Sondrio

 

The settlement opportunity identified by the Municipality of Sondrio is the brownfield area, "Castello Masegra," of more than 1,000 smq of SLP building, publicly owned.

Following the signing of the Agreement for attractiveness, Sondrio has implemented internet connectivity in optical fiber, to improve the offices’ efficiency on web portals and in particular on Impresainungiorno. Moreover, it has purchased facilities and technological equipment for the set-up of the conference room at Palazzo Pretorio, place for training courses and interventions for the promotion of localization opportunities as well as qualified assistance to the entrepreneur.

The Sondrio Municipality is active in streamlining, it uses and implements both the telematic desk and the electronic company for data and documents presentations, including the status of practices verifiable directly from your PC.

In terms of tax reliefs, it provides for a reduction of both the TARI (by 20%) for all investors who intend to establish themselves in the proposed areas and expenses needed to change designation of use by 5%.

In detail, the Municipality implements the following actions:

Semplification commitments

• Guarantees that the Action Plan presented by the company is adopted by the City Council in less than 90 days from the date the request was registered.
• Releases, upon a complete request being made, a Planning Permission in less than 60 days from the request.
• Ensures an online 'front office' service or a dedicated section in the municipality's portal where investors or potential investors can find all useful information.
• Uses and implements the 'electronic desk'.
• Simplifies payments by creating a single contact for the payment of all expenses owed to the municipality and other entities.
• Uses the SUAP [single contact point for productive activity] for proper additions to the Electronic Company File.
• Guarantees a training course for the SUAP operators.
• Participates in training programs related to the Electronic Company File.

Economic and fiscal incentives

• Declares in advance all the urban planning and construction making sur not to introduce additional expenses.
• Provides for an IMU [municipal property tax] + TASI [municipal tax on community services] tax rate of 10,8‰ in the areas identified.
• Reduces the TARI [waste disposal tax] by 20% from the current amount.
• Provides reimbursement of IMU and TASI debits and credits.
• Reduces the qualitative standard and any expenses needed to change designation of use for the identified areas by 5%.

Promotional activities and assistance to investors

• Provides preliminary consulting services and support to companies in the presentation and implementation of their projects, with the issuance of written opinions if requested in the proposal.
• Holds regular meetings to solve any problems with the investment process and to provide support regarding methods for payment of local taxes.
• Enables forms of collaboration with the credit institutions in the region.

Why investing in tourism in Sondrio?

Because the tourism positioning of the Sondrio-Valmalenco area is being redefined with a view to territorial development, also -but not exclusively- in view of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. Furthermore, an attempt is being made to shape the touristic identity of the area in a coherent and sustainable way.

The attractiveness of mountain areas is a recognised fact: at world level, mountain tourism flows are second only to those of coastal and island areas. This translates into a share of 15%-20% of the total world touristic flows, with a resulting economic impact that can be quantified in between 70 and 90 billion dollars per year (FAO, 2017).

Several are the strengths of the area:

• Strategic geographical position
• Many assets with good performance and high potential
• Environmental dimension
• ‘Hidden treasures’
• High life quality, healthy lifestyle and health & hygiene safety

... and the opportunities:

• Synergy with successful neighbouring destinations (possible "spill-over" effect).
• Redefinition of the competitive landscape
• Strong development potential
• 2026 Olympics

It is also useful to know that a lot is being done in terms of territory promotion, with nature and the environment at the core of the message. We are trying to expand the tourism proposal to meet new demands: transformational tourism and new proposals/products that will enhance the distinctive attractions of the area.

A few examples? Yoga sessions in unparalleled natural contexts; psychology and tasting sessions, such as "which wine reflects your character the most?"; ‘the time machine’ experience - live a day as a villager of 100 years ago; star watching - forget the mists and practice it the plateau or on skis.

For the touristic re-launch of the territory, the value chain of the destination is also being enriched by monitoring and strengthening numerous dimensions that will lead to the success of the project:

1.  Work on a cuddling, slower, more attentive, more helpful, more customer-oriented approach to hospitality.
2.  Invest in the area to equip it for the development of the objectives of the project: e.g. create spaces for star watching or meditation, rather than equipping open areas for team building activities.
3.  Invest in the professional growth of historical operators (tourist guides, restaurateurs, sport instructors) and activate new professional skills in line with the new positioning of the touristic offer (psychologists, coaches, historians, professional photographers, etc.).
4.  Think about incentives and propose calls for ideas for modern, innovative, creative and attractive forms of catering, hospitality and tourist services.
5.  Redesign the public/private transport system, the area signage and the information tools in a coherent way.
6.  Redesign the city's timetables with the aim of welcoming tourist and not let them feel lost or abandoned.