On 9 April 2025, the city of Senigallia hosted the meeting of the Executive Board of the Forum of Adriatic and Ionian Cities (FAIC), providing an ideal setting for a constructive exchange among representatives of member cities. The meeting marked a particularly significant moment in the life of FAIC, highlighted by the official appointment of Marta Paraventi, Councillor for Culture of the Municipality of Ancona, as the new Secretary General. In her address, Paraventi expressed her intention to foster a shared cultural narrative across the Adriatic-Ionian region through joint itineraries, travelling exhibitions, educational workshops and the active involvement of schools and universities. She also underlined the strategic importance of European programmes and the EUSAIR framework as essential tools for implementing these initiatives.
During the proceedings, the members addressed key issues for the future development of FAIC’s network, including the goal of expanding the association to 100 member cities by 2026, strengthening the connections between the two Adriatic shores, and developing joint projects in vital areas such as sustainable mobility, environmental protection, cultural tourism and Euro-Mediterranean integration. The President of FAIC, Luigi Albore Mascia, thanked the Municipality of Senigallia for the warm hospitality and excellent organisation, emphasising the value of such meetings as a way to deepen cooperation among local communities and advance the building of an increasingly cohesive Adriatic-Ionian macroregion.
One of the most appreciated moments of the day was the lunch offered by the students of the “Panzini” Higher Education Institute in Senigallia, who impressed all guests with their professionalism, dedication and the high quality of their service. The students, engaged in hospitality and culinary training programmes, embodied the spirit of welcoming with competence and passion. Following the lunch, the Headmaster, Alessandro Impoco, guided the participants through the school’s laboratories and facilities, confirming the “Panzini” Institute as a true model of educational excellence, capable of combining tradition and innovation in the training of future professionals.
The day concluded with a guided tour of the city led by students of the tourism programme at the same Institute, who are currently being trained as professional tour guides. The delegates of FAIC were accompanied through the historical and cultural landmarks of Senigallia in an engaging experience that highlighted both the city’s heritage and the educational value of training in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
As recalled by Massimo Bello, President of the City Council of Senigallia, hosting the FAIC Executive Board was a valuable opportunity to strengthen the city’s international ties, consolidate alliances and promote the exchange of good practices among local governments in the Adriatic-Ionian area. A heartfelt thank you goes to the Municipality of Senigallia and all its staff for their professionalism and attention to detail in the organisation, to the “Panzini” Institute, its students and Headmaster for their impeccable hospitality, and to all members of the FAIC Executive Board for their continued commitment to building a shared future rooted in cooperation, culture and integration among the cities of our region.
