West Sicily: tour with 18 international buyers and national journalists
From May 8 to 12, West of Sicily will host a major tourism promotion event, welcoming 18 international buyers and a group of journalists from top national trade publications. Organized by the Western Sicily Tourism District, the initiative aims to showcase the region’s unique attractions and boost local tourism services in international markets.
The buyers come from Lithuania, Romania, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Turkey, Sweden, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Croatia, and Canada. They were carefully selected through partnerships with specialized agencies cultivated over the years during major Italian and international trade fairs.
Three exclusive itineraries to discover Sicily’s hidden gems
The tour program features three distinct itineraries:
- The first itinerary explores the picturesque areas of Castellammare, Segesta, Calatafimi, San Vito Lo Capo, and Buseto.
- The second itinerary covers the historic regions of Trapani, Erice, Valderice, Custonaci, Paceco, and Misiliscemi.
- The third itinerary ventures into the cultural heart of Mazara, Marsala, Gibellina, and Salemi.
These tailored routes offer a deep dive into outdoor tourism, well-being experiences, and green tourism, shining a light on the authentic and sustainable essence of West of Sicily.
B2B workshops and networking opportunities in Marsala
Friday, May 9, is dedicated to tourism service commercialization. At the renowned Baglio Oneto Resort in Marsala, international buyers will connect with local operators during B2B workshops and networking sessions. Thanks to the support of Elio Palmeri, owner of the resort and a member of the Tourism District’s board, the event will serve as a strategic platform to bridge supply and demand, fostering commercial collaborations.
The day concludes with a guided visit to the Ettore Infersa Salt Pans in Marsala, followed by a welcome dinner on the islet of Mothia. Guests will receive an exclusive glimpse into local traditions and flavors.
Exclusive press tour for national journalists
Simultaneously, journalists from major national publications will embark on an exclusive journey titled
“From Gibellina, the Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, to the Discovery of Trapani, Erice, and the Salt Pans”.
This itinerary includes guided visits to the iconic Cretto di Burri, the Segesta Archaeological Park, the salt pans of Trapani and Marsala, the vibrant city of Trapani, and the medieval village of Erice. The objective is to bring national visibility to the region’s artistic, historical, and natural treasures.
Statements from the Western Sicily Tourism District
“This is a crucial opportunity not only to promote the region, but also to foster a significant moment of commercial exchange between international buyers and local operators – an achievement made possible by years of relationship-building” stated Rosalia D’Alì, President of the Western Sicily Tourism District.
“This initiative is designed to extend and diversify the tourist season, focusing on sustainable, high-quality tourism that showcases local excellence, generating economic growth 10-12 months a year.”
D’Alì also expressed gratitude to the board for their collaboration, particularly Vice President Emanuela Magaddino, and board members Germana Abbagnato and Rossella Cosentino. She also thanked the many local operators who supported the initiative.
Positioning West Sicily on the international tourism map
With this event, Western Sicily is set to welcome new tourism flows, strengthening its position as a premier international destination that seamlessly blends tradition, innovation, and sustainability. The aim is to establish West Sicily as a leading experiential tourism destination, attracting travelers in search of nature, culture, and authenticity.
