In times of conflict and new divisions, the IT.A.CÀ 2026 Festival chooses “Geographies of Peace” and invites a responsible journey throughout Italy, between encounters and discovery of elsewhere. Ecobnb is a media partner this year, too.
In an age of walls and borders, there is a festival that every year chooses to do the exact opposite. This is to draw geographies of peace throughout travel. It is not a type of travel that consumes places, but that passes through them sustainably and responsibly, with care and respect.
IT.A.CÀ – Migrants and Travelers is the Responsible Tourism Festival that, since 2009, has aimed to support and promote this way of traveling. It was born from the idea of creating innovative and positive relationships between locals and travelers. Furthermore, this festival has also been recognized by UNWTO (UN World Tourism Organization) for excellence and innovation in tourism. The name is a play of words between the island of Ulysses (the legendary traveler of Mediterranean culture) and the Bolognese expression “it.a.cà” – are you home? – to symbolize travel and hospitality.
It is a tourism festival that takes place from June to October in various Italian regions. This year, there are 16 stops, from the small villages in the Apennines to nature reserves in Trentino. Find out where the festival will stop to learn how to become a conscious traveler, rather than a consumer tourist.
Geographies of Peace: the leitmotif in 2026
In a historical context marked by barriers, borders, and migration crises, IT.A.CÀ 2026 chooses to celebrate tourism as a means of encounter, dialogue, and exchange, which can create “Geographies of Peace”.
What does this mean? It has precisely to do with the value and potential of tourism as a practice that brings social and environmental justice. Travel does not mean, first of all, consuming territories and excluding local communities, but taking care of both.
Furthermore, travel highlights the contrast between moving by choice and moving by necessity. The festival invites reflection on the right to human mobility, creating a bridge between migrants and travelers.
Traveling consequently becomes preparing for welcoming others, listening to differences, and recognizing limits as values. In this way, open and inclusive communities can be created.
“Dialogue ist the only way to live with difference” Zygmunt Bauman
Traveling through Italy: Some must-see stops
This year, IT.A.CÀ Festival – Migrants and Travelers spreads itself over 16 stops across 8 Italian regions. From June 21st, the opening day, until the end of October, it will be possible to discover the art of responsible tourism from north to south, through paths, villages, and nature.
Here are some must-see stops:
- Panaro Valley – Emilia Romagna: June 21st to September 6th
After the festival’s inauguration with a walk along the Panaro River Park dedicated to peace and dialogue, the exploration will continue with events held throughout the summer between Castelvetro and Spilamberto, to reflect on accessibility and the right to travel. - Ledro Valley – Trentino Alto Adige: July 3rd to August 1st
In homage to pacifist and ecologist Alexander Langer, this Trentino stop will feature an exhibition of drawings by children from Ukraine and Palestine. It will also be possible to undertake various trekkings, as well as participate in conferences on landscape and peace. - Valnerina and Spoletana Valley – Umbria: August 7th to August 23rd
On the theme of man and nature, following in the footsteps of Saint Francis, this stop promotes integral ecology and the adoption of the “Traveler’s Charter”, which translates the principles of “Laudato si” into concrete actions of environmental and social respect.
To discover all the stops, consult the festival website.
A network of people, community, and green connections
IT.A.CÀ unites a network of 700 local and national organizations, including associations, social cooperatives, and environmental guides. In fact, the festival values the economy and small local producers, to promote ethical, responsible, and sustainable practices.
Obviously, there are also many national alliances, such as AITR (Italian Responsible Tourism Association), Legambiente, the Association of Authentic Villages in Italy, and AMODO (Sweet Mobility Alliance). Ecobnb is a media partner of the Festival, while among the main partners is Banca Etica, which supports a clean and transparent economy.
In addition, the festival also promotes accessibility and ecology. The website is accessible to people with visual and motor disabilities, and all initiatives are designed to minimize the ecological footprint.
Ready to go? Join the IT.A.CÀ journey
Through its rich program of events, IT.A.CÀ invites you to look at Italy and the entire world through responsible tourism. This festival allows you to open your eyes to new horizons, establish deep connections, and reflect on various themes, such as the 2026 leitmotif Geographies of Peace.
Each stage represents a unique story. A step on an unforgettable journey marked by ethical, environmental, and social responsibility. A way to understand boundaries as points of encounter and mutual listening.
What are you waiting for? Learn more about IT.A.CÀ’s values and the constantly updated stops on the official website:www.festivalitaca.net
Cover photo via Festival IT.A.CÀ
