The world of catering in the Oltrepò Pavese is a fundamental pillar for the local economy, closely interwoven with the wine and food tradition and the enhancement of the territory.
In our area, catering is based on a solid interconnection with key sectors such as agriculture, viticulture, hospitality and tourism, creating a network of synergies that reinforces the economic importance of all the players involved. Restaurateurs source directly from local producers, enhancing the value of raw materials, while farmers and winegrowers find restaurants a privileged channel for promotion and sales.
At the same time, collaboration with the hotel and tourism sector is equally important. Food and wine tourism is a fast-growing segment and Oltrepò Pavese, with its enchanting landscapes and culinary tradition, is an increasingly popular destination. Restaurants play a central role in this dynamic, offering visitors gastronomic experiences linked to local flavours and traditions.
A landmark in the panorama of quality catering is represented by the Tavole Oltrepò association, which brings together restaurants committed to promoting food excellence, authenticity of flavours and respect for the local gastronomic culture. Tavole Oltrepò, together with the InOltre association, constitutes one of the three fundamental pillars for the development and promotion of the territory.
As proof of this commitment to the territory, Tavole Oltrepò took part in the TTG in Rimini, the most important Italian event dedicated to the promotion of tourism worldwide, in collaboration with InOltre and Colline & Oltre S.p.a.. The event offered a strategic showcase to present the excellence of Oltrepò Pavese to an international audience and to promote sustainable and quality tourism.
At the TTG event in Rimini, we had the pleasure of interviewing Giorgio Liberti, president of the Tavole Oltrepò association, to talk about the central role of catering in the Oltrepò Pavese region and the close connection between viticulture, the hotel sector and tourism.
Focus: In Rimini, together with Inoltre and Colline & Oltre, you had the opportunity to present the territory to an international audience. What were the main objectives of your participation?
Giorgio Liberti: Participation at the TTG in Rimini was an excellent opportunity to make Oltrepò Pavese, a territory that is still little explored, known. Our objective is to attract a type of traveller who really wants to discover the territory, not the ‘hit and run’ tourist who stays only a few hours. We are interested in a traveller who stays for several days, visits farms, immerses himself in the traditions and life of the place. This is the type of tourism that can bring concrete and lasting benefits to our territory, creating a deeper bond with those who visit us.
Focus: You have often mentioned the distinction between tourist and traveller. Why is it so important for you to focus on extended-stay tourism?
Giorgio Liberti: The hit-and-run tourist, who limits himself to a quick visit, leaves little to the territory, while the traveller, who stays a few days, has the opportunity to explore Oltrepò Pavese in depth. This type of visitor is interested in our heritage, visits the farms, stays in the area‘s hotels, and of course eats in our restaurants. The traveller is more inclined to come into contact with the local culture, to discover the biodiversity of the area, including gastronomic biodiversity, and to return home with a complete experience. This is the type of tourism we wish to encourage.
Focus: Tavole Oltrepò represents a very diverse group of restaurants. Can you tell us more about the ‘biodiversity’ that characterises your culinary offer?
Giorgio Liberti: One of the most fascinating aspects of the Oltrepò Pavese is its biodiversity, which is also reflected in the cuisine. Within our association, we have restaurants that cover very different territories, from Val Versa to Valle Staffora, and each of these areas has its own gastronomic traditions. What we find in a restaurant in the Versa Valley, for example, will be different from what can be tasted in the Staffora Valley, precisely because each valley has its own specificities. However, what all our restaurants have in common is a commitment to high quality service and a strong connection with the territory. This diversity of flavours and dishes, linked to the variety of the territory, is one of our strengths.
Focus: Looking to the future, what are the prospects for catering in the Oltrepò Pavese and for the Tavole Oltrepò association?
Giorgio Liberti: The outlook is very positive. We believe that, by continuing to work in synergy with the other sectors - viticulture, agriculture, hotels, and tourism - we can achieve great results. Participation in events such as the TTG in Rimini allows us to make Oltrepò Pavese better known, creating new development opportunities. Our goal is to maintain a high quality of service, enhancing the biodiversity of the area and growing sustainable tourism that respects and loves our land. With these foundations, I am sure we can reap excellent rewards.
