Taste the Destination - Territori in Azione arrived in Abano Terme: wellbeing, sensory experiences and territorial identity
17/06/2026
On 15 June 2026, the city of Abano Terme hosted the second stage of “Taste the Destination - Territori in Azione”, the territorial activation pathway developed by CESCOT Veneto within the framework of the GUSTI - Gastro UpScaled Tourist Itinerary in Rural Regions of Croatia and Italy project, co-funded by the Interreg Italy-Croatia Programme.
The initiative aimed to transform local assets, products and experiences into opportunities for sustainable tourism development, community engagement and territorial storytelling.
Following the successful launch event in Padua and the first territorial activation in Noventa Padovana, the pathway moved to Abano Terme, one of Europe's most renowned wellness destinations. This stage explored the relationship between wellbeing, local products, scientific research and tourism experiences, demonstrating how local excellence could contribute to creating innovative and meaningful visitor experiences.
A central role was played by Gelateria delle Terme, which, together with researchers from the National Research Council (CNR - Institute of BioEconomy) and the Mo.To.R.E. Consortium, guided participants through the initiative “The 10 Flavors of Life”, a sensory journey designed to explore the connection between taste, health, wellbeing and local identity.
The day also included educational activities involving students from Smart Innovation School, who participated in workshops, meetings with researchers and local stakeholders, and practical experiences aimed at understanding how tourism, gastronomy and wellbeing could contribute to territorial development.
From 5:30 PM onwards, the event opened to the public with an inauguration ceremony, followed by the guided tasting experience “The 10 Flavors of Life”, a fashion show organised by Maison Nicole and Boutique La Cicogna, and a public buffet and tasting session.
The initiative was organised by CESCOT Veneto in collaboration with Confesercenti del Veneto Centrale, Gelateria delle Terme, CNR - Institute of BioEconomy, Mo.To.R.E. Consortium, Maison Nicole and Boutique La Cicogna.
By bringing together research institutions, local businesses, students, public authorities and citizens, this second stage of “Taste the Destination - Territori in Azione” highlighted the core ambition of the GUSTI project: creating innovative and sustainable tourism experiences rooted in local identity, gastronomy and community collaboration.
