Special Report in association with Vox media Partner

Giuseppe Scopelliti: characterised by mountainous peaks of up to 2000 metres. These maritime “The sun in the heart mountains offer impressive views of the sea which surrounds them. From of Europe” the peaks of the even Mount Etna in Sicily and alabria is a region brimming the Volcanoes of the Eolian Islands with potential. It is positioned in can be glimpsed in the distance. This Cthe centre of the Mediterranean and park is ideal for trekkers in search serves as a gateway port to and of beautiful and unspoilt mountain bridge between Europe and North trails and vistas but is also suited to Africa. also boasts a wealth the more sedate traveller who can of natural and cultural heritage that is enjoy the clean mountain air, brac- hard to rival. It has a long, unspoiled ing sea breezes and the numerous vil- coastline, pristine mountain pre- lages where traditional craft work still serves, a fascinating, rustic hinterland flourishes. But Calabria is not only and captivating historical cities. It also about unspoilt natural beauty. Anoth- an ancient region, rich in history and er draw for travellers is its significant culture and boasts a unique and de- human heritage. To the Greeks Calab- lightful cuisine, distinct from that of ria formed part of Magna Grecia, the other Italian regions. Having come outer ring of Greek civilization, and into office in March 2010, we are ea- its crystalline shores are featured in ger to harness this massive potential Panoramic view of Reggio Calabria, one of the most beautiful city of Calabria region Greek epics and myths like Homer’s to the benefit of Calabria’s citizens Odyssey. Several important Greek and those who invest here. Our ad- towns flourished on the coast of Ca- ministration is determined to set real Infrastructure and tourism labria. Surviving from this era are change in motion with a two pronged the magnificent Riace Bronzes, two scheme for regional development life-size cast bronze statues depict- centred on infrastructure and tourism ing bearded Greek warriors from the development. The effects of this far- Calabria’s dual classical period in Greek sculpture. reaching scheme will ensure steady The statues, dating from around 455 economic growth in Calabria for at BC, are in excellent condition. They least the next thirty years. It is based are housed in the Museum of Magna on intelligent investments of E.U fund- carriageway to success Grecia in Reggio Calabria, Calabria’s ing for regional development which capital city, and have become symbol- will finally close the gap between Ca- iacomo Mancini, Councillor tiful stretches of Italian coastline. northern Calabria. It is a dense wil- ic of that city. Apart from the bronzes labria and its European neighbours. for Budget and National and This pristine coastline, interspersed derness harbouring a variety of flora Reggio Calabria offers many other I am determined to create a positive G Municipal Planning for the with quaint villages, white beaches, and fauna, much of it unique to the re- fascinating treasures. Its privileged investment climate in Calabria by re- Region of Calabria commented as rocky cliffs and secluded coves is a gion. This includes the Appenine wolf, position sandwiched between the ducing bureaucracy, increasing legal- follows regarding the region’s future: protected national heritage area. The roe deer and the rare European pond mountainous hinterland of the Calab- ity and re-training our population to “We are aware that in the past our re- rugged coastline of Calabria is largely terrapin. Calabria straddles the Ap- rian Appenines and the crystal blue instil a culture of entrepreneurship. gion has, unfortunately, been viewed unexplored by tourists, untouched by penines and in waters of the straights of Messina af- The Regional Government is eager to in a negative light inside and outside developers and offers excellent oppor- the splendour of this mountain range ford the city some magnificent views enter into active partnerships with the of Italy. Our priority is to invite the tunities for real-estate investment by can be fully appreciated. It offers im- from its charming historical centre. private sector to stimulate economic world to witness the beauty of this re- people seeking their very own home pressive vistas of craggy peaks, pine Calabria has remained in relative iso- growth in the region. The Region is gion and help realise its great poten- in the sun. Incidentally Calabria en- forests clinging precariously to steep lation for centuries being largely cut open to foreign companies wishing tial. Our region is now being lead by a joys the longest summer in Italy and rugged inclines, mountain streams off from the developments that have to invest as our administration sees young, committed and dynamic presi- a pleasant climate year round mak- and waterfalls. For those interested in so fundamentally altered the way of this as one of the best ways to drive dent and a team of dedicated young ing it a perfect base for people from caving, the park has a number of very life in Italian regions to the north. For Calabria’s economy forward. One key ministers committed to change.” sun-starved northern climes to drink interesting cave systems. A number of this reason Calabria preserves a tradi- development area representing great Calabria, the “toe” of the Italian pe- in the climatic and cultural warmth low-impact accommodation options tional and measured approach to life opportunities for growth and invest- ninsula has all the right ingredients of the southern Mediterranean. The and a system of marked trails for trek- that has been lost in more industrial- ment in the region is tourism. The to experience a tourism revolution. coast of Calabria has escaped the king and exploration are offered. Oth- ised regions. The distinctive cuisine of region’s popularity with tourists is The region, which juts out into the over-development that has blighted er parks in this verdant region are the the region reflects this heritage. The growing fast and tourist infrastructure Mediterranean, boasts spectacular so many other areas along Europe’s Sila National Park and the Asprom- cuisine is strictly seasonal and festi- is failing to keep pace. This means coastline: the Tyrrhenian Sea on the Mediterranean coastline and the re- onte National Park. The Sila National vals all over Calabria celebrate dis- that the opportunities abound for tour west and the Ionian Sea on the east. gional Government is determined to Park contains wild forests, beautiful tinct regional produce when it comes operators, hotel chains and cruise and The rugged coastline is a picturesque develop the tourist industry respon- lakes and mountain reliefs. The park into season and Calabria developed cruise port companies. That said, the and quintessentially Italian landscape sibly to keep the region’s unspoiled is also home to a number of tiny, iso- a cuisine which emphasises preserv- Region is committed to environmen- with sheer cliffs, fishing villages, coves beauty intact. lated villages where time has stood ing food. In the mountainous region tally sustainable and socially respon- and secluded white sandy beaches. In addition to the coastline Calabria still and a real sense of Calabria’s this has resulted in a wealth of local sible tourism. We also want to create The coastline easily rivals that of offers a surprising wealth of exquisite deep past can be felt. The timeless- regional specialties like hams, sausag- a culture of tourism where the tourist nearby Campania and Puglia in terms inland beauty. It is one of Europe’s ness of the area is no better captured es, salamis and cheeses like Pecorino is considered a guest to be welcomed of its beauty but receives a fraction of greenest regions, with some of the than in the ancient Forest of Giants, which are prized throughout Italy. and treated with respect and cour- visitors that these regions enjoy. The largest uninterrupted expanses of where centuries old pines tower loftily Along the coast fresh fish is abundant tesy. The Region is working very hard “Costa degli Dei” or Coast of the Gods, virgin forest on the continent. The above you as you stroll in the lush un- and the meaty swordfish remains a to promote this attitude towards tour- so named for its mythic proportions, Pollino National Park stretches from dergrowth. The Aspromonte National particularly popular choice. Other ism throughout Calabria. Calabria of- is considered one of the most beau- coast to coast across the breadth of Park occupies the tip of Calabria and is distinctive products are the piquant fers great untapped riches for tourists to explore: three magnificentN ational Reasons to invest in Calabria parks, 800 kilometres of virgin coast- line and a fascinating history and Calabria is on the verge of a tourism boom. In the January – August period of contemporary culture. Calabria has this year 1,184 million tourists visited the region. This represents an 8 % in- five different areas (Tropea and Costa crease as compared to the same period last year. It also increased the number of degli Dei, Land between two Seas, English tourists, 115 % in 2009. The region has 800 kilometres of virgin coast- Krotoniate, Arenile d’Aspromonte line and one of the mildest climates in Europe which makes visiting it a pleas- and Reggio Calabria) which will be ure year round. Apart from the coast the region has some of Europe’s wildest valorised according to their touris- mountain and forest reserves. Tourism inland, visits to the national parks and to tic peculiarities. Calabria is eager to the region’s distinct mountain villages, is up 15 % this year. Calabria’s moun- share its beauty and richness with tains represent massive potential for the development of adventure and trek- the world. The growth of the tourism king tourism. It has a fantastic historical heritage and a unique contemporary industry in Calabria is an opportunity culture and cuisine to appeal to the cultural tourist. The Region has an ambitious not to be missed, neither by investors strategy to boost tourism in the next years and plans to invest 200 billion euro in nor by the visitors themselves. tourism improving tourist infrastructure and facilities and stimulating growth in the sector. The region is serviced by low cost airlines which link it to important Report by Vox Media Partner European cities. The tourism sector in Calabria is young and underdeveloped [email protected] Giacomo Mancini, councillor for budget and Giuseppe Scopelliti, president of Calabria Region and represents massive potential for growth and a sure return on investments.