The spirit of camaraderie and collaboration poured from the sunlit chambers of Fermo’s community hall, as a delegation of CountryBred travelers from California were honored  at a ceremony on June 21, 2011. The idyllic Adriatic town of Fermo, Le Marche, Italy, played host to the celebration aimed at commemorating the region’s ongoing initiative to increase tourism in Le Marche.

The travelers were enthusiastically greeted by the Tourism Assocation of the Province of Fermo, led by President Fabrizio Cesetti, and the local media, before participating in a press conference where they were asked to reflect upon the region itself and how CountryBred is helping to not only encourage American travel to Le Marche, but also promote the unique cultural merits of the region to a global audience. The group of six travelers, accepting on behalf of CountryBred, were then honored for helping to promote tourism and American travel to the region and its many provinces. As part of the day’s festivities, a fleet of jubilant tour guides were also recognized for their hard work at furthering the association’s initiative. Included in the awards ceremony was one of CountryBred’s very own local guides, who was honored for her many years of dedicated service as a professional tour guide in the region.

Immediately following the press conference and ceremony, the travelers were personally escorted by their CountryBred guide and other tourism associates, on an exclusive tour of Fermo. While admiring the many historic sights about town and the beautiful stretch of Adriatic coastline that lay at its doorstep, the travelers were visibly touched by the warmth into which they were welcomed. The group later reflected on how Fermo should undoubtedly be included in any visit to Le Marche, not only for its architectural splendor and natural charm, but for encompassing the spirit of the region itself.