02/09/2024
In May of this year, the Italian Celiac Association of Tuscany (AIC Toscana) announced their unprecedented collaboration with Catalin Varela of The Celiac in Italy, the leading online resource for gluten-free travel in Italy. This partnership marks a momentous step forward in enhancing the accessibility of gluten-free tourism in one of Italy’s most iconic regions.
Tuscany, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, historic cities, and, above all, its gastronomic masterpieces, holds a special place in the hearts of travelers worldwide. For individuals with celiac disease, however, experiencing Tuscany’s culinary treasures can be daunting. The collaboration between AIC Toscana and Varela seeks to change that narrative, ensuring that Tuscany’s culinary traditions are accessible to everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Varela has been working closely with AIC Toscana to provide English-language support and resources for celiac travelers. The collaboration began with the successful translation of AIC Toscana’s website into English and the creation of a dedicated “tourism” section tailored to international visitors. Additionally, an English blog has been launched, featuring expert advice, insider tips, and personal recommendations from Varela to help celiac travelers make the most of their time in Tuscany. Looking ahead, exciting plans are in the works, with more opportunities on the horizon for celiac travelers to explore Tuscany’s rich culinary landscape.
“Living in Tuscany with celiac disease has been transformative for me and I believe all celiacs should have the opportunity to visit Italy at least once,” said Varela. “I’m honored to spearhead this initiative, and I hope to set a precedent for similar projects in other regions of Italy.”
AIC Toscana echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in preserving Tuscany’s culinary legacy. “Our cuisine is a reflection of our history, culture, and identity,” said Giuseppe Giuria, AIC Toscana President. “It’s essential that we make these traditions accessible to all, ensuring that everyone is welcome at the table to enjoy Tuscan gastronomy, without sacrificing their dietary needs. Tuscany hosts thousands of tourists year-round and we believe that our region offers many opportunities for a pleasant stay for people with celiac disease, but often it’s difficult to find accurate information. The collaboration with Catalin allows us to convey the values that AIC embodies to those who don’t speak our language.”
Catalin is an American expat from Colorado and a proud celiac living in Florence. She was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2016 and has since become the founder of the online brand The Celiac in Italy. Catalin offers one-to-one travel consultations to help those with celiac disease, gluten intolerances, and wheat allergies plan their gluten-free Italian adventures and is an English+Italian speaking content creator for all things gluten-free Italy on Instagram @celiacinitaly.
About AIC Toscana: AIC Toscana is one of the 21 regional associations that make up the national federation of the Associazione Italiana Celiachia (Italian Celiac Association). The Italian Celiac Association was founded in 1979 with the aim of improving the lives of people with celiac disease. AIC Toscana’s mission is to help those with celiac disease (diagnosed or not) to live their lives without stress, improving their quality of life through numerous projects in Tuscany focused on hospitality, education, training, and promotion.