Study on the enhancement of Capriasca and the districts of Val Colla, Villa Luganese, Sonvico, and Cadro

The study on the enhancement of the tourism and socio-economic potential of the Capriasca region and the districts of Val Colla, Villa Luganese, Sonvico, and Cadro was presented in March 2020. The initiative was promoted by the municipalities of Lugano and Capriasca and Lugano Region, in collaboration with the Ente Regionale per lo Sviluppo del Luganese (ERSL). The study identified a strategy for the integrated development of their respective territories over the 2020–2030 time frame, taking into account their unique landscape, economic, social, and cultural characteristics.

The two public days

In 2018, two public days were organized, focusing on the Val Colla and Capriasca region with the goal of gathering opinions and suggestions from citizens, promoting a participatory process. The information collected through working groups and interviews conducted in the area helped develop a comprehensive and updated vision of the district, identify tourism potential not yet recognized or fully utilized, and support the activation of projects promoted by local stakeholders. The area under study serves as a green lung near the urban and lakeside center; promoting a diversified tourism offering in sports, culture, and leisure enhances the appeal of a territory that is unique in its landscape.

The tourism development plan is based on three main strategic pillars: the creation of circular recreational routes in the valley floor, mid-valley, and upper valley, which connect and enhance the different areas of the area; the development of a distributed sports center to promote both outdoor and indoor sports activities; and the strengthening of agritourism offerings and alpine pastures.

Projects

Approximately 30 projects with territorial and tourism significance have been identified for active support, aligned with the objectives of the respective strategic pillars. For example, the development of a mid-valley trail - accessible by foot or bike - that connects and enhances the village cores by strengthening the tourism offering and identifying or potentially creating new points of interest. Another example is the project for a distributed sports center aimed at fostering complementarity between various existing facilities (e.g., Arena Sportiva, Centro Sportivo Cadro Panoramica, the future Polo Sportivo e degli Eventi in Cornaredo, and the Centro Sportivo al Maglio, Lido-Foce Cassarate), thereby enriching the sports offering to benefit both residents and tourists. The goal is to create synergies by integrating the outdoor activities offered by the natural arena characterizing the district with those promoted by existing sports facilities. Lastly, the framework conditions for reviving traditional cheesemaking and enhancing agritourism and alpine pasture offerings are also to be strengthened.

Future developments

The development and promotion of the offerings are targeted at both the local population and tourists, aiming to increase the duration of stays in the region. The study highlighted the importance of making the valley fully accessible, encompassing the lowlands, mid-valley, high valley, and ridges. The plan includes integrating new thematic trails with educational and historical-naturalistic content into the existing network of routes.

The promotion of sports activities, such as hiking, horseback riding, running, and mountain biking, will also be prioritized, along with the inclusion of sports events of local, national, and international appeal.

The development of the projects will be regionally coordinated by the municipalities of Lugano and Capriasca, Lugano Region, and the Ente Regionale di Sviluppo del Luganese. The support for promoters will focus on project planning as well as the evaluation of potential private and public funding opportunities.