36 are the subjects who have responded to the notice of the Teatro Pubblico Pugliese aimed at collecting expressions of interest for the creation of a "Local Community of Practice" (LCP), for a collective improvement, that have chosen to take part in the path of support, sharing of experiences and collaboration of the Take it slow Project, "Smart and Slow Tourism Supporting Adriatic Heritage for Tomorrow".

A strategic project funded by the Interreg V-A Italy-Croatia CBC Programme - of which Teatro Pubblico Pugliese is a partner, together with the 6 Italian Regions overlooking the Adriatic and the Puglia Region - Department of Tourism, Economy of Culture and Enhancement of the Territory, which is an Associate Partner, in addition to 5 Croatian Partners - aimed at the management and promotion of the Adriatic Region as a green, smart, sustainable, accessible and slow cross-border tourist destination, developing models for managing tourist destinations with a bottom-up approach to encourage local communities to address the impacts of the tourism industry and at the same time protect and promote the rich natural and cultural heritage of their territory.

The first meeting to present the project to all the LCP participants is scheduled for May 4th at 6.30 pm on zoom. This is a virtual meeting, in compliance with the regulations in force to hinder the spread of Sars Cov2 infection (Covid-19). Among the participants, in addition to the Project Office Manager of Teatro Pubblico Pugliese, Lino Manosperta, there will also be Cinzia Caroli, Councilor for Tourism and Culture of the Municipality of Fasano and Angelofabio Attolico of the Tourism and Culture Department of the Puglia Region, Technical Manager of the Via Francigena in the South on behalf of the European Association of Via Francigena Ways and expert of the TPP for this project.

With them the representatives of farms specialized in organic crops and productions, to those recognized as slow food presidium of the Apulian territory, passing through artisans and designers, tour operators specialized in slow tours, electric vehicle rental companies. Furthermore, the Municipality of Fasano, the Pro-Loco of Fasano and Monopoli, various associations for the enhancement of natural, cultural and historical resources, and institutional realities such as the FAI Committee of Brindisi, Confindustria-Brindisi, the University of Bari “Aldo Moro” - Department of Economics, Management and Business Law, the ITS Tourism and Cultural Heritage Foundation - Puglia, the Regional Natural Park"Dune Costiere Da Torre Canne A Torre S. Leonardo", Automobile Club D’Italia - Bari and Bat.

In Puglia, Teatro Pubblico Pugliese, in collaboration with the Puglia Region - Department of Tourism, Economy of Culture and Enhancement of the Territory, will focus its project activity on the enhancement of an area (micro-destination) of the Via Francigena - Cultural Itinerary of the Council of Europe, following the route of the Via Traiana.

The micro-destination is between Capitolo - hamlet of the Municipality of Monopoli (BA) and two hamlets of the Municipality of Fasano: Torre Canne and Selva, an area rich in fortified farms, olive trees, rural churches, rock settlements, places of extraordinary naturalistic, historical and environmental interest.

Through a series of actions, the "Local Community of Practice" will therefore have the opportunity to express its point of view and condition the tourism development strategies of the chosen area, and will become part of the Cross Border Platform for quality management of Adriatic Region, an instrument that will facilitate new partnerships, the creation of networks and the exchange of best practices and will promote a forward-looking tourism offer with unique experiences for visitors.

At the end of the path of support, sharing of experiences and collaboration foreseen by the TAKE IT SLOW Project, the TPP will support the design and implementation of innovative policies, products and services of sustainable tourism based on the natural and cultural heritage of the area Capitolo-Torre Canne-Selva di Fasano with the aim of improving the accessibility of some natural and cultural sites present in it.

The project also foresees the organization of guided tours open to international stakeholders that will be managed by involving the LCP.