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The Oltrepò Pavese offers multiple economic opportunities in the tourism sector thanks to its scenic beauty, high-quality wine production, rich history and ancient local traditions, as well as its proximity to important urban centres such as Milan and Pavia.
Tourism, in general, and related services represent a great opportunity for our territory. They are favoured by the increasing flow of tourists and the activities implemented by the D.M.O. (Destination Management Organisation), structures capable of coordinating the development of the sector as well as promoting and coordinating all the tourism resources in the area. All of this may favour young entrepreneurs interested in investing in these areas, creating new activities or relaunching pre-existing ones by enhancing the area with unique experiences for visitors.
In this article we will examine some potential avenues to follow for those wishing to successfully launch a lasting tourist activity in the Oltrepò Pavese area, as well as for local businesses wishing to enrich their service offer.
One of the first opportunities to be considered is hospitality. With the increase in the flow of tourists, there is a growing demand for quality accommodation in the Oltrepò Pavese. Young entrepreneurs can therefore consider opening bed and breakfasts, agritourisms or small hotels to welcome visitors wishing to discover the beauty of the region. Investing in quality hospitality and offering customised services can be an effective way to differentiate oneself from the competition and attract a clientele that will soon become loyal to the structure and encourage, through word of mouth, the arrival of new guests.
Other interesting opportunities include
● food and wine activities: opening a winery, organising wine tastings or food and wine tours;
● outdoor activities such as trekking, mountain biking, horse riding and birdwatching. Opening an outdoor tourism business or organising guided excursions can be a way to enhance the natural beauty of the region and offer unique experiences to tourists. In addition, the presence of waterways such as the Po River offers the possibility of practising water sports such as canoeing and kayaking, which can be further business opportunities to explore;
● cultural tourism: Oltrepò Pavese is rich in history and traditions, with numerous medieval villages, castles and archaeological sites worth discovering. Opening a travel agency specialising in cultural tours, organising cultural events or promoting themed itineraries linked to the history and culture of the region can be a way of attracting tourists interested in discovering the area‘s beauty;
● catering activities: opening a restaurant, bar or kiosk;
● transport services: offer tourist transport services, such as car rental, taxis or transfers to and from airports and railway stations
● tour guide: become a professional tour guide and offer customised tours and cultural experiences;
● e-commerce in the tourism sector: create an online business offering tourist packages, hotel reservations, tickets for attractions or customised tourism consultancy services
● sale of zero-kilometre products: this trend, which is increasingly popular among consumers attentive to the quality and sustainability of products, offers local entrepreneurs the opportunity to valorise local resources and create a closer bond with tourists, offering them authentic experiences. 0 km products, which include fruit, vegetables, cheeses, cold cuts and other typical local products, are a distinctive element for tourism in the Oltrepò Pavese area.
In conclusion, it is possible to state that thanks to the increase in the popularity of tourism in the Oltrepò Pavese region and the support provided by the Destination Management Organisation (DMO), anyone with the intention of promoting the area‘s natural and cultural attractions is able to do so successfully through the use of creativity and constant commitment.
