BTM InterAzioni, an itinerant project of BTM Italia - Business Tourism Management, revs up and prepares to set off towards Salento. Or rather, lower Salento, where there is a territory that preserves the most authentic soul of Puglia: Presicce-Acquarica. An area where time seems to flow at a different pace, among Lecce stone, centuries-old olive groves, and ancient traditions related to oil production, representing an increasingly interesting destination for those seeking experiential, slow, and authentic tourism, away from the more crowded circuits but rich in history, culture, and extraordinary landscapes.
The historic center of Presicce-Acquarica, for example, tells centuries of history through noble palaces, baroque churches, and small courtyards that preserve the memory of the past. Walking through the streets of the village, one discovers elegant historic residences, monumental staircases, and architectural details that testify to the importance of the town in the agricultural and commercial past of the territory.
Among the most representative symbols is the Ducal Palace of Presicce, with its "hanging gardens," one of the most important historic buildings in the center, now hosting cultural events, meetings, and moments of discussion dedicated to promoting the territory.
But one of the most fascinating elements is certainly the presence of underground oil mills, true underground mills carved into the rock. These environments, used between the 16th and 19th centuries, represent an extraordinary testimony of the oil civilization that has profoundly marked the economic and cultural identity of the territory.
Working underground allowed for a constant temperature and ensured ideal conditions for the production of lamp oil, a product that for centuries fueled Mediterranean trade and illuminated the great European cities.
Visiting these places means entering the history of Salento's peasant labor, among stone mills, ancient presses, and evocative environments that tell a unique cultural heritage.
Surrounding the village is one of the most iconic landscapes of Salento: expanses of centuries-old olive trees that shape the territory with their sculptural trunks and silvery canopies.
This rural scene tells of a deep relationship between man and nature, built over the centuries through agriculture, dry stone walls, and farmhouses scattered throughout the countryside. Here, oil is not just a gastronomic product, but an identity element, an integral part of local culture.
It is from this heritage that a new way of telling the territory is born today: through immersive experiences, visits to oil mills, tastings of extra virgin olive oil, and paths through the Salento countryside.
In this context, BTM Interactions fits in, the itinerant project linked to BTM Italia, which will stop in Presicce-Acquarica from April 21 to 23, 2026. The initiative will bring international buyers and tourism operators to the territory, involved in a fam trip designed to let them experience local excellences firsthand. Guests will discover the historical and cultural heritage of the village, visit underground oil mills, walk through centuries-old olive groves, and participate in experiences related to Salento's traditions.
The Interactions are born precisely with this goal: to create connections between territories, operators, and international markets, enhancing authentic destinations and building new development opportunities for local tourism.
The journey will conclude on April 23 with a conference at the Ducal Palace, a moment of discussion and in-depth analysis dedicated to strategies for promoting the territory and strengthening its tourism positioning.
The future of tourism passes through authentic territories, and Presicce-Acquarica perfectly represents one of the new directions of contemporary tourism: authentic places, strong cultural identity, and experiences related to local life.
In an era where travelers increasingly seek genuine experiences and contact with local communities, villages like this become ideal destinations to discover the truest Salento. And from territories like this, a new narrative of tourism can emerge: more sustainable, slower, and deeply connected to its identity.
