Regional tourism strategies face scrutiny in Pavia and Amiata

During the Ticinum Festival, local officials and academics in Pavia discussed the challenges of tourism management, specifically addressing the balance between overtourism and undertourism. Participants, including Mayor Michele Lissia and University of Pavia economist Andrea Zatti, emphasized the need for coordinated strategies between the municipality, province, and university. Key issues identified include a shortage of high-standard hotels and a high prevalence of B&Bs and student housing, which impacts local real estate availability.

In a separate regional development matter, Pierluigi Piccini, the Tourism Councilor for Piancastagnaio, criticized the Amiata Outdoor Festival. Piccini argued that while the event is marketed as a mountain-wide celebration, it primarily benefits the town of Abbadia San Salvatore. He expressed concern that the festival lacks true synergy across the eight municipalities that comprise the Amiata Tourist Area, suggesting that promotional efforts are being concentrated in a single location rather than benefiting the entire district.