A growing sector, despite the crisis, with a key role in promoting sustainability. The agritourismtogether with educational farms and social farms, represent an important reality in the Calabrian territory.
Mariangela Costantino, president of Agriturist Calabria, draws up a balance for 2024: “We have seen constant growth, both in terms of attendance and new structures on the market – he states – although reduced compared to the exponential growth of previous years. The structures in which we have found a greater presence of users are those that offer a diversified service activity. Such as catering. Furthermore, the swimming pool is highly requested and there is also a high interest in experiential activities, because many agritourisms also offer this type of activity to Italian and foreign tourists”.
A diversified and specific offer in its uniquenesstherefore. «Which does not create any competition for hotels, tourist villages or restaurants – continues Mariangela Costantino – and which is preferred above all by families and those who love nature and the authenticity of food. Many of our members are also educational farms and social farms. They therefore work on sustainability, protecting the territory and enhancing the existing rural heritage, culture and local traditions. And this can also be seen in the cuisine, with traditional and natural dishes, because the products that are served in the restaurants of the agritourisms are 95% regional, in value 10-20% must necessarily be produced by the company. It is the sense of km 0 and authenticity». Finally, on the most popular period, she adds: «Certainly August, but especially by Italians. Foreign tourists avoid the summer months. Which, obviously, extends the period that goes from April-May to October-November, with the exception of those agritourisms that work on business and remain open all year round. Compared to the past, however, as far as bookings are concerned, we have returned to last minute”.
