Governor Toti: “Oliveti Aperti paves the way of Ligurian sustainable tourism”

On 15^th-16^th June members of the PDO Riviera Ligure EVO Protection Consortium launch an event-packed initiative

32 members of the PDO Riviera Ligure EVO Protection Consortium are the protagonists of “Oliveti Aperti”, a national initiative designed by the Protection Consortium itself in cooperation with the Qualivita Foundation and the support of Regione Liguria.

Ligurian olive growing embarks on a new storytelling adventure based on the figures of the Consortium: nearly 600 members, a total 740,762 olive trees as well as 2,750 hectares. This original cultural project leads tourists through the discovery of ancient rural landscapes, both along the Riviera and the entroterra: a rich programme opens the doors of member businesses – tastings, walks, cooking classes, cultural events, not to forget about concerts and workshop dedicated to the art of dry stone walls (featuring in Unesco World Heritage List since 2018). In Recco, even PGI Focaccia di Recco col formaggio will be garnished with a drizzle of PDO Riviera Ligure EVO.

The aim of the initiative is twofold: on the one hand, the creation of synergies al local level to foster the design of integrated tourism offers; on the other hand, the promotion of olive growing traditions as strongholds of environmental protection and providers of an ingredient rich in healthy properties.

On Saturday 15^th Imperia is to host the finals of the “Young Chefs and PDO Riviera Ligure EVO” contest, dedicated to the talented students of Northern Italy hotel schools (2,500 students and more than 30,000 social media users).

Lastly, the “Oliveti Aperti Experience” includes a 2-day press tour lead by Patrizio Roversi.

QUOTES

Giovanni Toti, President of Regione Liguria

“EVO is one of the symbols of Liguria, the heart of our gastronomy and the main ingredient of pesto and focaccia. The link between territories and their excellences is a key asset for sustainable tourism, the fittest approach to promote our beaches and our dishes (the heralds of places and traditions)”.

Carlo Siffredi, President of the PDO Riviera Ligure EVO Protection Consortium

“Recognized as part of Unesco World Heritage List, the art of dry stone walls exemplifies the role of olive growing in Liguria – it is the tangible evidence of the passion and commitment deployed by PDO Riviera Ligure EVO producers. “Oliveti Aperti” is a challenge we have launched to raise the awareness of the several opportunities for all-year-round incoming activities”.

Mauro Rosati, General Manager of the Qualivita Foundation

As an organisation that promotes the system of Geographical Indications in Italy and abroad we deem the development of the EVO sector essential as an icon of both Made in Italy and the Mediterranean Diet. Furthermore, this is the track to follow in order to achieve the performances of other sectors (from wine to cheese) and to educate consumers”.

Communication Department – Qualivita Foundation