This article forms part of a series of publications under MEDUSA project’s “Mediterranean sub-grant Adventure Tourism Competition” which aims at catalyzing the creation of new innovative adventure tourism products and experiences and upgrading existing products in our partner territories Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, Puglia (Italy) and Catalonia (Spain).

Enjoy reading and hope to welcome you soon at one of the wonderful places you will get to know here.

Under the patronage of Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, lead partner of MEDUSA, as well as WWF Mediterranean North Africa, a workshop on tourism business planning, international sales & marketing, and market access was held in Puglia organized by Regione Puglia, MEDUSA partner in Puglia, offering a training to the group of nine short-listed applicants from the first-phase approved concept notes of the Mediterranean sub-grant adventure tourism competition.

Amongst these applicants are Filippo Tito and Marinella Tandoi of 4 Cycling 'n Trek company, tourist operators in one of the pilot areas of Puglia Region, who answered some of our question regarding the training sessions.

Q: How was your company established and how did it take root in the Apulian territory?

A: 4 Cycling 'n Trek was established in 2016, as an evolution of associative experiences that started in 2009 called Ciclomurgia. We offer two main activities, cycling and hiking, through which we aim to enhance the environmental and cultural heritage of the habitats of Central-Southern Italy, especially the area we live in every day: the Alta Murgia National Park.

Over the years, in addition to the continuous research on the Murgia area, we have mapped hundreds of kilometers of off-road routes, which pass through the entirety of the Park from North to South and we have accompanied thousands of tourists and locals of all ages on these itineraries.

We currently manage a bike fleet equipped with mountain bikes, road bikes and e-bikes, and we offer cycle tours all year round. Our staff is composed of experts in the management of sustainable and responsible tourism, environmental hiking guides (certified A.I.G.A.E.), nature experts, cycle-mechanics and connoisseurs of local food and wine culture. All these skills are necessary to guarantee high standards, both in the planning and in the practical management of the sustainable trips we offer our visitors that give them the chance to get immersed in nature.

Q: How does your project relate to the MEDUSA call and what are the objectives set in your application?

Our goal is to give travelers an authentic emotional experience, with particular attention to the stories and traditions of the places and flavors that the locals have cherished for millennia.

In fact, the objective of our project under the MEDUSA call is: a package of services that allows participants to explore the knowledge, places, and flavors of the Murgia area by bicycle.

The trip goes around Alta Murgia National Park, along paths that have not been paved yet. It combines the realities of the agri-food sector, amazing natural and historical sites, and the local rural culture, with their stories told by our expert guides and locals. Nature, adventure and taste are the keywords we believe will create the most comprehensive and engaging experience that Park visitors could hope for.

Participation in the MEDUSA tender represents an opportunity to develop a new tourism product whose strength is based on the synergy between our company and the locals of the area. With its rich biodiversity, its historical-cultural heritage, and its enchanting landscapes, the Murgia area has been one of the most sought-after destinations in Puglia in recent years, the ideal spot for those who enjoy natural beauty, exploration, sports, and outdoor activities.

Q: How do you predict the future for the Adventure Tourism sector in Puglia will be?

There will soon be significant infrastructure investments that will make it possible to cycle around the Park along a green cycle path. We believe that the Alta Murgia National Park has what it takes to become the main destination for adventure tourism in Puglia and we at 4cycling 'n trek with our network of partners, are ready to welcome everyone who is interested. We also thank the MEDUSA Project for its help.