Creating an innovative model of synergy between rural development policies and regional tourism promotion, placing the Vetrina Toscana project at the centre. This is the main goal of the collaboration agreement signed by Toscana Promozione Turistica and the Local Action Groups (Gruppi di Azione Locale – GAL) of Tuscany, supported by ANCI, the National Association of Italian Municipalities, at Palazzo Strozzi Sacrati in Florence.
The cooperation programme includes a structured calendar of initiatives aimed at promoting the Vetrina Toscana project within the areas of responsibility of the seven Tuscan GALs. The plan foresees the organisation of at least one conference or other public event in each GAL area, to ensure widespread dissemination of the project throughout the Region.
Among the key points of the agreement are the involvement of Vetrina Toscana within the framework of the ANCI Toscana Local Food Policies Round Table, with the aim of establishing a link between food and wine culture and identity and local development strategies, and the organisation of specific meetings across the different territories with food districts, food communities and other local stakeholders, to strengthen the network of collaborations and maximise the impact of the initiatives.
The parties also commit to taking part in and sharing joint projects, optimising resources and creating operational synergies. Particular attention will be given to the organisation of promotional and training activities to raise awareness of the Vetrina Toscana project and to strengthen the network of participants.
As explained by the Vice President and Regional Councillor for Agriculture, together with the Regional Councillor for Economy and Tourism, the agreement is part of a long-term strategic vision aimed at transforming rural areas into a driving force for regional socio-economic progress and development, overcoming the traditional divide between city and countryside.
This collaboration represents a virtuous example of how European rural development policies can be effectively integrated with regional tourism promotion strategies, creating a replicable model of sustainable territorial development.
The Director of Anci Toscana emphasised that the protocol represents a further step forward in the strategic collaboration between the Region of Tuscany, Toscana Promozione Turistica and the network of municipalities, with the aim of enhancing food and wine tourism and promoting the attractiveness of all the regional territories.
The Director of Toscana Promozione Turistica highlighted how Vetrina Toscana, through its many agreements, has created an effective system for working and growing together.
For the Tuscan GALs, as stated by the President of GAL Montagnappennino, the signing of this agreement is undoubtedly an important achievement, further strengthening the role of the GALs and the synergy between the two sectors of tourism and agriculture.
The fact that the GALs include in their programmes the promotion and enhancement of local products will certainly help to foster the promotion of Vetrina Toscana and the spread of this initiative across all GAL territories. A positive result that, it is hoped, will lead to further development.
The agreement strengthens the actions promoted at the territorial level through other CAP measures and programmes supported by EU funds, maximising the impact of the proposed initiatives through complementarity and synergy.
Vetrina Toscana, which has reached its 25th anniversary, has been selected by the European Commission as a “success story” for its ability to promote local food and wine specialities through a shared brand and events that combine food with culture, tourism and retail, boosting sales for those involved in the supply chain, and for providing the project with a tailored communication strategy, both traditional and digital.
Vetrina Toscana is the project of the Region, in collaboration with Unioncamere Toscana, that promotes food and wine tourism, under the direction of Toscana Promozione Turistica, assisted by Fondazione Sistema Toscana.
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