May 24 – Last year it suddenly stopped, but now it’s back: the “Circular Horizons” project strengthens and renews those ancient threads that bind to the Tuscan Apennines and their villages (and Emilia and Romagna). There are 15 seats up for grabs for young people between 18 and 35 living outside Italy: six are reserved for young people of Tuscan origins, and the other nine for young people whose origins are traced back to Emilia-Romagna. The National Park of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines created the competition, the fourth since 2009, that will see the 15 winners attend a course and a two-week stay, September 5-19, in the Apennines. The hope is that, by reconnecting with their land of origin, these young people would become ambassadors of its sustainable tourism. 56 ambassadors have already been formed and their work abroad, says the park’s administration, is producing great results. With free room and board, and a reimbursement of half the cost of the airplane ticket (up to €400 in Europe and €1,400 for intercontinental flights), the participants will learn about the park, its treasures and excellences. Then, once returned to their countries of residence, they will carry out promotional activities by presenting the park at local events and get-togethers. If they wish, the young ambassadors can also take the opportunity to put on the market some services. Indeed, among the objectives of the project, there is also the desire to spread knowledge of typical Apennines products and maybe start thinking of a marketing strategy.
