It was late in the evening, when a friend of mine texted to me about the application of Action Synergy, regarding the CulTY project in Vietnam. Firstly, I said to myself there is no way for me to be selected, the chances are not in favor of me. In the end, actually, I got selected and I feel grateful about the unforgettable experience I lived in Vietnam.
Embarking on the plane to Ghana, all we could assume for the long-expected trip was a week packed in images of women balancing large baskets of goods on the top of their head, cute babies with African braids tied on their shoulders with colorful fabric strips, vendors on a beautiful chaos that proves Gaudi an amateur when it comes to architecture and world-class marketers just schoolboys with much to learn from “informal trade methods”. And all those between speeches, workshops, exciting sessions and a bunch of photos through our pinkish glasses.
Tourism seminar in Ghana with the participation of young people from Greece, Italy, Romania and Capo Verde. This title was so attractive that I couldn’t resist – and I didn’t want either! – to the chance of participating. When I received the amazing news that I got approved to join this project, it was really the beginning of the amazing experience that I will never forget.
I’ve heard about the CulTY project through a friend who convinced me to participate. “You studied culture and you work in the touristic section, you are the ideal candidate for this project” he said. I was triggered. I started gathering my ideas, giving form to my presentation, biting my nails to see if I got accepted.
My participation in the first meeting of the project CulTY in Castellammare di Stabia is an experience that I treasure dearly.
Being a tourism manager, I had the opportunity to broaden my perceptions and knowledge on alternative cultural tourism. On one had my participation in the project was the trigger to study in greater depth the alternative cultural tourism sector of my region (Meteora) and come in touch with the local professionals who are involved in it. On the other hand, attending the presentation of the other speakers gave me a wider scope on the subject. How alternative cultural tourism is perceived in other countries and what is its impact in those other communities.
