Cultural tourism in Calabria: Ettore Bruno calls for concrete measures

Cultural tourism in Calabria: concrete action over propaganda

Calabria preserves centuries of history and both tangible and intangible heritage. Essayist Ettore Bruno argues that revitalization cannot rely on announcements or short-lived events. Effective change requires concrete strategies that highlight local resources without heavy public expenditure.

Bruno cites practical examples: in the Sibaritide area, a book sparked interest that led to guided visits to ancient Sybaris; in San Sosti, a self-funded literary festival attracted authors and audiences, benefiting local accommodations. These cases show how culture, associations and private operators can generate real visitor flows.

Key proposals presented by Bruno focus on scalable actions with limited public costs:

• Promote reading and engage local publishers to develop cultural itineraries tied to books and authors;
• Support self-funded festivals and series that network associations, libraries and local businesses;
• Encourage partnerships between local guides, travel agencies and cultural organizations for targeted experiential packages;
• Enhance lesser-known assets (villages, civic museums, archives) with effective and measurable communication efforts.

For Bruno, turning cultural tourism into a development engine requires practical, on-the-ground work rather than media showcases. The aim is to connect cultural resources and local know-how to attract visitors seeking authentic, lasting experiences.