“Tourism operators and national and international buyers are paying close attention to L’Aquila and the event that will see it take center stage in a few months as the 2026 Italian Capital of Culture.”

This is according to the Councilor for Tourism of the City of L’Aquila, Ersilia Lancia, who participated in a session during the TTG Travel Experience focused on L’Aquila 2026. “And on the significance of this recognition,” the councilor commented, “which represents a multitude of territories, experiences, and knowledge.”

“Our bid was strongly supported by the city of Rieti, as well as by the Abruzzo Region and the Special Offices for the Reconstruction of L’Aquila and the 2009 Earthquake Zone, and the areas affected by the 2006 earthquake (USR Abruzzo). This demonstrates that culture can serve as one of the cornerstones of recovery for areas affected by natural disasters. It is also a model that can be adapted and scaled for the inland Apennine regions of our country.”

“Being able to showcase our region’s projects and potential during this flagship event for promoting global tourism in Italy and marketing Italy’s tourism offerings worldwide was a great opportunity,” commented the councilor – “One of the messages I wanted to convey is that a visit to our city and our region is not merely a sightseeing or recreational outing, but an experience that blends culture, historical and architectural beauty, nature, and food and wine,” the councilor concluded.
Also in attendance at the meeting were the mayor of Rieti, Daniele Sinibaldi; the councilor for culture of the City of Rieti, Letizia Rosati; and Francesco Aliperti of Archeoarers, a company operating in the cultural heritage sector.