Bovino Innovation: responsible tourism driving the village’s revival

Bovino Innovation: responsible tourism for village regeneration

Located in the Daunian Apennines, Bovino (province of Foggia) is implementing a regeneration plan based on responsible tourism and enhancement of local assets. The initiative prioritizes community involvement and practical actions to turn visitor flows into lasting social and economic benefits.

Main goals

• Improve the tourist offer with authentic routes, viewpoints and sustainable access to the historic center.
• Promote local products through food and wine events and quality recognition initiatives.
• Encourage co-design among citizens, businesses and institutions for shared, long-term strategies, including experiments like a community cooperative.
• Create job opportunities by linking tourism, agriculture and cultural activities.

Artist residencies and community participation

Residency programs have brought artists to the village, staging community theatre and public installations that reactivated the historic center and fostered interaction between residents and visitors.

Environmental protection and maintenance

The surrounding area hosts valuable natural resources but also faces challenges such as hydrogeological risk and wildfires. Local associations and civil protection groups are engaged in preventive actions and trail and infrastructure maintenance to ensure accessibility and safety.

Event: Sustainability Festival

The Municipality will host a Sustainability Festival on 16 and 17 May 2026 to showcase the project and local proposals. Activities include guided hikes, visits to educational farmsteads and tastings of typical products — a direct way to experience Bovino's potential.

Where: Bovino (FG) — Postal code 71023. Coordinates: 41.2682521, 15.3716684.

The approach aims to seed practices that can be replicated in other villages, combining environmental protection, quality offerings and socio-economic regeneration through active local participation.