Delegazione turca a San Gimignano

On the 26th of November a Turkish delegation including mayors, governors, presidents of Chambers of Commerce and prefects, has been welcomed by Selena Italy to come to know the Italian good practices in the rural tourism sector. Effective examples and experiences to replicate in Turkey, to create a model able to give value to agricultural productions by linking them to the natural and cultural assets of their areas.

The group included 17 Kurdish people (from the Van region, where in 2012 a terrible earthquake caused more than 500 victims) and visited Venice, Florence, San Gimignano and Rome with the aim of understanding the way to link tourism and agriculture, a combination still unusual in Turkey.

In San Gimignano Selena Italy organized and managed a programme for its guests to facilitate their task. They were welcomed at Porta San Giovanni by Laura Cresti, regional president of Agriturist and by Michela Capotondi, in charge of the association Anima Toscana that organises personalised and slow paced travel itineraries. A typical Tuscan lunch at the restaurant La Taverna del Granducato preceded an institutional meeting with the Council Member for tourism activities Carolina Taddei, held in the room of Council Board of San Gimignano. A great opportunity to start the information and experience exchange in the rural tourism sector, especially regarding local policies and administrative procedures relevant to the field.

After a short tour of San Gimignano old town centre, belonging to UNESCO World Heritage List for Natural and Cultural Heritage, the delegation moved to Fattoria Poggio Alloro to be introduced by its owners to the receptive facilities, wine cellars and stables. The wide touristic offer raised numerous questions and requests to start an effective dialogue and expert advice.

The visit ended with a nice dinner with typical Tuscan products, great satisfatction on the guests’ side and the commitment to start a fruitful cooperation for both parts.