In September 2022, the Fédération Internationale de Tourisme Equestre organized the first Rencontres Internationales du Tourisme Equestre in Silkeborg, Denmark, ahead of Euro'Meet, Europe's largest gathering of nature sports, bringing together some 20 participants from 9 different nations.
This year, FITE renewed the event in partnership with FITETREC-ANTE, the Italian federation of equestrian tourism, a member of FITE. The second Meeting was held on May 3 and 4, 2024, in Rome.
- Go to the FITETREC-ANTE website
Hosted by the Italian National Olympic Committee, this year's event brought together some thirty participants from Europe and beyond: Canada, China, Côte d'Ivoire, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK.
The first day was devoted to sharing projects and initiatives from different countries, as well as two round-table discussions on the following topics:
- Equestrian tourism: local development and agritourism
- Parks and routes: promoting national and international tourism
Several international, Danish and Italian equestrian routes were presented, as well as equestrian tourism projects within the Parco della Maremma in Italy and the Xurés Park between Spain and Portugal. There were also presentations on German and Italian projects to integrate equestrian tourism into the agricultural and agri-tourism sector.
In this Olympic year, the President of the Italian National Olympic Committee, Giovanni Malagò, who made an appearance at the event, was keen to emphasize the link between Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines, the shared values, and the significant growth potential of equestrian tourism in the future.
Frédéric Bouix, President of the FITE, closed the first day by expressing the hope that theis Meeting would benefit all those involved in equestrian tourism, reminding us that equestrian tourism activities meet society's needs for a connection with nature, culture and education. In the heart of Italy's Olympic headquarters, he renewed his wish for equestrian tourism to be universal, European and global.
On the second day, participants visited an equestrian tourism center and stud farm of Maremma horses, a breed used in the traditional Italian riding of the Butteri.
Photo ©FITETREC-ANTE
During the two-day event, participants had a rich exchange of views and ideas. Numerous avenues for collaboration and development were opened up, and a document summarizing these exchanges, intended for all those involved in equestrian tourism, will be circulated shortly.
