Base de Datos de Proyectos de PDR
Natural Heritage as Ingredient for Agri-Tourism Diversification
Summary
“Salecchia” farm is well known in Apulia for offering innovative educational and agri-tourism services. EAFRD support enabled the farm to enhance the eco-tourism services offered and to increase the number of its customers.
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Background
Salecchia is a 300 hectare farm located in Apulia Region. It is registered in the list of Educational Farms of the region; and it is one of the educational farms with the highest number of customers at regional level. The farm stands out for being particularly innovative in offering educational and agri-tourism services. “Adopt a sheep” and “Adopt a pig” are two examples of educational activities carried out by the farm. The aim of these activities is to protect and valorise local breeds of sheep (the “Gentile di Puglia”) and pigs (the “Suino nero dei Monti Dauni”).
Objective
The aim of the project was to increase the number of visitors at Salecchia farm, as well as to enhance the supply of eco-tourism services and enlarge the target group of visitors beyond the regional borders.
Main activities
The project supported the restoration of several farm buildings and the start-up of new educational services. The restoration included the renovation of the existing guest rooms, the upgrade of the heating system, the renewal of the dining room and the creation of a “Museum of the Forest”. The latter displays information about forest biodiversity and will be used to train pupils along with guided educational excursions in the nearby Natura 2000 site named “Incoronata forest”.
Results & Benefits
The investments enabled Salecchia farm to expand the flow of visitors beyond the high season (Spring/Summer). The farm reached the target set of 5,000 customers per year including tourists and pupils. With the new infrastructure and services offered, the farm has become a reference point for tourism accommodation and conservation of local natural heritage. The project increased the farm's competitiveness within the regional agri-tourism market.
Lessons learnt
It is important to seize the opportunity provided by the natural characteristics of an area. In this regard, Natura 2000 forests in the area constituted an opportunity for the farm for delivering new educational activities (such as guided excursions) and for diversifying income.
Project location and other information
S.P. 122 km 4, Bovino, Foggia province, Apulia region
Region
Puglia
RDP Territory
Puglia
Total project cost (€)
600 000
EAFRD contribution (€)
180 000
National contribution (€)
120 000
Private contribution (€)
300 000
Project website
Contact name
Francesco D'Innocenzio
Telephone
+39 0881966332
Languages for contact
Italian
At a glance
Country
Italy
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers, Other
Budget range
> €500 000
Start date:
28/09/2011
End Date:
31/10/2013
Theme / Measure:
• Rural Quality of Life & Economic Diversification
• Rural economic diversification
• 311. Diversification into non-agricultural activities
Keywords:
Agri-tourism, Education, Endangered species, Natura 2000, Natural heritage
Last update
30/10/2013
