On Wednesday, November 4th, the presentation of the ambitious tourism project “Destinazione Dolianova” was held online, promoted by the current municipal administration, coordinated and directed by my friend and colleague Alessandro Picciau, a cultural operator for tourism and a tourist guide with many years of certified experience. In addition to the project coordinator (Alessandro Picciau), the presentation was attended by the mayor of Dolianova (Ivan Piras), Professor Giuseppe Melis (Professor of Tourism Marketing at the University of Cagliari), representatives of the main local companies, some trade associations, and myself Cristina Mamusa (as a project collaborator). According to what emerged from the presentation, the “Destinazione Dolianova” project aims to create a unique tourist offer strongly linked to the territory, capable of conveying the authenticity of the place and its historical traditions in a simple and natural way. Dolianova wants to present itself on the tourist market as a true destination (DMO)* where it is possible to experience unique and unrepeatable experiences, as they can only be enjoyed in this specific place. The goal is to build a “Destination” in which operators are involved to increase their well-being and encourage employment, providing a safe and satisfying experience for visitors, in order to improve the quality of life within the community while respecting the local cultural heritage, according to a sustainable tourism development model. This tourism project aims to guarantee tourists/clients an authentic, unique, and creative holiday experience, as it can only be enjoyed in the territory of Dolianova. An immersive experience in its traditions, thanks to the uniqueness of its food products, its craft activities, its places of historical and cultural interest, and the synergies created among the participants in the network. The main actors of “Destinazione Dolianova” will be the providers of local experiences, the local experts. Each “local expert” will offer experiences that will allow tourists or guests to embark on a journey of discovery of the places and typical traditions of the area, letting them live unique moments. The proposed experiences will be food and wine, craft, artistic, rural, and nature-based. The guest will pay for the time the local expert spends with them. Residents and tourists will be simultaneously involved in a process of collaboration and value creation: the resident will try to actively involve the tourist in the proposed experiences or in the simple daily life of the community; the tourist will immerse themselves in the atmosphere and social fabric of the area, contributing to its economic development, creating new relationships and different ways of interacting. Among the conditions for the development and functioning of “Destinazione Dolianova” is the active involvement of all residents and not only those who concretely participate in the project as business owners (manufacturing companies, restaurants, shops, etc). Only by creating synergistic relationships among all actors can a simple territory rich in resources, services, and activities be transformed into a tourist destination able to offer visitors the experiences they seek. In addition to offering experiences, the local expert may make available to tourists a house, an apartment, or sometimes just a room, according to different accommodation formulas compatible with current regulations. The project also includes the figure of the companion or ambassador, who will act as a cultural mediator, facilitator, interpreter, and will support both local experts and tourists. The ambassadors will be adequately trained to best fulfill their role as intermediaries.
To join the “Destinazione Dolianova” tourism project, applicants must make an explicit request by filling out a specific form (different for each applicant category). The application form will list a series of basic and specific mandatory requirements, compliance with which will be a condition for acceptance of the application and admission to the project (all details will be announced in the coming weeks). The target market will mainly be the European one (especially English-speaking), and the American one, without neglecting the Italian and local markets. To stay updated on the project, keep following this blog and the pages of Le strade del gusto on the main social networks or the FB page of Destinazione Dolianova. To watch the online presentation again, follow the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-xhk3qs_m4
*According to the World Tourism Organization, a DMO, or Destination Management Organization, is the coordinated management of all the elements that make up a destination (attractions, access, marketing, human resources, image, and pricing).
