DELEGATION TO SICILY
June 12 - 16, 2024

For whom it is?

The delegation and events are aimed at:

- Mayors, Deputy Mayors, and Municipal Councilors
- Chief Architects
- Municipal specialists in territorial development
- Companies specializing in communal services
- Regional administrations
- State institutions (Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, Ministry of Environment and Water, structures related to territorial planning)
- Institutions and structures related to safety and food quality

Program

The program focuses on acquainting participants with Sicily's experience, particularly the municipalities within the Catania province, regarding local economic development.

- The role of the municipality as the primary governing body of the territory;
- Models for managing natural parks and historical landmarks;
- The relationship between "community - agriculture - traditions - tourism"
- Production of food products in protected areas

day 1
June 12

Travel and Accommodation

18:00

Group meeting at Sofia Airport

18:00 – 19:00

Check-in at the airport desk

20:00 – 21:00

Flight Sofia - Catania

22:00 – 22:30

Bus transfer 4 Spa Resort Hotel (Catania)

https://www.4spa.it/en/

22:30

Check-in and light dinner

day 2
June 13

Meetings with local government institutions in Catania
The day is dedicated to familiarizing with the economy of Catania and Southeastern Sicily

07:30 – 09:00
Breakfast at the hotel

09:00 – 09:30
Transfer to the center of Catania

09:30 – 12:30
Meetings at the Municipality of Catania:

- Meeting with Mayor Enrico Trantino
- Departments responsible for architecture and infrastructure
- Management of Mount Etna National Park

12:30 – 14:00
Lunch at the most popular restaurant in the center of Catania – “Trattoria del Cavaliere” (The Knight's Tavern) https://www.facebook.com/TrattoriaDelCavaliere

14:00 – 19:00
Free time in Catania

19:00 – 19:30
Transfer to the dinner venue

19:30 – 22:00
Dinner

day 3
June 14

Visit to the Municipality of Syracuse
The focus of the day is on showcasing best practices for leveraging cultural and historical heritage to promote tourism and boost the local economy.

07:30 – 08:30

Breakfast at the hotel

08:30 – 10:00
Transfer to the city of Syracuse

10:00 – 11:30
Meetings at the Municipality of Syracuse:

- Meeting with Mayor Francesco Italia
- Introduction to the work of the Municipality of Syracuse and local government structures in the areas of:
- Ancient cultural-historical heritage
- Tourism
- Waste management

11:30 – 12:30
Brief guided tour

12:30 – 14:00
Lunch at a typical restaurant in Syracuse

14:00 – 14:45
Introduction to the work of the tourist center, located at the cathedral, and its practices for promoting small businesses

14:45 – 17:30
Free time

17:30 - 18:30
Transfer back to the hotel

20:00
Dinner

day 4
June 15

Etna National Park
Food Production - Traditions and Best Practices
The day is dedicated to the management of the park and the economic activities developed in the area: science, tourism, production of traditional products (lemons, olives and olive oil, wine, meat and dairy products)

07:30 – 08:30

Breakfast at the hotel

09:00

Start of the bus tour of the Etna Park area. Throughout the journey, Dr. Caffo, Executive Volcanologist of the Etna Park, will be on the bus with the group, providing insights into the area and its characteristics.

10:00 – 12:00

Visit to the Enzo Signorelli family olive farm, Ragalna municipality, near Nicolosi

12:00 – 12:45

Departure to the Western part of Etna, Bronte town, known for its cultivation of pistachios

12:45 – 14:30

Lunch at the MUSA farm, with a tasting of salty and sweet pistachio products

14:30 – 15:30

Tour of the MUSA farm and introduction to pistachio production, also known as the "Green Gold of Etna."

15:30 – 17:15

Visit to the renowned winery at "Fattoria Al Cantara." The producer, Dr. Pucci Giuffrida, will share his family history and wines, some of which will be available for tasting

17:15 – 18:45

Transfer to the hotel

20:00

Dinner at the hotel