Five Australian travel industry representatives have travelled to Southern Italy for ROOTS-IN 2026, as the Italian National Tourist Board (ENIT) works to deepen ties between the Australian trade and Italy’s roots and heritage tourism sector.
Held in Matera, in the Basilicata region, on 10 and 11 November, the fifth International Fair of Origin Tourism drew 55 international buyers from six countries – Australia, the US, Canada, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico. They met 120 Italian sellers, with a focus on the country’s southern regions.
The Australian delegation comprised Jeremy Heerde from Bunnik Tours, Carla Carmen Vassallo from Elite Events & Travel Group, Mario Vitellone from Pronto Travel, Aaron Bradley Rear from Bonaventure Travel and Concettina Rosemarie Polimeni from Mondo Escapes.
The event is organised by the Basilicata Region through its Territorial Promotion Agency (APT), in collaboration with ENIT. It gives international operators a platform to build relationships with Italian suppliers and develop tailored itineraries for travellers looking to reconnect with their Italian heritage.
Buyers and media also joined pre-event famils from 7 to 12 November, taking in Matera, Melfi, Lagopesole and Barile. Matera is known for its ancient Sassi cave dwellings, while the other stops showcased Basilicata’s historic towns, architecture and local traditions.
Roots tourism is being positioned as an opportunity for regions beyond Italy’s traditional hotspots. By drawing visitors to ancestral villages, local communities and family histories, the sector also supports regional dispersal and year-round travel.
For Australian operators, the fair offers insight into building itineraries for travellers with Italian ancestry who are seeking more personalised experiences.
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