
BY: Jennifer Adriana LaDelfa
Basilicata New Italian Wonder”, is a promotional tour that kicked off in Boston before arriving in NY to advertise the release of the first time Lonely Planet has created a guide book for this region.The curated event by Caterina Orlando of the Italian National Tourist Board, ENIT, took guests on an immersive two day experience learning about the rich cultural destination highlighting the food and wines of its region. Let’s explore!
On September 11, 2024, at the Italian Cultural Institute on Park Avenue, Giornale Italo Americano, had the pleasure to speak with the representatives of Basilicata to learn more about the enchanting region.
In a GIA exclusive, we spoke with Antonio Nicoletti, General Director of the Regional Tourism Board of Basilicata, Italy who shared with us, “We are here in New York to promote our region as a new destination in Italy for those who are very fond of the Italian way of living. We are working a lot with Roots Tourism. Roots tourism is something that helps discover the origins of oneself. Basilicata is something to be discovered starting from Matera; a very famous city where many Hollywood movies have been filmed like the last James Bond movie. We are working a lot with Roots tourism, because there are many people that have came from America to Basilicata in the last decade. Since 2019, American tourism to Italy has increased by 70%. The offer that we are promoting in Italy is targeted to those that are fond of nature and sustainability. Basilicata is a city that is very rich in biodiversity and parks. The highest mountains of Southern Italy are in our region. This area has transformed into something which is related to well being as it is a place that is very good to be discovered very slowly by bike or track. Slow tourism for us is something in which is in the DNA of our region, as well as other kinds of travel that we call Turismo delle Passioni, Passion Tourism. Those that are looking to enjoy their passions during their journey throughout Basilicata can check out our website for activities. There are many niches available that can be discovered as Basilicata is a place that mixes together nice food, art, history, nature, beaches and luxury accommodations that can really be of interest for American tourists.”
From discovering your passions to the ancient ruins of the land, in conversation with Laura Motta, the Senior Director of Content at Lonely Planet, we are transported to a town that can be mistaken for that of the Ancient city of Petra in Jordan; one of the 7 wonders of the world. Petra and Matera are Sister Cities that have been twinned by UNESCO since 2011. Both are cities carved into the rock, yet the region of Matera in Italy is a bit more undiscovered as Ms. Motta explains. “A really beautiful place that I love in Basilicata is the town of Matera, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known for a series of caves that have been built into the rock that people actually lived their lives in. Around these caves you can still see them and tour them. There are even hotels inside the caves. It is an incredibly beautiful place, but also incredibly unique. It is surrounded by this rolling green scenery that just has this special quality that feels really different from other places in Italy.”
As promoted by both representatives, the food and wine of the Region of Basilicata, is very special and a big part of the cultural offerings of the region. On September 12, we enjoyed an experience taking a trip to Basilicata at the Chef's Table at Eataly’s La Scuola. We learned about the history and region as Basilicata forms the “ankle” of the Italian peninsula’s boot. The event included cooking demonstrations and tastings. Pecorino Lucano, La Cialledda, La Rafanata, Maccheroncini con la Mollica, Agnello alla Pastora, and Torta di Ricotta food dishes were paired with Lucanian and Amaro Lucano wines. Currently at Eataly, the Region of Basilicata foods and wines are available for purchase.
Weather you are looking to hike the Apennine Mountains, take photos with the exquisite backdrops of the steep coastline of Maratea referred to as ”goddess of the sea”, retrace the steps of where, The Passion of the Christ, movie was filmed or discover the Crypt of Original Sin; Basilicata has something for everyone. You can visit the official regions tourism website at BASILICATATURISTICA.it to explore all the allure this ancient region has to offer as “Basilicata New Italian Wonder” awaits you.
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