Travelexpo: The Ceramic Routes Among Six Proposals to Deseasonalize Tourism in Sicily

Palermo, April 8, 2024 – The “Ceramic Routes” project is among the six proposals launched during the opening conference of the 26th edition of “Travelexpo, Global Tourism Exchange” to extend tourism seasons in Sicily. In the presence of patron Toti Piscopo, and moderated by the director of Giornale di Sicilia, Marco Romano, the six initiatives were shared by the Regional Councilor for Tourism, Elvira Amata. Specifically, these involve the five Sicilian DMOs (Destination Management Organizations): Islands of Sicily, Madonie-Targa Florio, Central Sicily, Valley of the Temples, and West of Sicily, joined by the “Ceramic Routes” project which brings together the Municipalities of Burgio, Caltagirone, Collesano, Monreale, Santo Stefano di Camastra, and Sciacca.

“Just like the DMOs, the Ceramic Routes offer tourists a new formula for experiential vacations,” stated Councilor Amata. “We are also ready to establish the ‘Wellness & Health Routes’ which, as proposed by Travelexpo, will network the island’s thermal, wellness, and health facilities, allowing these territories and their economies to grow through the integration of these experiential paths.” Councilor Amata spoke via video link to participate in the event that, last weekend, brought together the main regional, national, and foreign representatives and operators of the tourism industry in Terrasini.

Just like the DMOs, the Ceramic Routes offer tourists a new formula for experiential vacations

To further explore the theme of tourism deseasonalization, a round table discussion was held on the afternoon of Friday, April 5, between the five Sicilian DMOs and the Ceramic Routes. Representing the Sicilian ceramic cities was Claudio Lo Monaco, councilor for the Municipality of Caltagirone and national vice president of AICC (Italian Association of Cities of Ceramics), who took advantage of this important platform to present the “passport” for the ceramic routes.

“Our project started only a few months ago, but we immediately realized that it garners great interest from industry operators,” stated Claudio Lo Monaco. “Our first official appearance, thanks to the Regional Department of Tourism, was at BIT Milan. There, we recognized the significant interest from all sector operators. For this reason, we are working to officially present and launch the Ceramic Routes passport in conjunction with Buongiorno Ceramica, the national event that unites all the cities of ceramics in Italy, which will be held on May 18 and 19. During these two days in our six cities—Burgio, Caltagirone, Collesano, Monreale, Santo Stefano di Camastra, and Sciacca—the passport will be officially launched, allowing visitors to benefit from discounts and promotions not only in ceramic workshops but also in accommodation and catering facilities. The incentive is to invite tourists to visit our six cities, even on multiple occasions. Once the route is completed, an artistic ceramic piece will be offered as a gift. This solution was adopted not only to network our local realities but also to encourage tourism 12 months a year.”