L’Aquila took center stage at the 27th edition of the Mediterranean Archaeological Tourism Exchange (BMTA), which concluded today at Next, the former tobacco factory in Paestum. The event, internationally recognized as the only gathering dedicated to promoting archaeological tourism and showcasing parks and museums in the sector, has for twenty-seven years served as an important meeting place for institutions, industry professionals, specialists, and journalists in the cultural and tourism sectors.

The City of L’Aquila participated in the BMTA with its own exhibition booth dedicated to the 2026 Italian Capital of Culture, aiming to raise awareness through informational materials and multimedia content focused on the region’s historical, artistic, and natural heritage.

Having already participated in the 2023 edition of the event, when the city was still a candidate for the title, the municipal administration returned to Paestum with renewed enthusiasm, just a few months before the launch of “L’Aquila, Italian Capital of Culture 2026.”

The Councilor for Tourism, Ersilia Lancia, participated in a panel discussion in the Archeoincoming area specifically dedicated to L’Aquila, the 2026 Italian Capital of Culture, outlining the city’s path of growth and cultural revitalization as it prepares for this important national event.

“Being here in Paestum,” said Lancia, “means representing a city that has been able to transform memory and courage into a driving force for cultural rebirth. L’Aquila 2026 is a laboratory of ideas, a meeting place where innovation and tradition converge, where both archaeological and contemporary heritage contribute to building a sustainable future that is open to the world.”
There was also a panel discussion on Amiternum, presented at the Ministry of Culture’s booth by Munda Director Federica Zalabra.

“Participating in the Mediterranean Archaeological Tourism Fair in Paestum was an important opportunity to promote the Amiternum Archaeological Park and the surrounding area, especially in light of the city’s designation as the Italian Capital of Culture, and it represents yet another opportunity for collaboration with the City of L’Aquila,” Zalabra said on the sidelines of the event with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage (MiC).

BMTA continues to be a one-of-a-kind trade show, featuring major initiatives such as ArcheoVirtual, the international exhibition of multimedia and interactive technologies dedicated to archaeology, and the ENIT Workshop, which offers networking and business opportunities for international cultural tourism operators and buyers. Tourism operators from L’Aquila also participated in this event during a dedicated day. “I am very satisfied with these days of work at the BMTA, and for this reason I would also like to thank the staff at our offices for their dedication to ensuring the event’s success. L’Aquila has caught the attention of travelers, and this is because we are consistently promoting ourselves in an authentic way.
We must continue to work together—the public and private sectors alike—to improve our services and training,” concluded the Councilor.