Tourism for All: How Cittaslow Towns are Redefining Hospitality with Inclusivity and Culture

Sustainable tourism, positive slowness, authentic experiences — and access for all. Inclusivity stands at the heart of today's travel landscape, and it is also one of its greatest challenges.

Making destinations and attractions genuinely accessible, and responding to the diverse needs of travellers, is central to the mission of Cittaslow International. For the network of 90 Città del Buon Vivere (Good Living Cities) in Italy and 300 worldwide, accessibility and solidarity are not afterthoughts — they are priorities.

Tourism for Everyone: Breaking Down Barriers

Inclusive tourism means far more than installing a ramp or widening a doorway. It means thinking about the full spectrum of travellers: people with mobility, cognitive, sensory or relational challenges; those with specific dietary needs; families navigating cobblestones with pushchairs; older adults seeking comfort without sacrificing adventure.

As populations age, the demand from over-65 travellers continues to grow — the so-called Silver Economy. This group values quality food, health and wellness amenities, and above all, the slow rhythms that allow them to truly immerse themselves in local culture. Slow cities, by their very nature, are well placed to meet this demand.

There is also a growing trend of solo travel, predominantly among younger women, often in search of digital detox, genuine experience, and total personal safety — all qualities that Cittaslow destinations are uniquely equipped to offer.

Chiavenna: Where the Mountains Are Open to All

A compelling model of inclusive tourism comes from Cittaslow Chiavenna, a Città del Buon Vivere since 2002, whose mayor Luca Della Bitta has served as Coordinator of Cittaslow Italia since 2025. Long committed to urban accessibility and the removal of architectural barriers, Chiavenna has built a network of virtuous partnerships with local associations.

One of the most striking examples is the Cascate dell'Acquafraggia — a breathtaking natural waterfall now accessible to all via a specially designed path suitable for wheelchairs. The same site is connected to the Valchiavenna cycle route, a 40 km trail open not only to cyclists but also to handbikes and wheelchair users.

Those with mobility challenges can also benefit from the services of Associazione Dappertutto ODV, which provides mountain wheelchairs, joëlettes and similar equipment free of charge (by reservation), thanks to its volunteers. The association has also mapped the most accessible routes to key services throughout the area. The Senza b@arriere ValChiavenna blog documents accessible places across the region, while the Nisida cooperative manages social tourism services including the Ostello al Deserto, which is fully accessible to people with motor disabilities.

For families with children, the Parco Pratogiano offers play areas and natural and cultural trails designed for children with additional needs.

Cittaslow Academy for Villages: Building the Future of Slow Hospitality

One of the most innovative initiatives within the Cittaslow network is the Cittaslow Academy per i Borghi — a training programme designed specifically for smaller municipalities. Its aim is to equip local stakeholders across all sectors with the knowledge and vision needed to develop sustainable, slow tourism.

The Academy addresses a wide range of themes: tourist hospitality and accommodation, cultural and artistic programming, outdoor experiences, and the principles of slow tourism — helping communities identify the segments best suited to their territory and build genuinely sustainable tourism packages.

Special attention is paid to the "hospitality chain" — the art of integrating different tourism services — as well as storytelling, innovative communication formats, and the practical skills needed to build, promote and sell tourism products.

Tolfa: Authentic Slowness in the Roman Hills

The first municipality to join the Cittaslow Academy is Tolfa, a hilltop town in Lazio. Since January 2026, a 12-session programme — free and open to all residents, with a focus on local tourism operators — has been underway, helping the town strengthen its cultural and tourism profile and forge lasting networks within the local sector.

Far removed from mass tourism, Tolfa has preserved its historic streets, cobbled alleyways, and centuries-old craftsmanship — including the ancient art of leather tanning. The town is also part of the Città dell'Olio (Cities of Olive Oil) network and hosts authentic annual events celebrating local produce.

Cittaslow International has developed a dedicated travel package: three days of authentic slowness, including three nights at an organic agriturismo, farm-to-table meals, walks through ancient oak forests and Mediterranean scrub, guided tours of the Civic Archaeological Museum and the historic centre, outdoor picnics with homemade bread, local cured meats, cheeses and seasonal fruit, and visits to the farmers' market and local farms. Starting from €280 per person.

Polesine Zibello: Slow Community-Building on the Banks of the Po

On the right bank of the Po, at the crossroads of the provinces of Parma, Piacenza and Cremona, Cittaslow Polesine Zibello is charting a path toward a slow future — from the inside out.

The town's goals are clear: safeguard historical heritage, deepen community participation in cultural life, and reverse demographic decline. Among its most significant urban renewal projects are a new nursery school and the restoration of historic buildings — including the Teatro Pallavicino, the Teatro San Carlo di Pieveottoville, and Palazzo Menta — which are now becoming new cultural, social and tourist hubs.

At the heart of this effort is the Cooperativa di Comunità (Community Cooperative), an open participatory space that engages residents in decisions about the wellbeing and development of their territory. Its first action was a comprehensive mapping of local resources: from natural and cultural heritage to public services, infrastructure, and community initiatives.

This spring, the Cittaslow Academy arrives in Polesine Zibello, offering training for young people, women and local entrepreneurs focused on developing the area's tourism offer — from cycling tourism along the Po Cycle Route to new walking trails on medieval paths, cultural tourism, and food and wine experiences in a land of extraordinary excellence.