Reflections on Culture, Dialogue and Traveller at the International Students Workshop in Florence

The Romualdo Del Bianco Foundation and the International Institute Life Beyond Tourism® advocate for a transformative approach to tourism that prioritizes cultural preservation, intercultural dialogue, and meaningful engagement over commercial exploitation. Their annual international student workshops in Florence, such as the 12th edition held from November 5–12, 2017, aim to foster deep cultural exchange by encouraging students and educators from diverse backgrounds to reflect on the philosophical and ethical dimensions of travel. The workshop featured lectures, visits to historic sites like the Strozzi Palace and the Laurentian Library, and interactions with local craftsmen, illustrating how tourism can be reimagined as a tool for cultural enrichment rather than degradation. By integrating academic rigor—such as Dr. Cosimo Burgas's lecture on the history of the Italian language—and practical engagement with Florentine heritage, the initiative seeks to counterbalance the negative impacts of mass tourism seen in cities like Venice and Madrid, where over-tourism has eroded local culture.

Bankauskaitė, G. (2018). Kultūros, dialogo ir keliautojo apmąstymai tarptautinėse studentų dirbtuvėse Florencijoje. Respectus Philologicus, 33(38), 196–200. https://doi.org/10.15388/respectus.2018.33.38.19