Italy to host Roots-IN 2026 in Matera on 10‑11 November with Brazil and 54 countries
Italy will host the Roots-IN 2026 ancestry tourism event in Matera on 10‑11 November. The fifth edition brings together more than 54 countries, including Brazil, to connect Italian destinations with overseas travel buyers and develop heritage‑focused travel products.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Roots-IN 2026 will be held in Matera with expanded international participation
- Timing
- The event takes place on 10 and 11 November 2026
- Who is affected
- International buyers, Italian tourism suppliers and regional authorities
The details
- Announced by
- Basilicata Region through its Territorial Promotion Agency, APT Basilicata, in collaboration with the Italian National Tourist Board (ENIT) and under the patronage of Italy’s Ministry of Foreign
- Takes effect
- 10 and 11 November 2026
- New rule
- The Roots-IN trade fair will convene in Matera, offering business‑to‑business meetings, workshops and a familiarisation tour for buyers from more than 54 countries.
Event Overview
Roots-IN 2026 is the fifth edition of the ancestry tourism trade event organised by the Basilicata Region. It will be hosted at the UNA Hotels MH Matera Congress Centre and will focus on connecting Italian destinations with overseas operators who serve travellers with Italian heritage.
International Participation
The programme lists five principal buyer markets – the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina and Australia – and adds Mexico following a later announcement. More than 120 Italian sellers, ranging from tour operators to genealogical research services, are expected to exhibit.
- 55 international buyers are slated to attend the trade workshop
- A separate familiarisation tour runs from 7 to 12 November for buyers and journalists
Programme and Activities
The two‑day exhibition will combine matchmaking meetings, regional presentations and specialist workshops. Sessions will explore digital tools such as artificial intelligence, social media strategies and genealogical research methods to support ancestry tourism.
Regional representatives from Basilicata, Calabria, Tuscany and Liguria will showcase how local heritage can be turned into itineraries for descendants of Italian emigrants.
- Individual 15‑minute meetings are scheduled through a professional matchmaking system
- Workshops will address technology, marketing and community‑based tourism
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travel operators with existing bookings should note the 10‑11 November dates for potential networking opportunities
- Buyers planning to attend the familiarisation tour must arrange travel between 7 and 12 November
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation requirements are introduced for participants
- Existing visa or travel insurance arrangements remain unchanged
What you need to do
- International buyers should register for the matchmaking system before the event deadline
- Italian sellers are encouraged to submit exhibition details to APT Basilicata promptly
Who this affects
-
International buyers from the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Australia and Mexico
These markets are identified as principal participants in the Roots-IN 2026 trade workshop
What to do Register for the event and schedule meetings through the professional matchmaking platform
-
Italian tourism suppliers and regional tourism boards
More than 120 Italian sellers are targeted to exhibit and present heritage products
What to do Prepare exhibition materials and confirm participation with APT Basilicata
-
Travel journalists and media representatives
A familiarisation programme from 7 to 12 November includes site visits for press coverage
What to do Arrange accreditation and travel plans to attend the itinerary
Frequently asked questions
When and where is Roots-IN 2026 taking place?
Roots-IN 2026 will be held in Matera, Italy, on 10 and 11 November 2026 at the UNA Hotels MH Matera Congress Centre.
Which countries are participating as international buyers?
The event lists buyers from the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Australia and, after a later announcement, Mexico.
How many Italian sellers are expected to exhibit?
Organisers are targeting participation from more than 120 Italian sellers, including tour operators, accommodation providers and genealogical specialists.
What types of sessions will be offered at the conference?
The programme includes business‑to‑business meetings, regional presentations, workshops on digital tools, AI, social media and genealogical research, and a familiarisation tour of local heritage sites.
Do participants need to pay new fees or submit additional documents?
No new fees or documentation requirements have been announced for the 2026 edition; existing travel and visa arrangements remain valid.
