- The fifth edition of Roots-In concluded in Matera
- Around 1,500 B2B appointments were scheduled
- 55 international buyers from six countries attended
- 120 Italian tourism operators participated
- The event focused on ancestral travel and diaspora engagement
The fifth edition of Roots-IN the International Fair of Origin Tourism concluded in Matera following two days of programming on 10 and 11 November 2026. Organised by the Basilicata Territorial Promotion Agency and the Basilicata Region in collaboration with ENIT the event focused on transforming family heritage into sustainable economic and cultural growth. The 2026 theme was dialogue aligning with Matera’s role as the 2026 Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue.
The fair hosted approximately 1,500 scheduled B2B appointments between 55 international buyers from six countries including the United States and Argentina and 120 Italian tourism operators. The exhibition area featured 10 Italian regional stands and 16 co-exhibitors allowing territories to present customised ancestry travel packages directly to overseas markets. A six-day press and buyer tour from 7 to 12 November showcased Basilicata’s heritage including visits to Parco della Murgia Materana and bread-making workshops in Pomarico.
A major novelty of the 2026 edition was partnering with local educational institutions with around 50 linguistic mediation students from the SSML Nelson Mandela University of Matera assisting buyers and sellers at workshop tables. The programme featured 25 workshops and talks with 60 speakers covering practical topics such as genealogy research, artificial intelligence, social media marketing and tailoring hospitality for overseas diaspora markets.
