CALABRIA AND MARCHE PROMOTING SLOW TOURISM WITH A PURPOSE

Calabria and Marche are highlighting the benefits of slow tourism as a sustainable means of exploring both regions. Walking and cycling in particular are being touted by both regions to attract visitors.

Calabria Straordinaria, from the mountains to the Mediterranean Sea

With its four natural parks and its protected natural areas, Calabria is a destination best explored slowly, either by foot via its paths and walking routes or by mountain bike along the 500km long Parks Cycle Route, which received first prize at the Italian Cycling Tourism Oscar 2021.

Nature plays a central role in Calabria, with visitors enjoying its exceptional, unspoiled landscapes through many outdoor activities, such as rafting along Italy’s longest gorges or climbing.

Calabrian tourism is also about enjoying the “slow life” in small villages along its coast. Sixteen are featured among the “most beautiful villages in Italy” (I Borghi più belli d’Italia) and have six have been certified with “Orange Flags”, a mark of excellence rewarding sustainable practices.

A journey that starts in the mountains and ends by the sea, that is what Calabria Straordinaria is all about.

“Marche Outdoor”: a way of rediscovering the region by bike

Exploring the Marche region by bike with “Marche Outdoor” is a way of supporting a post-earthquake tourism rebirth project.

The project aims at promoting secondary roads that cross Marche’s landscapes, from the sea to the mountains. It consists of 24 thematic and geo-referenced cycle paths along 2,000 km, including specialised accommodation facilities and services designed for cycling tourists, such as workshops, guides or bike rentals. Itineraries are possible for both professional and amateur cyclists who are keen to ride on or off road.

Itineraries can be planned through the website www.marcheoutdoor.it and its app, also available in English. Marche Outdoor’s philosophy is to promote a sustainable economy, with the bicycle as a means rather than the goal, so that the cyclist can experience all of the emotions that the region can offer.

For more news about ENIT and Calabria and Marche’s slow tourism offering at ITB, click here or visit the stand of ENIT – Italian National Tourism Board at Hall 1.2 | 107