Veneto has never had problems from a tourism point of view: cities like Venice , Verona or Vicenza are often the protagonists of medium-long trips and weekends by Italians and foreigners, not to mention the Venetian shore of Lake Garda , with its attractions, the Prosecco hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the plateaus of Asiago, Monte Grappa and Cortina d'Ampezzo , are all fascinating destinations capable of combining the charm of nature with the human and historical heritage of the region.
On the other hand, mass tourism, especially in high season, often prevents these regions from remaining intact and authentic, increasingly pushing them towards commodification for the sake of tourism. Every true traveler knows, however, that traveling is something entirely different: it means respect for the land, discovery, and above all, authenticity.
Every year on September 27th , the world celebrates International Tourism Day . It's a precious opportunity to reflect not only on the economic value of this sector, but also on its cultural, environmental, and social impact. In this international context, Veneto presents itself as an ideal laboratory for rediscovering a more authentic form of tourism , far from the hit-and-run mentality and embracing instead slowness, sustainability, and awareness.
The Veneto to be rediscovered
Veneto Venice with its canals, Verona with its Arena and the evocative tales of Romeo and Juliet, Vicenza and Palladio's masterpieces, Padua and its 14th-century paintings. But stopping at these images would be reductive.
Veneto holds a mosaic of lesser-known treasures that, precisely because they're less well-known and therefore less crowded, reveal the region's authentic soul. Villages like Marostica , where time seems to pass more slowly, and the Prosecco Hills, which aren't just a photogenic landscape but an experience to be enjoyed with all the senses: walking among the rows of vines, listening to farmers' stories, and participating in a local event. And then there are the Belluno Dolomites , with their winter sports, picture-perfect views, and welcoming mountain huts where you can savor traditional dishes and listen to the stories of the mountain communities.
The meaning of slow tourism
Globalization has made tourism a mass phenomenon, sometimes homogenizing experiences and places. However, in recent years, a new sensibility has emerged: that of slow tourism . Today, those who decide to travel do so to escape from everyday consumerism, preferring to savor slow and memorable moments, live memorable experiences , and find true and authentic opportunities. It's not about seeing less, but about experiencing more. It's about slowly savoring every detail, making room for encounters with local people and traditions, and allowing the journey to transform us.
In Veneto this philosophy finds fertile ground with its many attractions and places to discover , but above all experiences to be enjoyed such as excursions along the Po Delta , a tour of the taverns and bars of Padua, a trip to the Berici Hills near Vicenza , or a walk on the Venetian shore of Lake Garda.
Being able to wake up in the morning in the city center, go out into the streets and chat with shopkeepers and locals, discover hidden corners of the city, its stories, and secrets —these are the emotions that only a true traveler can experience. An authentic journey is one that leaves a positive impression on the traveler, who returns home enriched, and on the region, which sees its traditions enhanced rather than distorted.
Veneto, symbol of a new tourism
Celebrating International Tourism Day in Veneto means choosing to look beyond the obvious routes and stop to observe the nuances, respect the fragility of places, and contribute to a tourism that does not consume but preserves .
In an age dominated by speed, Veneto invites us to indulge in a now-overlooked luxury: slowness . With its millennia-old history and vibrant landscapes, Veneto teaches us that traveling slowly isn't a waste of time, but rather a gain in experience—a valuable lesson to take home.
International Tourism Day can be an opportunity to reflect on these issues and rethink your travel habits: by choosing to book one of our independent apartments for your short trips, you can rediscover these well-known destinations and discover a different side of travel—one that's more authentic, experiential, and authentic.
