Attractiveness of villages, leading businesses thanks to the Ministry of Culture’s call for proposals

The European Union responded to the pandemic crisis with Next Generation EU (NGEU), a program of unprecedented scope and ambition, which includes investments and reforms to accelerate the ecological and digital transition; improve worker training; and achieve greater gender, territorial, and generational equality. For Italy, Next Generation EU represents an unmissable opportunity for development, investment, and reform.

Thanks to the “Imprese Borghi-PNRR” call for proposals promoted by the Ministry of Culture and aimed at businesses operating in villages eligible for the “Attractiveness of Historic Villages” funding, many small businesses in the Municipality of San Romano in Garfagnana were able to compete to launch or consolidate their entrepreneurial initiatives.

Our company, Gli Elfi Volanti snc, has also benefited from significant support that has helped us navigate the challenging five-year period we’ve just experienced.

With a view to expanding the tourism offering and the attractiveness of the facility, while simultaneously increasing the Company’s economic return, we have modernized and expanded the existing picnic areas and playground in the Park, thus providing a pleasant and welcoming space even for those unable to access the acrobatic trails. Special attention has been paid to people with disabilities. The playground includes a slide tower accessible to those with reduced mobility, as well as one of the two swing seats.

To maintain these areas, state-of-the-art battery-powered equipment (brush cutter, leaf blower, and chainsaw) was purchased. These silent tools respect the tranquility of the forest and the villagers, and contribute to reducing CO2 emissions. They also improve the quality of staff employment.

The Adventure Park has updated its personal protective equipment for both users and staff, ensuring compliance with current workplace safety standards.

Finally, 6 e-bikes, which can be rented exclusively at the Adventure Park and with the assistance of a cycling guide, have allowed us to extend our tourism activity beyond the seasonality of the season and employ the Adventure Park staff, who possess all the qualifications necessary to provide environmental guidance, even during the “low season.”