Agritourism and farms along the trails: rural tourism as a lever for development
2 minutes
There is an Italy that is being rediscovered at a slow pace, where tourism regenerates rather than consumes, and where hospitality is intertwined with the land, the seasons and the communities. It is the Italy of agritourism and farms along the trails, a growing model that is redefining the very concept of travel. Among these routes, the Cammino di San Vili represents a virtuous laboratory of rural tourism, capable of activating local economies without distorting the territories.
A return to the land
In recent years, tourist demand has shifted towards authentic, sustainable experiences rooted in the local area. The paths, from the historical ones to the more recent ones, meet this desire, offering walking or cycling routes that cross agricultural landscapes, villages and marginal areas.
In this context, farmhouses and farms are no longer simple accommodation facilities, but real cultural centres. They welcome travellers, tell the story of the region, offer local products and often involve visitors in agricultural activities or culinary workshops.
Along the Cammino di San Vili, which connects Trento to Madonna di Campiglio through valleys and small towns, these establishments represent a fundamental component of the experience. The traveller sits at the table with the owners, tastes locally produced cheeses and discovers family stories that have been handed down for generations, as a welcome guest.
Food and wine tourism: an identity value
The bond between paths and gastronomy is profound. Walking also means encountering flavours, culinary traditions and seasonal products. The agritourism establishments thus become stages in the story as well as physical stops.
In the case of the Way of St Vili, Trentino cuisine is expressed in all its variety: canederli, polenta, cured meats, mountain honey, local wines. But what makes the experience unique is the short supply chain: often, what ends up on the plate is produced just a few metres from the kitchen.
This model not only promotes local excellence, but also creates a circular economy: the tourist directly supports the producer, reducing intermediaries and environmental impact.
A development lever for inland areas
Rural tourism along the trails is proving to be a concrete lever for development for inland and mountain areas, which are often subject to depopulation. Agritourism businesses offer new employment opportunities, especially for young people who choose to stay or return to their home areas.
In addition, they encourage the restoration of rural buildings, the maintenance of trails and the enhancement of the landscape. It is a territorial safeguard: where there is hospitality, there is life.
The Via Francigena, for example, demonstrates how a well-structured network of widespread hospitality can generate a virtuous system. Collaborations between facilities, local authorities and associations make it possible to offer coordinated services, guaranteeing quality and continuity throughout the route.
Critical issues and prospects
However, there is no shortage of challenges. Seasonality, the difficulty of access in some areas, and the need for training for operators are elements to be considered. In addition, it is essential to avoid excessive tourism that could compromise the balance of the territories.
The key lies in sustainability: maintaining a limited number of visitors, promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices, investing in soft mobility and responsible communication.
The success of agritourism along the trails is not a passing fad; on the contrary, it is increasingly emerging as a sign of a deeper change in the way we travel. More and more people are looking for meaningful experiences, authentic relationships, and contact with nature.
In this scenario, rural tourism is establishing itself as a replicable and resilient model.
