In an era where tourism is too often reduced to numbers — visitor counts, economic impact, short-term stays — we risk overlooking its profound potential: to heal, transform, and regenerate. Travel should not merely be a movement through space, but an immersion into new ecosystems, cultures, and ways of being.
This is the essence of Regenerative & Resilient Tourism, a concept at the heart of Global Tourism Resilience Day (February 17), established by the United Nations to emphasize the power of travelling to rebuild economies, protect natural and cultural heritage, and foster peace and inclusion. More than just sustainability, resilient tourism means ensuring that touristry creates long-term, regenerative benefits for destinations and communities, even in the face of crises.
For many developing nations, small island states, and marginal communities, it represents a lifeline — the primary or even sole source of income. Yet at its worst, tourism has become extractive and predatory, prioritizing short-term economic gains over long-term resilience. Overtourism, fueled by mass travel and speculative development, has overwhelmed historic cities, displaced residents, and turned cultural traditions into commodities for fleeting entertainment.
But we believe another path is possible. Our mission in Pollica is also a tangible example of how tourism can be designed as a force for good — not as an industry of consumption, but as a catalyst of integral ecological development.
Nestled in the Cilento region, Pollica is not indeed just another idyllic postcard “borgo”, but a Living Lab where visitors engage with local communities, learn from ancestral wisdom and participate in projects that enhance biodiversity, revive traditions, and foster sustainable economies.
From Consumption to Contribution
For decades, tourism has been treated as a mass-consumption product. Not surprisingly, as it resonates with the dominating homo economicus mindset: feeding the perception that destinations exist solely for profit-driven exploitation. This mentality has fuelled the rise of overtourism, where excessive visitor numbers disrupt local identity, fragile ecosystems, and undermine community well-being. Et voilà: once-vibrant centres turn into open-air museums or disposable Instagram backdrops, stripping them of their essence and the needs of residents (especially youngsters and under-privileged) sidelined in favour of high-spending tourists. Or, traditional practices and products reduced to staged performances, rather than honoured as living heritage that sustain local economies and ecosystems.
We see this pattern repeated worldwide, and it is all but authentic — it is extractive. And the consequences are severe: gentrification, loss of cultural authenticity, displacement of local populations, environmental damage, and the hollowing out of entire economies when crises strike.
At Future Food Institute, we embrace a slower, more intentional way of traveling, rooted in seasonality, relationships, and deep cultural immersion.
Tourism as a Path to Inner & Outer Regeneration
True travel is not about distance — it is about depth. The most meaningful journeys are those that change us. Instead of asking, What can I take from this place?, the question becomes, How can I contribute to this place?
In Pollica, all of this is not a theory — it is a daily practice. Visitors don’t just learn about the Mediterranean Diet — they live it. They harvest ancient grains, engage with local fishers in sustainable marine practices, and participate in coastal ecosystem restoration. Visitors here are more than tourists: they are agents of change.
This philosophy is embodied in initiatives like:
Acciaroli and Pioppi, “Blue Flag” Coastal Villages (Borghi Bandiera Blu), where marine conservation and sustainable fishing are central to the experience. Visitors can learn traditional, low-impact techniques like menaica fishing, supporting both biodiversity and local livelihoods. Their Blue Flag status reflects a commitment to clean waters, responsible tourism, and environmental balance.
The “Path of the Lands of the Mediterranean Diet” (Cammino delle Terre della Dieta Mediterranea), a 141-kilometer route through Cilento, inviting travelers to experience Mediterranean life through food, landscapes, and traditions. Connecting Poseidonia/Paestum and Elea/Velia, it passes through villages (including Pollica), olive groves, and seaside spots, offering a genuine encounter with local culture, biodiversity, and sustainable living.
Albergo Diffuso: a hospitality model that revitalizes historic buildings while preserving community life. Instead of isolating tourists in hotels, it integrates them into the village, with stays in restored homes, local markets, and shared experiences. This approach supports the local economy, protects heritage, and keeps villages alive.
Pollica as a “Slow City” (Città Slow), where tourism respects the land and its rhythms. As part of the Cittaslow network, the town prioritizes quality over mass tourism, encouraging seasonal food, local craftsmanship, and a pace that fosters real connections.