Bellinzona and Upper Ticino: a territory to be discovered, between culture and nature, thanks to the OTR

Let's outline what are the characteristics and strengths of the tourist offer of the OTR Bellinzona and Upper Ticino?

«There are two words that fully summarize the main strategic assets for the promotion of the territory under the responsibility of the Bellinzona and Upper Ticino OTR: culture and nature. Culture means first and foremost, but not only, the Fortress of Bellinzona, an extraordinary example of a late medieval defensive structure located in a strategic point of the Alpine passage. The complex of castles, walls and the fortification system of Bellinzona can be counted among the most admirable examples of medieval fortified architecture in the Alps. It is no coincidence that on November 30, 2000, the three castles with the surrounding walls and the Murata, became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro were built to control the passage from the Ticino river valley, access to the Alpine passes and commercial traffic to and from the S. Gottardo. After recent reconstructions, restorations and improvements, today they present themselves in their maximum splendor and constitute the main tourist attraction of the city ».

And what about nature?

«I like to remember that with its 1.600 km of official trails, the Bellinzonese and the Valleys comprise about 40% of the total hiking heritage of Ticino. Paths that run the length and breadth of the Leventina Valley, the Blenio Valley, the Riviera and the Bellinzona area itself, constituting a true paradise for those who want to travel on foot or by bicycle. To this are added 11 routes of great naturalistic interest designed and equipped especially for mountain bike enthusiasts ».

With what strategy do you intend to promote these hiking resources?

"In order to make the most of this extraordinary heritage, as OTR Bellinzona we have decided to identify, create and promote a series of thematic itineraries that will all be grafted along an axis that crosses all of our territory from north to south and which corresponds to the historic route of the Via Francisca del Lucomagno, an ancient Roman-Lombard road that from Costanza, in central Europe, leads to Pavia passing through Switzerland. The Via can be traveled all year round, on foot or by bicycle, thanks to the fact that the Lukmanier pass in Switzerland, with its 1915 meters of height, is the lowest in the Alpine area and hardly presents adverse conditions for walkers. . Some sections are also equipped to make them accessible to people with reduced mobility ».

Have you already identified some of these thematic trails?

"Of course. I like to mention two that are already in an advanced stage of construction. The first is the Salamandra Vagabonda thematic path which winds along a circular mountain route, largely on an official network, and is suitable for families with children and curious people. Along the approximately 5 km it is possible to discover the ancient nucleus of Selvapiana, the characteristic nucleus of Scarp, the ruins of the Serravalle Castle, the presses, the grottos, the chapels, the particular vineyards in the Ganne di Ludiano, and much more.

The second concerns the restoration of the Mill of Corzoneso (and the surrounding area), which was inaugurated in 2022. The mill, in operation until the early twentieth century, was mostly used to grind rye and wheat, is now perfectly functioning and can be put into operation for didactic purposes or on the occasion of the traditional festival ».

How and with what initiatives have tourism entrepreneurs present in the area faced, after two years of pandemic, a summer that is finally free from restrictions?

"During the pandemic, the tourist operators active in the area had to suffer the consequences of the closures and restrictions, but as soon as the situation allowed it they took advantage of a consistent domestic tourist flow, previously largely directed to other destinations, especially international. This has resulted in periods of marked turnout with a clientele that our operators have made every effort to build loyalty by promoting offers, packages and special initiatives aimed at making the desire to stay in the Bellinzona and Valleys continuous over time. The good performance of bookings and presences recorded during this summer confirms the goodness of the choices made and the tenacity of our entrepreneurs ».

One of the major issues on the agenda is that of the transition to a sustainable and environmentally friendly economy. With what initiatives is your territory preparing to respond to a growing demand for “green” tourism with a low environmental impact?

«Sustainability is a topic that is close to the heart of the whole Bellinzona and Valli region. The OTR Bellinzona and Upper Ticino operates in compliance with all procedures aimed at saving energy, collecting and disposing of waste, and all its initiatives are based on environmental, economic and social respect. A field in which we are particularly active concerns the promotion of sustainable mobility by choosing means of transport with a low environmental impact. For example, the trains of the Gotthard Train, in service on the panoramic railway line of the Gotthard, can be booked through the dedicated computer network. For the choice of accommodation, in the area there are accommodation facilities with a special regard for the environment, from the traditional hotel to the alpine huts and finally, with respect to the various outdoor activities, there is a wide choice of sustainable proposals in the area suitable for all interests. Last but not least, an important digitization project is linked to sustainability to offer a quality service that allows us to be close to tourists who are increasingly oriented on the web to choose their holiday destinations ».

Welcome and hospitality are two issues of great importance in the promotion of a territory. What initiatives have you put in place?

"To overcome the relative lack of hotel facilities in our area, we are committed to promoting the demand for apartments, cottages, chalets and secondary houses through various initiatives, a trend that is constantly growing but, in relation to the enormous potential of this type of accommodation , especially cottages and rural houses which, when properly adapted represent an inestimable environmental value, is still contained. In this sense, we continue to renew the invitation to all owners of secondary homes to make their facilities available to tourists during the periods in which they are not occupied by themselves. A similar argument can be made with regard to campers who during the pandemic have rediscovered our territory in significant numbers and who now positively want to continue to welcome, regulating and equipping their parking in the best possible way ".

What are the main events and manifestations planned for autumn in Bellinzonese and Alto Ticino?

"It is impossible to make a list due to the wealth of initiatives that flourish in Bellinzona and in the Valleys, including cultural events, festivals and gastronomic reviews, popular festivals that attract tens of thousands of visitors, and then sporting events, guided tours, excursions to discover different aspects of our territory. For a complete overview it is advisable to consult the site of the OTR Bellinzona and Upper Ticino, to the events section ».