STUDY TOUR INSPIRE Study Tour: Exploring Local Agrobiodiversity and Community-Based Tourism in Sicily

The INSPIRE Study Tour takes place on July 11–12, 2025, across coastal and rural areas of Messina, Sicily. It is designed as an immersive experience where project partners and stakeholders will discover real-life examples of sustainable practices, traditional knowledge, and biodiversity-based tourism.

The Study Tour supports the project’s mission to connect people with place, foster cross-cultural inspiration, and highlight local actors as key drivers of transformation.

What to Expect During the Tour

Day 1: Coastal Heritage and Traditional Fishing

Participants will explore the maritime identity of the Strait of Messina. The day includes a swordfish fishing demonstration aboard a historic feluca, visits to traditional mussel farms in Ganzirri and Torre Faro, and storytelling by local fishers. The experience ends with a Slow Food dinner featuring local seafood and Presidia products.

Day 2: Rural Landscapes and Local Food Systems

The second day moves inland, focusing on agricultural traditions, food heritage, and sustainable farming. Highlights include a visit to the Grain Museum in San Filippo Superiore, tastings of honey and heritage crops, and a guided walk along the Bettaci trail through scenic rural landscapes. The tour concludes with a street food cooking demo and wine tasting at the Provincial Wine Center.

A Deep Dive into Sustainable Tourism

This Study Tour is more than a field trip – it’s a transformative learning experience. By connecting with local communities and experiencing biodiversity-rich environments, participants will gather ideas and insights to enrich the project’s Living Labs and co-develop tourism models that restore, rather than exploit, Mediterranean ecosystems.