From October 22 to 26, I had the opportunity to participate in a FAM trip in Piemonte, an educational and immersive experience at the heart of accessible tourism. The initiative, organized in parallel with the International Accessible Tourism Fair in Biella, allowed me to discover innovative solutions aimed at making tourism more inclusive. As a representative of Buitengewoon Reizen, an agency committed to offering accessible travel experiences, I had the chance to explore one of Italy’s most fascinating regions and attend an international event promoting barrier-free tourism.
Both the FAM trip and the International Accessible Tourism Fair are part of the Mèsenté project, an initiative dedicated to fostering the development of accessible tourism across Europe. Through this project, the aim is to raise awareness, improve accessibility, and create more inclusive travel opportunities for everyone.
In this blog, I’ll share my experience of the FAM trip and the fair in Biella, an unmissable opportunity to dive deeper into how tourism can be for everyone.
The FAM Trip in Piemonte: An Outdoor Experience
The FAM trip in Piemonte, which took place from October 22 to 26, was a unique opportunity to discover the beauty of the region and its tourist offerings, designed to be fully inclusive. The program included three thematic tracks: food and wine, outdoor activities, and culture. I had the chance to participate in the outdoor educational track, which focused on outdoor experiences.
The activities offered were a true immersion in nature, designed for everyone, regardless of mobility. One of the highlights was undoubtedly the accessible bike ride in the Langhe, an area famous for its vineyards and breathtaking landscapes. We had the opportunity to explore the region on adapted bikes, enjoying complete freedom to discover the area. It was amazing to see how even rural areas can be designed to offer unique experiences.
We also visited Barolo, a charming village that has become a symbol of Italian wine, known worldwide for its famous Barolo DOCG. Walking through its narrow, picturesque streets, it’s easy to imagine the millennia-old history of this small town, which gave birth to one of the world’s finest wines. The Barolo Castle, dating back to the 13th century, tells the story of the land and its winemaking tradition, while local wineries offer the chance to discover the secrets of wine production. The beauty and history of Barolo are also reflected in the local accommodations and restaurants, which, while maintaining the historical charm of the area, are perfectly integrated into the modern context, offering warm and genuine hospitality to visitors.
Another experience that particularly impressed me was the walk in the Valli di Lanzo, an unspoiled corner of the Piemonte Alps, where nature reveals itself in all its splendor. The valleys, known for their rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes, are a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. The area is also famous for its history, with ancient mountain villages that tell centuries of alpine traditions. The trails that cross the valley allowed us to immerse ourselves in this unique landscape, filled with mountains, forests, and streams, while discovering the local history, linked to rural life and pastoralism, which still characterizes the area today. Walking through the valleys, it was fascinating to see how nature and local culture are in perfect harmony.
The International Accessible Tourism Fair in Biella
In parallel with the FAM trip, I also attended the International Accessible Tourism Fair held in Biella on October 25 and 26. October 26 was dedicated to the BITA Workshop, a day of B2B meetings between sector operators, where I had the chance to interact with various professionals in the field of inclusive tourism and discover the most innovative solutions in terms of accessibility.
The fair provided an excellent opportunity to get to know organizations that are actively working to ensure that every person, regardless of mobility or specific needs, can fully enjoy the tourism experience. New technologies, innovative services, and best practices were presented, all of which are making a real difference, both in Italy and abroad.
Inclusive Tourism: A Growing Sector
Participating in the FAM trip and the Accessible Tourism Fair confirmed how much inclusive tourism is growing and evolving, with an increasing number of innovative solutions designed to break down the physical and cultural barriers that often limit people when traveling. It’s exciting to see how different destinations, such as Piemonte, are investing in infrastructure and services that allow everyone to explore the territory without limitations.
Accessible tourism doesn’t just concern people with mobility challenges but also includes families with young children, seniors, or anyone who may have specific needs. Every destination should be designed for all types of travelers, ensuring that every individual can enjoy a unique travel experience in complete freedom, as Piemonte is working to offer.
Below, I’ll be sharing a short video of an interview I did at the International Accessible Tourism Fair, where I talk about the experience. The video is in Italian, but if you have any question please feel free to ask!