TOURISM, MINISTER SANTANCHÈ MEETS CITTASLOW MAYORS: “SMALL TOWNS ARE ITALY’S BACKBONE”

On Thursday, October 9, 2025, Minister Daniela Santanchè met with a delegation of mayors from Cittaslow municipalities, the Italian network of towns of good living.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Tourism headquarters, fostered a fruitful exchange of ideas and proposals on promotion, measures, and policies to enhance hospitality in small towns and to support dedicated training programs.

“Small towns are the backbone of our Nation, with a strong sense of community and a uniquely Italian character in terms of tourism,” stated Minister Santanchè at the end of the meeting. “They represent a precious heritage, not only to preserve but also to protect and help grow. The Ministry will continue to implement targeted measures for the development of these territories, which are also crucial for seasonality adjustment, visitor flow distribution, and the sustainability of the industry.”

Luca Della Bitta, Cittaslow Italia Coordinator and Mayor of Chiavenna: “For the first time in its history, Cittaslow has met with the Minister of Tourism. We are grateful for this opportunity. It has been a very constructive morning of dialogue and work. Several projects are already underway, and Cittaslow Italia is ready to serve as a positive model of quality and good living.”

Mauro Migliorini, President of Cittaslow International: “Cittaslow promotes a way of traveling that is deep and sustainable, in contrast with mass tourism, enhancing both the territory and the quality of life in small towns. Cittaslow towns offer experiences of slow, cultural, and food & wine tourism, focusing on respect for the environment, the promotion of local production, and the integration of visitors with the resident community.”

Pier Giorgio Oliveti, Secretary General of Cittaslow International: “We fully share the Ministry’s commitment to boosting tourism and increasing hospitality capacity in small towns of the inland areas. At the same time, we will make every joint effort to promote mindful visitation of Cittaslow towns. We stress our specific approach: the Cittaslow Tourism project has always promoted no-zero tourism, no over-tourism or crowd-tourism, but rather every form of eco and sustainable tourism, in balance with the communities that inhabit our towns and villages.”

The mayors present engaged in a productive dialogue with Minister Santanchè and the Ministry’s officials, outlining operational guidelines and project areas to be developed together.