The GMT™ Halaesa Nebrodi present at the BTE in Palermo
A great opportunity for the GMT™ Halaesa Nebrodi project, for the territory where it operates, and for the communities it represents
Halaesa Nebrodi 03/11/2025 0
The "Halaesa Nebrodi" project lands at the BTE in Palermo: a model for the regeneration of inland areas
The GMT™ Halaesa Nebrodi, launched just two years ago, is preparing for a significant milestone and on November 15th and 16th, it will be a protagonist at the BTE – Borsa del Turismo Extralberghiero (Non-Hotel Accommodation Tourism Exchange) in Palermo, a key event for the sector that will be held at the Cruise Terminal.
Reaching this important stage has not been easy. Its success is the result of the enthusiasm of local operators and the fundamental economic contribution of two sensitive and motivated sponsors: Mammana Group and Azienda Sacco Franca. Thanks to this synergy, the Territory will be present through an integrated tourism proposal, the result of the valuable scouting, organization, and coordination work carried out by the CTT™ of Halaesa Nebrodi.
The BTE: A Benchmark for Tourism Sustainability
Now in its 9th edition, the BTE – Borsa del Turismo Extralberghiero is organized by Confesercenti Sicilia with the patronage and collaboration of important institutions, including the Region of Sicily – Department of Tourism, Sport and Entertainment, the City of Palermo, the Metropolitan City of Palermo, and OTIE (Observatory of Tourism in the European Islands).
The event has consolidated its leadership in central-southern Italy, best interpreting the needs of those promoting tourism sustainability, with a particular focus on inland areas and territories less frequented by traditional tourist routes. The BTE acts as a crucial link between accommodation facilities, tour operators, travel agencies, experience promoters, and travelers. For the GMT™ Halaesa Nebrodi, participation in this Exchange therefore represents a natural and important point of arrival.
An Intensive Journey to Build the Tourist Destination
The GMT™ Halaesa Nebrodi intended, from the outset, to create and strengthen its brand as an authentic Tourist Destination. The journey has been intense and full of fundamental stages:
-
January 26, 2024: Official presentation of the project in Mistretta during the Sicilian stage of the Gran Tour dell’Ospitalità organized by Territori e Italianità, a community of professionals conceived and coordinated nationally and internationally by Andrea Succi with the aim of promoting the Cultural and Tourism Regeneration of inland areas.
-
April 29, 2024: Presentation of the official website www.halaesanebrodi.it in Castel di Tusa.
-
September 21, 2024: Meeting in Castel di Lucio, during which an Action Plan was proposed to the Mayors of the Territory.
-
Spring 2025: Publication of the first Tourist Products Catalogue in collaboration with the Tour Operator Aura Mundi by Katia Mastroeni.
This work has been constantly supported by an active presence on social media channels (Facebook and Instagram), with the production of professional content thanks to the valuable collaboration of Living Sikelia and Il mondo attraverso di Salvatore Marra.
Halaesa Nebrodi: Between B2B, Exhibition Space, and Seminars
The constant commitment of over twenty Operators and the work of the CTT™ – Territorial Tourism Coordinator now converge in the participation in the BTE in Palermo, where the Halaesa Nebrodi project will be present in full form:
-
A dedicated exhibition space to meet visitors and industry professionals.
-
Access to the B2B area, essential for initiating commercial relationships with national and foreign tour operators.
-
An active presence with a speak during the seminar Strumenti bottom-up per competere (Bottom-up Tools for Competing), scheduled for Saturday the 15th at 5:30 PM. The experience of Halaesa Nebrodi will be presented as a concrete model for the regeneration of inland areas.
During the event, a promotional video of the project, created by Emanuele Torre of Torre Films, will also be presented.
A Future for Inland Areas
In un'epoca in cui le destinazioni tradizionali soffrono di overtourism, le vaste aree interne – custodi di un patrimonio materiale e immateriale di immenso valore – necessitano di modelli organizzativi efficaci. Il modello GMT™ è la risposta a una domanda turistica sempre più orientata all'esperienza autentica e al contatto intimo con le Persone e il Territorio. È un modello replicabile che intendiamo proporre su scala regionale, rafforzato dall'esperienza maturata nel nostro territorio e che può trovare ulteriore e reciproco impulso da future sinergie.
Gli anni a venire saranno cruciali per tracciare la rotta futura delle splendide comunità coinvolte.
“Viaggiare è aggiungere vita alla vita.” – Gesualdo Bufalino
You may also like...
Halaesa Nebrodi 23/06/2025
Castel di Lucio remembers its origins with Medievalia
The event, which will be held on June 29th in Castel di Lucio, is organized by the Cultural Associations BCsicilia and Il Filo di Arianna, as partners for the implementation of the "Attractiveness of Historic Villages" intervention. This initiative falls within the framework of cultural and social regeneration of small historic villages, and is funded under the PNRR by the European Union – NextGenerationEU. The overall intervention, which will simultaneously involve three municipalities, is called "COAST AND ALESINE VALLEYS: AN ITINERARY TO REDISCOVER THE VILLAGES OF CASTEL DI LUCIO, MOTTA D'AFFERMO, AND PETTINEO."
The event is configured as a medieval-themed day, structured in various entertainment phases. The program includes a historical re-enactment focused on the Ventimiglia era, with a costumed procession winding through the historic center of Castel di Lucio, culminating at the ruins of the Ventimigliano Castle.
Concurrently with the event, the traditional "Sagra de Favi Squadati" (Festival of Broad Beans), organized by Pro Loco Castel di Lucio, will take place, integrated into the medieval thematic context of the event.
Here is the program for MEDIEVALIA Historical Re-enactment JUNE 29, 2025 CASTEL DI LUCIO (ME)
5:00 PM - PIAZZA UMBERTO I
- Opening of the medieval village
- Archery camp
- Snake exhibition
- Birds of prey exhibition with flight demonstrations
- Entry of flag-wavers and musicians from the city of Caccamo, medieval musicians for the village by the Magma group.
- Exhibition of artisan works and display
6:00 PM - PIAZZA UMBERTO I
- Archery tournament
6:30 PM - VIA GARIBALDI
- Start of the parade with the historical procession of the Ventimiglia, flag-wavers, archers, and musicians, passing through Porta della Terra
VIA ROMA
- Medieval fire show
CASTLE SQUARE
- Flag-wavers show
- Historical Re-enactment
8:30 PM - VIA DANTE
- "Favi Squadati" tasting by Pro Loco
9:30 PM - CASTLE SQUARE
- Medieval juggling by the Magma group
Halaesa Nebrodi 13/05/2026
Agri Med Europe in Santo Stefano di Camastra
Agri Med Europe: Santo Stefano di Camastra becomes the beating heart of the Mediterranean between Politics, Excellence, and Identity
SANTO STEFANO DI CAMASTRA – On June 13th, Sicily is set to experience a day of extraordinary strategic importance. Santo Stefano di Camastra, known worldwide as the "City of Ceramics," will host Agri Med Europe, an event that aims to create an original synthesis between high-profile institutional moments and the promotion of the agri-food and cultural heritage of the Nebrodi territory.
The initiative was established under the aegis of MEP Giuseppe Antoci, President of the Political Commission of the DMED for the European Parliament. The stated objective is clear: to strengthen Sicily's centrality within the commercial, cultural, and political routes of the Mediterranean, highlighting local identity as a driver for development.
The institutional path: from Palazzo dei Normanni to the Nebrodi
The day will begin at 10:30 AM in the historic heart of Palermo. Political delegations from 42 Mediterranean countries will be welcomed at Palazzo dei Normanni, where they will visit the Palatine Chapel, a symbol of the fusion between Arab and Norman cultures.
After a moment dedicated to tasting the island's gastronomic excellence, the core proceedings will begin at 1:00 PM in the Sala d’Ercole. Here, the Political Commission of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean, chaired by Hon. Antoci, will meet for a discussion on economic and political strategies destined to influence the entire Mediterranean basin.
Arrival in Santo Stefano and the role of GMT™ Halaesa Nebrodi
In the afternoon, the focus of the event will shift to Santo Stefano di Camastra. At 4:00 PM, the conference "What is needed from Europe to support agricultural producers" will offer a platform for dialogue between institutions and local businesses, aimed at guiding the growth of agricultural companies in line with European directives.
At 4:45 PM, the arrival of international delegations will mark the official inauguration of Agri Med Europe and its exhibition spaces. Within this area, a fundamental presence will be that of GMT™ Halaesa Nebrodi, which will actively participate with its operators. The district will act as a key interlocutor to illustrate a productive heritage that is not just about economy, but about the active protection of biodiversity and food and wine traditions.
An immersion in agri-food excellence
The absolute protagonist of the exhibition spaces will be the Nebrodi territory, represented by a rigorous selection of products including:
-
Ancient varieties of Sicilian durum wheat;
-
Provola dei Nebrodi, Capizzi Truffles, and renowned I.G.P. and De.Co. products;
-
Prestigious Slow Food Presidia, among which the Nebrodi Black Pig stands out.
Through targeted tastings, these excellences will act as true "ambassadors" of the rural and cultural soul of the region, offering visitors an authentic and engaging experience.
Art, Folklore, and Tradition: a city in celebration
Agri Med Europe will also represent an important opportunity to showcase arts and traditions. The event will highlight high craftsmanship with the master potters of Santo Stefano, who will create works live, witnessing knowledge handed down for generations.
From 7:00 PM, the historic center will transform into an open-air theater:
-
In Piazza Matrice, the evocative performances of the Giants of Mistretta and the charm of the Jews of San Fratello, famous for their embroidered jackets and trumpet sounds linked to Holy Week rites.
-
Along Via Umberto I and the Viale delle Palme, the songs and dances of the Amastra Folk Group and musical performances by the Santa Cecilia Musical Association.
-
Traveling shows, live bands, and DJ sets will animate the evening until late at night.
The event will conclude at 7:45 PM with a Gala Dinner at the prestigious setting of Palazzo Trabia, sealing a day dedicated to building new Mediterranean synergies and promoting Sicilian territorial identity.
Riccardo Zingone 17/09/2026
In Vino Salus in Lascari: a Glass of Wine Tells the Story of the Madonie
Wine as a product of the land, but also as a way to discover and tell the story of a territory. This was the central theme of “In Vino Salus”, the event held on 16 September at La Pirrera Urban Park in Lascari, promoted by the Municipality of Lascari and organised by the Pro Loco of Lascari, the Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori delle Madonie sul percorso della Targa Florio and ONAV Enna – Nicosia branch.
The choice of La Pirrera added a special atmosphere to the evening. Lascari’s ancient tuff quarry, characterised by cavities and tunnels created by quarrying activities and now restored as an urban, cultural and environmental space, is itself a testament to the relationship between people and the land. It was therefore a particularly fitting setting in which to talk about wine, landscape and identity.
The Pro Loco of Lascari, which has long been committed to promoting the local community, its traditions and cultural and tourism initiatives, contributed to organising an event that attracted a large audience and transformed the tasting into an opportunity to discover the territory.
Four wineries, four expressions of the land
Four wineries took centre stage during the tasting.
Abbazia Santa Anastasia, based in Castelbuono and committed to organic and biodynamic production, includes among its labels Passomaggio, Montenero and Litra, the latter made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon.
Castellucci Miano, from Valledolmo, cultivates mountain vineyards located between 700 and 1,050 metres above sea level, with a particular focus on Catarratto and Perricone. Its wines include Miano, Shiarà, Perric.One, Maravita, Miano Brut and Nero d’Avola.
Tasca d’Almerita – Tenuta Regaleali, in the Sclafani Bagni area, is one of Sicily’s historic wine estates. Among the estate’s iconic labels are Rosso del Conte, originating from the San Lucio vineyard, and Nozze d’Oro, a white wine made from Inzolia and Sauvignon Tasca.
Finally, Tenuta San Giaime, in Gangi, represents the high-altitude viticulture of the Madonie. Its wines include S’23 Syrah, G’25 Grillo, N’22 Pinot Noir, M’22 Nerello Mascalese and P’22 Perricone, as well as Maqarat.
Four wineries with different histories, altitudes, grape varieties and production philosophies, united by their ability to express in every glass the distinctive character of the places where their vines are grown.
Salvatore Burrafato: tasting wine means tasting the territory
The event was opened by Salvatore Burrafato, an ONAV wine taster, who guided the audience through a journey of conscious wine tasting.
At the heart of his presentation was the inseparable connection between wine and terroir. Every wine is born from the interaction of four fundamental elements: soil, climate and microclimate, grape variety and human intervention.
Wine, therefore, is not simply the result of a production process; it is an expression of the place where it originates. Change the soil, altitude, exposure or microclimate, and the same grape variety can reveal a completely different character.
It was from this perspective that Burrafato invited the audience to experience the evening’s tasting: through those wines, in a sense, we were tasting the Madonie themselves.
The Wine Route begins again: from product to journey
This same vision was at the heart of the contribution by Salvatore Cicco, from Tenuta San Giaime and President of the Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori delle Madonie sul percorso della Targa Florio.
With a history spanning around twenty years, the association resumed its activities in 2026 after a period of inactivity. This new beginning has the potential to be significant not only for the wine sector, but for the entire tourism system of the Madonie.
A Wine Route reaches its full potential when it succeeds in transforming a collection of outstanding local products into a genuine travel itinerary.
A winery then becomes one stop on a broader journey encompassing restaurants, traditional products, accommodation, landscapes, cultural heritage, local towns and communities. A wine tasting can be combined with a walk through the vineyards, a meeting with the producer, a lunch inspired by local cuisine or the discovery of places that are usually outside the traditional tourist routes.
And this is where the Targa Florio can become an extraordinary distinguishing feature.
The roads on which one of the world’s most celebrated motor races was born can become the narrative thread through which travellers explore the Madonie and encounter their wines, flavours and communities.
No longer three separate elements, but one story: Wine, Food and the Targa Florio.
The revival of the Wine Route can therefore help create a distinctive and marketable tourism offer, connecting wine producers, restaurateurs, accommodation providers, tourism operators and local authorities. Above all, it can encourage visitors to travel through the territory rather than limiting their experience to a single destination.
This perspective is particularly relevant for inland areas, where experiential tourism can encourage longer stays and help distribute visitor flows towards places and businesses that would otherwise struggle to reach tourism markets independently.
From the Madonie towards Nicosia and the western Nebrodi
This vision can also extend beyond the geographical boundaries of the Madonie themselves.
The collaboration with ONAV Enna – Nicosia branch points towards an interesting connection with Sicily’s inland areas and the western Nebrodi.
Nicosia can serve as a natural bridge between territories that share mountain landscapes, agricultural and food traditions, local heritage and a common need to develop an integrated tourism offer.
After all, administrative boundaries matter little to travellers. What matters are the experiences, the roads they travel and the stories a territory is able to tell.
A greeting from Totò Riolo and the music of the Quartetto Florio
One particularly enjoyable moment came with a phone call from Totò Riolo, the racing driver from Cerda with deep ties to the Targa Florio and an eleven-time winner of the historic competition, who was unable to attend the evening in person.
At the end of his greeting, Riolo good-naturedly reminded the audience to drink in moderation, inevitably bringing a smile to those who were, at that very moment, taking part in an event dedicated to discovering and appreciating wine.
The evening was accompanied by the music of the Quartetto Florio, a Sicilian string quartet whose repertoire ranges from classical music to contemporary interpretations of famous pop and rock songs.
In Vino Salus showed how a wine tasting can become something more: an opportunity to tell the story of a landscape, its products and its history.
And perhaps this is precisely the challenge facing the renewed Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori delle Madonie sul percorso della Targa Florio: to ensure that behind every bottle visitors discover a place — and that, once they have discovered that place, they feel inspired to set out on a journey to experience it for themselves.
Because behind every wine there is a territory.
And that evening, at La Pirrera in Lascari, the Madonie were in the glass.
