September 2023 is the month for our exciting rural resilience and tourism training journey! The training took place in Satriano di Lucania, a small village close to the city of Potenza in the south of Italy. It was hosted by LUETEB, the Italian partner, and lasted from the 3rd to the 7th of September 2023. The programme included many visits to places of rural tourism interest combined with visits to places of historical interest, such as the city of Matera.
In detail, on Sunday, the 3rd of September, partners arrived in Potenza before being picked up and then checking into the cosy and comfortable rooms at Satriano di Lucania. The next day, on Monday, the 4th of September, partners started early at 7:00am, travelling to Matera by bus, where they were treated to a visit to Masseria La Fiorita: A family farm established in 1975, where it all began high up on the verdant hill, 400 metres above sea level, dominating the landscape overlooking the Fossa Bradanica – Agrotourism at its finest! Partners enjoyed a cheese-making workshop – ‘The colours of milk’ This was followed by a relaxing walk in the garden while picking seasonal vegetables in preparation, cooking lunch, and enjoying it together!
Next was the study visit to Matera, the European Capital of Culture 2019, and the Italian of Rural Resilience and Tourism. Here was the opportunity to take in its rich history, including cave dwellings and stone buildings. After an exhausting but exuberant day, the partners returned late to Satriano di Lucania.
Tuesday was the day for a meeting at the Town council rooms for a presentation of good practices about rural tourism and resilience in the Basilicata region by Michele Miglionico, an expert in rural tourism and development and promoter of BEL Borghi Eccellenti Lucani, a local network for tourism cooperation. Before a coffee break, partners heard local digital stories about the Satriano living experience and took part in the Satriano di Lucania village of Murales virtual tour.
Back down to business, we worked through the WP1 result presentation: Rural Tourism Business Guide, led by LUETEB, the Italian partner. Then, manual testing with the use of evolution tools was presented by Eurospeak. Lunch took place at an Educational farm: Fattoria Bio and later in the evening we sampled some of the local delicacies at the picturesque Tenuta Carusso. It was a perfect setting, with perfect company and food.
On Wednesday, we drew a close to the meeting at the LUETEB office to discuss planning the TouRural Campaign and the conclusion of experience and evaluation. The last day, Thursday, was devoted to travelling as participants had to return home.
This was truly a journey filled with learning, exploration, and the beauty of rural Italy!
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