Food and Gastronomic Tourism for Developing Rural Areas around the Via Francigena in Tuscany

The paper reports results from an explorative research on the socio-economic opportunity that the presence of pilgrims and tourists along the Tuscan section of the Via Francigena can be for local communities. Rural development is a key topic in the territorial government strategy of the Region Tuscany. Landscape is a strong asset of Tuscany and a powerful tourist attraction. Local communities have long traditions in food and wine production, even as a landmark of many major and minor destinations. The aim of the research is to deepen the actual and future opportunities that local food and wine and typical cuisine specialties have for the development of tourism around the Via Francigena. The research has been carried out merging different sources of information, including scientific and grey literature, direct observation and personal experience, and performing a dozen of interviews to key-informants. The interviews have been carried out during the last six months, involving farmers, wine producers, restaurant owners, tourism and rural tourism entrepreneurs and local administrative offices. Local communities have understood the strategic importance to sustain their activities with the development of pilgrimage and tourism along the Via Francigena. Farmers and winemakers are integrating tourism activities in their current managing activities. The rich variety of local food and wine can satisfy both frugal needs of pilgrims and those of visitors more interested in quality cuisine.