Recently, a unique form of tourism has begun to thrive—Roots Tourism, known as “ancestral tourism” or “homecoming travel.” This form of travel is deeply personal, offering a gateway for those of Italian descent to reconnect with their ancestral heritage, family traditions, and personal histories. Italy, with its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and enduring history, provides the perfect backdrop for descendants of Italian emigrants seeking to explore their roots and rediscover the land of their forebears.
What is Roots Tourism?
Roots tourism caters explicitly to individuals looking to explore the places tied to their family’s origins. It often involves travellers visiting the villages or towns where their ancestors lived, tracing family records, or meeting distant relatives. Italy’s historical significance as one of the world’s leading emigration nations makes it a hotspot for such journeys of self-discovery.
This trend mainly aims at second, third, and fourth generations of Italian descendants scattered across the globe. With more than 80 million people of Italian descent worldwide—many of whom are in the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Australia—roots tourism is a key to boosting travel to lesser-known areas of Italy.
Emigration Waves and Their Legacy
Millions of Italians left the country between the late 19th and early 20th centuries to seek better economic opportunities abroad. Many emigrants came from Italy’s southern regions, such as Campania, Calabria, Puglia, and Sicily, leaving behind small villages and close-knit communities.
The descendants of these emigrants now seek to reconnect with their family heritage, and their interest in doing so has sparked a wave of tourism focused on Italy’s inner regions and smaller towns. These areas, often overlooked by traditional tourists, are now opening their doors to a new type of traveller, those seeking family connections and a deeper understanding of their cultural roots.
Rediscovering Small Villages and Inner Regions
While many international tourists flock to major cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence, Italy’s hidden gems lie in its inner regions. These include quaint villages, rolling countryside, and locations untouched by the throngs of mass tourism. Roots tourism offers the opportunity to experience a more authentic side of Italy, one filled with genuine hospitality, local traditions, and rural beauty.
Some of the best destinations for roots tourism include:
- Abruzzo: Known for its picturesque mountains and ancient medieval towns, Abruzzo offers a peaceful and scenic backdrop for those searching for their family roots.
- Molise: This small and often forgotten region is full of historical charm, with its quaint villages and rich history. It is the perfect place for travellers to trace their ancestors’ footsteps.
- Basilicata: Home to the famous city of Matera, this region is increasingly popular among tourists. However, its small villages and untouched landscapes make it ideal for ancestral discovery.
- Calabria and Sicily: Both regions saw many emigrants leaving for the Americas, Canada and Australia. Travellers returning to these regions for roots tourism are often greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, surrounded by breathtaking coastlines and ancient traditions.
Beyond Sightseeing: The Personal Journey
Roots tourism is more than just sightseeing; it is an emotional and personal journey. Travellers often seek out the archives of local churches or town halls to dig into family records and genealogical data. They may discover long-lost relatives, visit ancestral homes, or participate in local festivals and customs passed down for generations. The experience often transcends a simple vacation—it becomes a reconnection with family and a revival of forgotten stories.
Many small Italian villages, which have faced depopulation and economic challenges, are now benefiting from the growing popularity of roots tourism. The influx of descendants seeking to connect with their family history brings new life to these regions, providing an economic boost to local businesses such as restaurants, agriturismos (farm stays), local artisans, and tour operators.
How Roots Tourism Benefits Italy’s Lesser Known Destinations
Roots tourism represents a critical opportunity to promote tourism in minor destinations, places often bypassed by international tourists. While the country’s major cities will always be popular, Italy’s small villages and inner regions offer a wealth of culture, history, and beauty. Roots tourism encourages visitors to explore these hidden gems, spreading the benefits of tourism beyond the typical tourist hotspots.
Several regions have launched initiatives to support and promote roots tourism, including creating ancestral travel packages, developing resources for genealogical research, and improving infrastructure in lesser known areas.
A Journey of Heart and Heritage
Whether meeting distant relatives in a remote village, walking the same streets as one’s great-grandparents, or enjoying a traditional Italian meal in the family’s hometown, roots tourism offers an incredibly fulfilling and emotional experience. It allows travellers to rediscover their cultural identity while exploring Italy more intimately and meaningfully.
In a time when many people are eager to reconnect with their heritage and explore their family histories, roots tourism is a growing trend that enriches the traveller’s experience and provides a crucial boost to the local economy of Italy’s smaller, rural destinations. With Italy’s rich cultural tapestry and a deep sense of tradition, it is no wonder that so many descendants are drawn back to the land of their ancestors.
If you have Italian roots and want to embark on a journey beyond the tourist brochures, Italy’s inner regions and small villages await you. The Italian Travel Bureau will prepare programs to help you see another Italy, where the past meets the present and personal history comes alive.
