Even if a
lot of the locals still consider tourism in this area more as a joke than
something to take serious, here and there we begin to see people starting to
believe in the possibilities of these unknown valleys on the border of Piemonte
and Liguria.
Our mayor
even convinced several farmers and people with small accommodations from the
region to create an organization (Tra Terre e Torri) with the aim of
stimulating tourism in Merana and the Bormida Valley and promoting local
products.
That they
still consider it a half joke, was evident from one of the members’ answer to
why a tourist would come here. “Because they are out of their mind!”
But
meanwhile there has been enthusiastic brainstorming about organizing all kinds
of activities for our guests and other tourists in the region. Cristina from
the pasta laboratory would like to give more ravioli workshops, others will
give guided tours and tastings on their farm, hiking trails will be cleaned and
several guided walks are on the agenda.
It will never be a super touristy region and I don’t believe anyone here wants this, but tourists who appreciate the personal contact with the locals, who are looking for peace and places off the beaten path, who want to explore a unique landscape and want to feast on simple, delicious Italian farm food, will find this, a small Italian paradise full of authentic experiences.