Underwater Tourism in Torre Cerrano: development perspectives

In a highly competitive global scenario natural reserves should fit as tourist destinations according to their natural heritage. Ecotourism diver segment shows excellent performance: it therefore appears interesting for a geographical research to put attention on the perspectives of the segment in areas where the potential is not fully expressed, especially in southern Italy, historically characterized by vocations unexpressed. This segment makes it possible to seasonally adjust tourist flow and stimulate a local economic development. The Marine Protected Area of Torre Cerrano (TE) has an interesting naturalistic and archaeological heritage in its seabuttoms that are not integrated into the system of local tourist offer. According to the common perception, in fact, the reduced visibility of the water is not conducive to diving; however this perception can be modified and diffused. In the past decade the interest has increased in the so-called «muck dives» made in contexts characterized by special light conditions / environment, which have now become some of the most important hot spots all over the world. So it is desirable, according with the participatory planning, the construction of a local offer, sustainable and integrated which should be set into a wider regional eco-environment. In this regard, it appears strategic the inclusion of the site in the Adriatic macro-region, rich in treasures of nature partly known and partly undiscovered.