Beyond tourism plan – antidote to unfulfilling destinations

New independent project aims to develop new way of visiting – in Italy

Fed up with in-authentic un-meaningful experiences? Want to help change the way we all travel, experience and enjoy the world?

“It’s not just a topic for discussion – it’s something we can all change with our actions” Said Valere Tjolle, principal of TotemTourism “The fact is that tourism is us – and, from today’s figures, it certainly looks like mass tourism has gone past it’s sell-by date”

“Overcrowded mass tourism, OTAs that suck the life-blood out of accommodation providers, a ‘Sharing Economy’ that shares principally with billionaire investors, an industry that is using up our environmental assets and pushing us closer to global-warming, tourism experiences that are less fulfilling now than they were 50 years ago – we need to think again – and develop a wholesome antidote” He continued.

Romagna (the part of North-East Italy between the Apennines and the Adriatic) was chosen for the project because it is a classic under-developed destination, which has focused on Sun, Sea and Sand tourism and neglected its vast tourism asset beyond.

Although Romagna was there at the birth of mass-tourism in the 1960’s with classic destinations such as Rimini and Cesenatico, it now is very relaxed about tourism and is out of the tourism spotlight.

There are very few chain hotels or restaurants. There is a massive treasure-chest of  art, architecture, and history plus a deep tradition of hospitality. There is a great wealth of local people with a great understanding and commitment to their local area, who usually speak some English and are incredibly warm and welcoming. There is fabulous 0km food, a dynamic heritage of cookery and locals who really treasure and understand their local foods, restaurants, environments and seasons.

But – as in all of Italy, there is a dearth of reasonable jobs for young people.

The right sort of guests with the right sort of aspirations can change things for the better – dramatically. The aim of the project is simply to help local people offer really fulfilling experiences to visitors – and to benefit directly themselves.

Romagna is simply a great place to start a world beyond tourism.

And a great place to start finding out about Romagna is HERE download a free copy or two of Best of Romagna – sign up for more editions of the free – and very different – destination and lifestyle magazine. Facebook

Want to help the project – interested in getting involved? – email [email protected]

Valere Tjolle