Networking between the public and private sectors to relaunch tourism: the Mediterranean’s archaeological and cultural heritage under the spotlight at the BMTA in Capaccio di Paestum
Now in its 23rd edition and, starting from this year, held in the industrial architecture jewel that is the former Tobacco Factory of Cafasso, the BMTA is definitely an event with a strong personality, able to combine tourism and scientific content. Among the major themes of 2021 the promotion of new channels for sustainable experiential tourism and an economic driver for the country, plus the role of archaeology in protecting historical memory and cultural heritage stand out.
REGENERATE TO REDISCOVER: A NEW LOCATION
The history of human evolution, of the past years. The echo of previous generations of workers and their legacy were the perfect backdrop to the 23rd edition of the Mediterranean Archaeological Tourism Exchange (BMTA), from 25 to 28 November 2021 in Capaccio di Paestum, in Campania. The mayor Franco Alfieri motivated the choice of the new location that, starting from this year will host the only event in the world able to promote archaeological tourism destinations and to fight for deseasonalization and an increase in economic and employment opportunities, supported by the major global partners: UNESCO, UNWTO, ENIT and the Italian Ministries of Culture and Tourism. The former Tobacco Factory, beautifully converted into the new event location, will soon be acquired by the City Council. Just 1Km away from the archaeological site of Paestum, the location housed a military headquarters and hospital during the Second World War.
NETWORKING TO BEAT THE PANDEMIC: THE ROLE OF STREAMING AND SOCIAL NETWORKS
In view of the health emergency, the organisers encouraged to stream almost the entire impressive conferences programme, which saw over 400 speakers take part in more than 100 workshops.
Igersitalia was among this edition’s most celebrated partners: to peek into the most exclusive moments of the 23rd edition, just scroll through the images collected in the featured folder with the hashtag #BMTA2021 on their Instagram profile. The TV channel RAI Cultura and various other international newspapers dedicated videos and interviews to the guests and speakers, highlighting the main themes and drawing the public’s attention to the treasures of Mediterranean culture, such as the ancient city of Palmyra, devastated by the Syrian war.
THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL & EXPERIENTIAL OFFER OF CARRANI TOURS AT THE BMTA
Our Managing Director, Letizia Cicconetti, joined more than 150 exhibitors from 15 European countries to launch our 2022 High Season programme, our experiences in archaeological Rome and the best itineraries in Italy, interacting with the prestigious buyers who took part in this traditional gathering in Campania. “We were so happy to get back in touch with the suppliers and buyers who have always supported us. We were extremely surprised to meet so many new friends and honoured to explore the wonderful land that hosted us, through the guided tours made available by the organisers”: the tour of the Archaeological Park of Paestum, with the only Greek temple in the Mediterranean accessible without architectural barriers, and the Archaeological Park of Velia, birthplace of the Eleatic school philosophers, Parmenides and Zeno. Our participation in this unique event is both a solidarity and resilience message: companies and partners of tourism and culture must join forces and share their voice to generate innovative projects for a sustainable tourism beyond the pandemic.
FOR A NEW QUALITY OF TOURISM: THE MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES JOIN FORCES
Many topics were addressed during the conferences organised as part of the event directed by Ugo Picarelli. The aim? Connecting the world of Tour Operators and the most exclusive archaeological sites in order to generate movement, interest and discovery of this region: from the new concept of “Albergo Diffuso” to the growing importance of podcasts as a sharing tool for history and knowledge; from the tourism offer presented by the 18 Italian regions to underwater tourism, the undisputed protagonist of this 23rd edition. This year, as part of the initiatives promoted by the Council of Europe for local development, the 1st Mediterranean Conference on Underwater Archaeological Tourism was held.
THE FIRST MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE ON UNDERWATER TOURISM
On this occasion, a proposal was submitted to the Council of Europe for a European Cultural Route of “Mediterranean Underwater Cultural Heritage”, that brings together the underwater sites of:
- Campania (Baia di Campi Flegrei e Gaiola Park in Naples)
- Sicily (Egadi, Pantelleria, Plemmirio and Ustica)
- Apulia (Egnazia, Tremiti Islands, San Pietro in Bevagna)
- Calabria (Capo Rizzuto)
- Egypt (Alexandria)
- Greece (Pavlopetri and Peristera)
- Israel (Caesaria Maritima) and
- Turkey (Kizlan)
A project that aims at attracting the approximately 30 million certified divers who, by staying just one more day in Italy, could enjoy a unique experience and generate revenue of 1 billion euros, thus empowering the Mezzogiorno.
THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE OF THE LAZIO REGION: REDISCOVERING THE PAST TO DEFINE THE FUTURE
Once again, the Region of Lazio was among the excellence partners, with its staggering archaeological heritage, ranging from the consular roads, which embrace Europe and the Near East from Rome, to the Tuscia region, the magical land of origin of the Etruscans. From the Sabina, which was an important territory in pre-Roman times and included parts of Umbria or Abruzzo, to the Ciociaria, a quadrilateral area between Anagni, Guarcino, Sora and Frosinone that is the realm of folklore and hard work in the fields.
A region with a great historical and cultural tradition. “Without being rhetorical: every day we walk on the paving stones trodden by emperors and slaves. The traces left by past civilisations are a precious testimony that gives us back the reflection of an inheritance that speaks of us,” said councillor Valentina Corrado. The 10th Municipality of Rome, representing the City of Ostia, was also present: they enchanted the audience with an alternative tour that included the excavations and the Medieval Village of Ostia Antica, the Chigi Castle, a 17th century jewel set in the Macchia di Castel Fusano, Plinio’s Villa and the culinary delights of the Zona di Ponente, a stone’s throw from “the sea of Rome”.
To retrace the steps of the Italian people’s rich history through its archaeological heritage jewels, choose Carrani Tours: browse through our catalogues for 2022 and book your next tour!
THE AUTHOR
MICOL DIONISI
Micol is one of our Content Creators with an immense passion for hospitality. Her daily mission is to make sure that Carrani Tours – Gray Line I Love Rome tours and experiences are perfectly loaded on the website, to offer our guests from all over the world a dream experience. Born and raised in Rome, she lives in Marino, in the beautiful, green and gourmet Castelli Romani area. With her degree in Conference Interpreting and Translation, she dreams of connecting all the English-speaking readers to the world of Carrani Tours – Gray Line I Love Rome!
