In 2007, the “La Tramontana” fishing cooperative established the first fish tourism (ittiturismo) center in Sicily, with the vision of combining professional fishing with related activities such as catering, hospitality, direct sales, environmental protection, educational programs, and fishing tourism. The facility is located in an area at the heart of a vital coastal stretch in the province of Trapani, surrounded by landscape, archaeological, and monumental beauty. The sea surrounding the city of Trapani and the Egadi Islands is the core of the local culture and economy, acting as a major draw for tourists visiting the region.

Ittiturismo La Tramontana is a fishing cooperative based in Trapani that represents one of the first examples in Sicily—and Italy—of integrating traditional fishing with cultural and tourism services. The company was born from the desire of a group of maritime professionals to enhance their work not only through the sale of their catch but also by sharing their knowledge and traditions with the public, turning daily routines into a shared experience. The project’s main goal is the promotion of the local maritime heritage and the creation of a sustainable “short supply chain” circuit, where the fish caught is processed or served directly in the cooperative’s restaurant.

One of the company’s greatest strengths is its catering, based exclusively on raw materials from the Trapani seas. The menu changes according to the season and the catch of the day, featuring authentic traditional dishes such as Trapanese couscous, busiate with fish sauces, mixed fried fish, and seafood soups, all prepared according to recipes passed down through generations of local fishermen. Additionally, the cooperative offers direct sales, allowing visitors to purchase fresh seafood, preserved tuna or belly (ventresca), bottarga, sauces, and other local specialties, providing concrete support to the local economy.

The cooperative is also active on the educational front. It organizes educational workshops for schools, thematic workshops, and cultural itineraries dedicated to marine sustainability, environmental respect, and the promotion of traditional production methods. These activities are aimed not only at children and students but also at families, tourists, and stakeholders interested in best practices related to the blue economy.

Another distinctive element of the company is fishing tourism, which allows visitors to board with professional fishermen and experience a day of fishing firsthand, observing traditional techniques up close and participating in activities on board. It is a highly immersive experience that combines nature, culture, and gastronomy into a single offering.

In summary, Ittiturismo La Tramontana represents an innovative business model, capable of combining tradition with local development, protecting the territory’s identity while offering an authentic, sustainable, and highly specialized tourist experience.