Sicilian Villages Depend on Peaceful Tourism and Time-Honored Customs for Sustainability
Sicily, the beautiful Italian island in the Mediterranean, is undergoing a transformation in its tourism sector. The regional government is focusing on sustainable concepts, such as the 'albergo diffuso' model, which creates accommodation by spreading guest rooms and apartments throughout villages and integrating them into existing buildings.
This shift towards a more sustainable approach is evident in the Borghi dei Tesori network, a collective of around 70 municipalities from all of Sicily's provinces. Founded in 2021, the network promotes cultural tours, culinary offerings, and insights into local craftsmanship. In 2021, several municipalities like Erice, Noto, Modica, and Ragusa were part of this network, promoting cultural tourism and local gastronomy.
The network continues to thrive, with an expected 15% increase in overnight stays between 2022 and 2025. This growth is not limited to specific periods but shows year-round growth. For instance, Militello Val di Catania, a village in southeast Sicily, was named "most beautiful village in Italy" in 2024 and has seen a significant increase in visitor numbers.
The growth in tourism is not just a numbers game. It's about quality over quantity. Demand for tourism in Sicily is growing for places that offer authenticity and preserve historical substance and quality of life. This is evident in the success of villages like Petralia Soprana, which had around 40,000 overnight stays in 2023, and Buccheri, which experienced a 20 percent growth last year, focusing on agritourism.
The growth in tourism is also driving economic growth in small communities. Regional funding programs support the creation of small, resilient economic cycles in Sicilian villages. These programs are helping to bring young people back to the island, some of whom now work remotely and choose places with high quality of life, while others take over family businesses and bring new ideas.
The Mayor of Militello Val di Catania, Giovanni Burtone, reports an increase in visitor numbers, especially on spring weekends. Montalbano Elicona, winner in 2015, sees an annual increase of five percent in visitor numbers.
The regional government in Sicily continues to focus on sustainable concepts to promote tourism growth. The Borghi dei Tesori network encourages this approach, aiming to preserve the island's rich culture, history, and quality of life for future generations.
