Tourism and agriculture: New alliances for South Tyrol's future!

Tourism and agriculture: New alliances for South Tyrol's future!

In 2025, IDM Südtirol's “Visit to Pioneers” event series will take place, which aims to bring together innovative model companies from agriculture and tourism. The series kicked off in the Seiser Alm Dolomite region and focuses on successful collaborations and new partnerships between these two important sectors of the region. Klemens Villgrattner, a grain farmer, reported on a joint project with the Tratter bakery and the Hotel Cyprianerhof. The focus is on regional grain, short delivery routes and conscious communication. The series of events is supported by partners such as the South Tyrolean Farmers' Association, HGV and the Chefs' Association.

Veronika Stampfer, a committed organic farmer from the Stampferhof in Völser Aicha, emphasizes the importance of species-appropriate animal husbandry and transparency when it comes to South Tyrolean bacon. The culinary conclusion of the event took place with top chef Marc Oberhofer in Castelrotto, where regional organic ingredients were combined with Japanese sophistication. Further dates in the series of events are planned for autumn 2025 in order to strengthen local cycles and revitalize the connection between agriculture and tourism.

Regional projects and initiatives

The “Visiting Pioneers” initiative is part of a larger trend towards sustainable and regional enjoyment. The platform for regional products in South Tyrol promotes projects such as the Bio Fair Südtirol, the Eggental Taste Local and Farm to Table, which strengthen the connection between farmers and the region's top chefs. The Höfe Trail, a family-friendly hiking trail with farm experiences, is also evidence of the integration of agriculture into the leisure sector.

With projects such as “Lokal, Fair & G'Sund für Alle” and “Kaiser.kulinarik”, attention is paid to the quality and origin of the food. The area of ​​education is further promoted through initiatives such as the Alm School, which takes care of the preservation of alpine pastures and mountain pastures. Sustainability is emphasized through various offers such as the “Adopt a Cow” campaign and the “MMape – The Bee Museum”, which increase visibility and appreciation for agriculture.

Strengthening cooperation between agriculture and tourism

A central concern is the establishment of a self-sufficient economic cycle between the farm and the hotel. The project shows concrete measures to promote regional products and their marketing. The collaboration between Seilbahn Komperdell GmbH and the Serfaus farmers in livestock and cheese production is another example of how synergies can be created between agriculture and tourism. In addition, pleasure routes and cycle paths are being developed that emphasize local specialties, such as the Terlan asparagus season or the AlMeleto journey into the heart of the Nonstal apple.

The combination of traditional crafts and modern gastronomy provides a variety of opportunities to strengthen regional identity. The commitment of South Tyrolean farmers and the promotion of regional own brands: “Our treasures” show how important it is to create awareness of local products and support their enjoyment.