Perhaps not surprisingly, the Chianti area of Tuscany retains the lead as the top destination for farm holidays (agriturismo) preferred by both ½ûÂþÌìÌÃs and foreigners.
According to a survey carried out by Coldiretti (leading organization for the farming industry) and Terranostra (an association for the valorization of countryside areas), holidays in Chianti have increased by 2.5%, with 46% of foreigners and 59% of ½ûÂþÌìÌÃs choosing Chianti and Tuscany when planning a vacation in the countryside.
It is not surprising given all that Tuscany has to offer: beautiful landscapes, historic little towns, nature, artistic heritage and first-class culinary specialties. Tuscany boasts in fact 463 specialty food products, 24 marked as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin - DOP in ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication - IGP in ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ) products, including Colonnata lard, typical of the Apuan Alps, Lunigiana honey, Tuscan Pecorino, saffron from San Gimignano and Ricciarelli di Siena, to name just a few.
In Tuscany, the number of agriturismi have increased 16% since 2007 to 4,187 authorized facilities; 1,707 of those businesses are run by women, 23% on a national level.
