The 8-12 May West of Sicily fam trip, organized by ItaliAbsolutely, brought 18 international buyers on a journey of discovery of the island’s most authentic side.
18 international buyers from eleven countries
The West of Sicily fam trip, organized by ItaliAbsolutely by Travel Open Day put the emphasis on outdoor, green, and wellness tourism, showcasing the region’s cultural richness to 18 buyers from eleven countries who through a rich programme of site visits, B2B meetings, and hands-on activities explored the area’s historical, cultural, and natural excellence. The buyers were divided into three groups which explored different facets of the territory through distinct itineraries. ItaliAbsolutely spoke to the women powering the tourism revival of the West Sicily District: Rosalia D'Alì, Germana Abbagnato, Rossella Cosentino, and Emanuela Magaddino. These four prominent local women leaders welcomed the international buyers, inviting them to explore the authenticity and year-round appeal of this unique part of Sicily.
“Every season here has its own attractions”
"This event is very close to our hearts,- said Rosalia D'Alì, of the West of Sicily Tourist District. -We wanted to give our tourism operators practical experience and bring international buyers to discover our services." She described the gathering as a "first experiment" in a broader plan to promote and commercialize the region's diverse offerings, and thanked the organizer ItaliAbsolutely for this unique opportunity. “The West of Sicily,- she said -is a destination for all seasons. It is not a place to visit only in summer. Every season has its own colors, attractions, and experiences, from beaches to archaeological parks, and from mountain trails to culinary gems, the area invites exploration any time of year.” With two airports, Trapani-Birgi and Palermo, access is easy. "We promote the airports as gateways to a more authentic Sicily. Once you're here, travel around. There’s so much to see."
The sea is a major attraction
This region doesn’t just shine above ground—it sparkles underwater too. "The sea isn’t just for swimming,- said D'Alì. -We have underwater archaeological sites and shipwrecks. Fishermen still find artworks in their nets." D'Alì said that speaking with two international buyers the impression they were taking away with them after touring around was that “you could stay more than a week just in this area,” adding that the goal is to encourage longer, richer stays. “Our slogan is ‘One discovery every time.’”
A region to be discovered while touring
Germana Abbagnato, who is also a member of the board of directors of the West of Sicily Tourism District, highlighted the variety across villages. "Every village has different traditions. This is why it has to be a touring holiday, you can come for 15 days and discover something new every day." She pointed to Gibellina, named Italy’s Capital of Contemporary Art for 2026, as a must-see. "Sicily is a melting pot of cultures. Mazara del Vallo has the only European casbah, a unique experience in today’s world."
“Women have always played a major role”
Rossella Cosentino, councillor for Erice and the West of Sicily Tourist District underscored the female presence driving tourism. "From the myth of Venus to our patron saint, and in local crafts like weaving and convent pastries, women shape our culture. Even in our leadership, we are mostly women." The town of Erice,- she noted, is an example of this legacy: -tourism, crafts, and culture here all have strong female roots. Thanks to this event conceived by ItaliAbsolutely we are reaching more international markets."
Living history and authenticity over mass appeal
Emanuela Magaddino, who is an entrepreneur and vice-president of the West of Sicily District shared how the buyers toured Castellammare’s museums, discovering tools of ancient crafts, tuna fishing traditions, and the local way of life. "They were fascinated. We ended with a dinner based on local fish specialties and of course they truly enjoyed it." Mrs Abbagnato summed up their shared vision: "We are not a mass tourist destination. We don’t want to be. We offer authenticity, and that’s our strength. Nothing is fake here, and we want to keep it that way. We realize that alone we are small, but together we are one large entity. Traditions must continue, that is our slogan."
