October 2024
The concept of sustainable tourism is often used and not always with the right focus. Developing tourism as a vital resource for the economic, cultural and environmental development of an area, a region or a sector and putting it into operation is not easy. It is not because often the resources that should fund this format are lacking. The PNNR funds are on the operational agenda but often arrive "on the ground" with criteria that do not relate to the real purposes. And because even if those resources were there, local communities are often irreversibly attracted by more traditional tourism protocols, the "hit and run" mass tourism approach which, on closer inspection, leaves nothing of structural value to the territories visited.
But there's a new approach in the pipeline, with a view to the revitalisation of local communities in inland areas (of Italy) as highly sought-after destinations in a way “in which cultural, tourist and sporting resources are enhanced in economic terms and social value in a responsible and sustainable way.”
Who says this? Pietro Di Alessandri, DMO Stay Ciociaria and Hotel Manager for the Monastero di Sant’Erasmo in Veroli, which was the scene of a "dress rehearsal" for a pre-developed cycling tourism product. The towns of Veroli and Atina of the region of Ciociaria were recently included in a hosted international tour itinerary which welcomed two groups of Australian cyclists: a tour of "Authenticity and Beauty", as Di Alessandri has defined it.
The Australian tour operator that focuses on Ciociaria
This is thanks to the natural beauty of the area and to Antica Travel Co., a Tour Operator based in Australia, but which for years now has believed in the possibility that Ciociaria, Cassinate and the Comino Valley can represent solid lines of tourism activity. And now that the two tours hosted in September 2024 in partnership with fellow Australian tour operator Bespoke Cycle Tour were fully successful, for 2025 they will put into operation further cycling tours in these lands.
The Australian tour operators both share a philosophy focused on a mix of physical activity in stimulating natural environments, interaction with local communities and an eclectic variety of regional cuisine and accommodation. Tourists discovered the wonders of this corner of Italy on e-bikes, "giving the territory an important economic injection".
And demonstrating "how ready the area is to become an important destination in the panorama of international tourism". How did it go? The two phased groups followed the same itinerary and stayed in two locations of great charm: the monastery of Sant'Erasmo in Veroli and Palazzo del Senatore in Atina. The effects of that "authentic and immersive" experience were evident to the extent that they were also revealed thanks to a sustainability format.
Di Alessandri and the recipe for sustainability
Note that sustainable tourism is not at all more "green and genuine" but less "comfortable"; indeed it is a way of crossing beauty and nature in a best practice way. Guests had the opportunity "to explore and immerse themselves in the local towns, famous for their historical and cultural heritage".
Mayor of Veroli, Germano Caperna, Mayor of Veroli and also a passionate cyclist, welcomed the two Australian tour groups with enthusiasm, emphasising "the importance of sustainable tourism and the value of discovering the region on two wheels".”
MAYORAL WELCOME
The mayor continued: - “Sustainable tourism offers the right mix between the 'absolute' concept of hospitality and a conscious approach to discovering the region. As a municipality, we are very happy to host and promote these tourist formulas that allow guests to savor the authenticity of each place, the depths of its’ local culture and its’ community.”
After the inevitable stops at the Abbey of Casamari and the Certosa di Trisulti, it was the turn of a "suggestive excursion around the monastery. The lush nature and tranquility of the area offered a moment of peace and reflection for the participants. Who were able to appreciate the wild beauty of Ciociaria and savor its food, the wines, a strong sign of a tradition that has its roots in the depths of the local culture".
And on the Comino Valley side? Leaving the city of Santa Salome, the two groups of Australian tourists moved to Atina, with an intermediate and necessary stop at the Isola del Liri waterfall. In Valle di Comino they discovered the villages of Picinisco, Alvito and Posta Fibreno, where they were able to enjoy the quiet and rural and historical charm of these villages.
From Veroli to Atina, via Isola del Liri
But what is the model of sustainable and authentic tourism? Di Alessandri has no doubts: "This double tour has shown how much Ciociaria can touch the deepest chords of visitors thanks to its unspoiled beauty and authenticity. Not only were the two groups of Australian cyclists impressed by the hospitality and professionalism of the local tourism and hospitilty providers involved, but the success of the initiative was a strong signal."
Of what, exactly? "That private individuals and institutions, if well coordinated, can build a stable future for local tourism [in Ciociaria]. The economic impact of these tours has involved numerous sectors: from hospitality to catering, from transport to bike rental".
Stay Ciociaria - when the DMO works
Di Alessandri confirmed: "Many local businesses have benefited directly from the influx of these international visitors, demonstrating that Ciociaria has all the potential to become an important tourist destination that generates economy and at the same time social value for the region.”
Holding the logistical strings was the DMO StayCiociaria, which "was able to coordinate all the activities in the best possible way, ensuring impeccable organisation and a memorable experience for the participants". Which, on closer inspection, is proven proof of a fact: when the synergy and beauty of the region are combined, configuring sustainable tourism as an economic resource with social benefit for the region is truly possible.
READ THE ARTICLE IN THE ORIGINAL ITALIAN
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