Calabria stepped into the international spotlight at the World Travel Market London with the presentation of Calabria Food Fest, the region’s fast-growing culinary and cultural showcase now entering its second edition.
The festival has an expanding global footprint
The Calabria event generated remarkable interest among B2B operators, underscoring the region as one of Italy’s most compelling emerging destinations for international travelers. On the stage of Piazza Italia, Calabria Food Fest’s technical director Angela Donato, and creative and marketing director Anthomy Neal Macri discussed the festival’s expanding global footprint. Joining them was Giovanni Maria De Vita from Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the central coordinator of the national Italea project. Together they highlighted how Calabria’s identity, heritage, and gastronomy are becoming powerful drivers for international tourism growth.
A festival travel professionals want to sell
Now at its second edition the Calabria Food Fest has already attracted strong enthusiasm from tour operators, travel agencies, and DMCs worldwide. Its unique format - an immersive journey through Calabria’s food traditions, coastal beauty, and authentic local communities - has convinced many B2B partners to integrate the festival into their catalogues. According to Donato and Macri, dozens of new itineraries have been designed around the festival, with agencies reselling the experience as a standalone product or as part of broader regional packages. From culinary tours and cultural routes, to slow-travel itineraries and diaspora tourism options, the Calabria Food Fest has become a catalyst for fresh travel ideas that extend far beyond the event itself.
Calabria and Italea: a strategic partnership
Giovanni Maria De Vita emphasized the alignment between Calabria Food Fest and Italea, which promotes travel experiences related to Italian heritage and roots. Calabria, a region deeply connected with global migration, is particularly significant for diaspora travelers seeking to reconnect with cultural identity through food, local traditions, and community events. The collaboration showcased at WTM London demonstrates how Calabria Food Fest is not only an entertainment and cultural event but also a strategic tool for boosting Italy’s global tourism offer.
Calabria: a region rising on the global stage
This year’s presence at WTM London confirmed what industry professionals have increasingly observed: Calabria is becoming one of the most intriguing regions for international markets. Its combination of authenticity, biodiversity, culinary excellence, and unspoiled landscapes is resonating strongly with travelers seeking meaningful and experience-driven journeys. With the growing international traction of Calabria Food Fest, the region is positioning itself as a must-see destination for cultural travelers, food enthusiasts, and global tour operators looking for fresh, compelling products.
