PROJECT "HORSE COUNTRY" TEP: Oristano Italy
TYPOLOGY Valorisation the territorial heritage - Typical local productions ("Terroirs") and Tourism. TRANSVERSAL THEMES COVERED Environment TERRITORIAL AREA INTERESTED 28 Townships of the Oristano Province : Abbasanta, Albagiara, Ales, Arborea, Assolo, Baradili, Baressa, Cuglieri, Curcuris, Ghilarza, Gonnoscodina, Gonnosnò, Mogorella, Mogoro, Morgongiori, Norbello, Nureci, Paulilatino, Santulussurgiu, S.Vero Milis, Sedilo, Senis, Simala, Sini, Usellus, Villa S.Antonio, Villaverde.
Key factors having contributed to the launch of the initiative The “Horse Country” idea originated in 1983 from the dream of an entrepreneur who, though not native to Sardinia Region but however engaged in tourist activities in the Oristano Province, strongly believed in the local culture and skills potentialities as able to offer a tourist product different from the combination sun-sea till then followed and sold in Sardinia. For a long time, the dream remained as such: the idea did not find approval since other paths seemed more likely to boost the economy in the Oristano area, and different sectors seemed to offer more opportunities for a “fast” territorial development. The manufacturing industry gave the impression of being able to efficiently and quickly cure the unemployment plague, already chronic in the Oristano Province. After 1992 and with the abrogation of Law 64, the South of Italy and Sardinia Region entered in a period of slump. An era was over and there was the urge to find alternatives, above all on the territory and within it. In 1995 the “Horse Country” idea had a new burst: indeed, for its implementation, it presents the winning features of the territorial pacts, that is partnership, integration between production and service sectors, optimisation of local products and skills.
ORGANISATION CONTACT Consorzio Turistico Horse Country (Tourist Ettore GIACHINO Consortium) Sole administrator “Horse Country” srl Registered office: Via Mattei – 09170 ORISTANO President of the “Consorzio Turistico Horse (Sardinia) Country” Antonio BIANCU Operating office: Strada a Mare, 24 Mayor of Baressa – Deputy-President of the 09092 ARBOREA (OR) “Consorzio Turistico Horse Country” Italy Tel:+39 (0)783 801083 Fax:+39 (0)783 801086 [email protected]
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Project's description The “Horse Country” project carries out a tourist reception approach spread out on the Oristano area territory. It is based on the offer of equestrian holidays, since horse- breeding is a traditional activity of this area. From a “central core”, the approach spreads out mainly to the more inland villages, marginalized and at high depopulation risk. The main centre of the reception system is a seaside village, which in itself is an allure for potential demand.
From the main reception centre, naturalistic, botanical, cultural and archaeological routes branch off. They can be travelled on horseback, with or without professional guides, and along the way they meet the various, and smaller, reception centres in the inland villages. Here, various activities are organised: visits to handicraft workshops (manufacturing of leather, iron, pottery, fabrics, gold – with a special attention to filigree), gastronomic visits, new and diversified excursions to sites of archaeological interest, purchasing of local products, reception in “Agriturismo” (holiday on the farms) of the territory. All the opportunities will be part of a network and holiday programmes will be organised for off- season periods.
Therefore, the diversified tourist offer for the 28 townships involved concerns: reception, recreational and restaurant sectors: sports and cultural sectors (naturalistic-cultural routes with equestrian trainers, tourist guides with a particular knowledge of the archaeological, cultural, botanical and natural features of the chosen itinerary); handicraft sector; agricultural sector, with the enhancement of local products and of the many tourist activities.
Objectives and target groups To halt the depopulation of inland areas. These, though rich in traditions, local products, natural and cultural beauties, are not able to sell them on the market.