Feluca Viaggi can be found on Via Leopardi, only a few meters outside the central piazza in Old Cagli. Its location, just beside City Hall, attracts many Cagliesi in search of travel assistance. Approximately 80 percent of Faggiani's business is made up of clients in search of vacation spots. Only 20 percent of his clients are business travelers.

When asked which locations his clients are interested in, Faggiani points to the large world map pinned to the wall behind his desk: the European attractions first, such as Spain and the Greek Isles, then New York and California.

Faggiani added that Canada and the Caribbean islands are in demand as well. Recently a group of young Cagliesi adults left for Jamaica. Their excitement was apparent as they said goodbye to friends in the local wine bar, Caffe del Corso, on the night of their departure. Regarding the Cagliesi youths’ interest in leaving the town, Faggiani said "The young people of Cagli want to know the world from their own eyes, not just passively from the television."

Antonio Mansi, a Cagliesi teenager, appreciates the advantages of joining the European Union. “Cultural exchanges grew also; I went to Denmark and the Czech Republic,” said Mansi.

Faggiani denied the existence of a direct correlation between the introduction of the euro in 2002 and an increase in tourism. "I am not saying that it didn't affect the tourism business; rather it improved an already thriving industry," Faggiani said. He commented that the euro has not had any direct negative affects on the tourism industry.

Now that many currencies have been replaced by the euro, travelers can go from country to country without converting money or paying extra fees.
"All the countries are now competing on the same currency. Therefore promotions within the tourism industry have strengthened in order to contend in this prosperous business," said Faggiani.

How does Cagli compete in this industry? The answer lies in not only what Faggiani attributed to the local political administration and tour operators, but an association known as a consorzio.

For the past four years, Faggiani has been the president of the consorzio, Comunita Montana Catria-Nerone, a subset group from a larger association known as Consorzio Monte Feltro Leader. The concept of this program is to assist a variety of establishments, such as bed and breakfasts, hotels, restaurants, and bars, by treating them as one entity that will thrive on tourism.

The comuni or related towns that make up the Comunita Montana Catria-Nerone are Cagli, Cantiano, Apecchio, Piobbico, and Acqualagna. Faggiani explained that the consorzio is not meant to advertise Cagli alone, but rather the three other comuni as well. Cagli is one small sector of these mountain comuni, where multiple consorzi create a broader offer to the market.

According to Faggiani, the mountain comuni are advertised mainly as a package, with complementary attributes, each containing their own distinct local flavor.

Yet Cagli has notable key attributes. "Cagli contains a relaxing atmosphere, nature untouched by man, unpolluted rivers perfect for bathing and a rich, ancient culture," Faggiani said. Among other regions, unique handcrafts like iron and ceramics are made locally for tourists to admire as well as purchase.

Agricultural products such as wine and truffles are important for Cagli. Not only can visitors purchase them directly, but restaurants and other food related businesses can benefit as well. An enjoyable and relaxing vacation may only require a summer evening within the heart of the Marche, sipping local wines and feasting on regional cuisine.

"We have already done so much for the aesthetics of Cagli, including the present building renovations that are currently apparent all throughout town." Faggiani explained. Notable within Cagli is the concentration on renovating the old. Saving the historical buildings from the wear of time illustrates Cagli's determination to preserve its rich architecture.

Cagli expects more funding in the near future. "More organization among the town is needed now that the aesthetics are taken care of," Faggiani said. Among the plans for assisting the city’s tourism are professional guides, a tourist information center open on Sundays, and a main office in town that makes available references for hotels, restaurants, and sights for tourists.

Along mountain roads, there are signs advertising ecotourism. Faggiani explained that ecotourism is an innovative concept within the tourism business. It attracts those filled with an extreme case of wanderlust. It utilizes all the natural attributes that encompass Europe. The mountain ranges, trails, and fresh water are just a few attractions of ecotourism. This project involves trails that extend from the sea to the mountain ranges. Along these paths are carefully planned points for food and drink, and baite. Baite are desolate stays for weary travelers. They serve the most basic needs of wanderers for a night’s rest.

Ecotourism, according to Faggiani, is a project related to funding and planning by the EU, where multiple political parties have a hand in the decision-making. “I only hope that so many political parties don’t end up clashing in the end. It would be a lot better if one political line was involved for the sake of the project,” said Faggiani. The lack of frills involved in ecotourism has resulted in low profits thus far.

Related to ecotourism, yet not as extreme is the agriturismo – 10 to 12 locations are within three to10 kilometers of Cagli. These locations are not quite hotels, and not the baite typical of ecotourism. The buildings provide comfortable amenities without extravagance.

The agriturismo gives those unwilling to hike through mountainous terrain a taste of nature. Agriturismi offer a range of services and activities from camps and swimming, to trails and tennis courts. Trails are available for horseback riding, wandering, and bike rides.

Interesting meals are available at agriturismo sites. Most locals have their own organic gardens that serve as the main source of meals served. Health conscious, vegetarian, and adventurous folks find this concept a great treat.

“We evolve just like the United States,” is the consensus among many Cagliesi when discussing the antiquated appearance of the town. Despite the cobblestone streets and historical buildings, Cagli and the Cagliesi share in the same fashion, technology, and mentalities of other progressive countries. “I believe Cagli has opened and become less isolated than it was five or 10 years ago,” Faggiani said. When asked if they believe the Cagliesi youth will leave their hometowns as borderlines become blurred in the evolution of the EU, Faggiani answered, “Yes, they will probably leave for awhile, but they always come back.”

Photographs by Mary Doyle

Web design by Dan Rhault

Video by Jaci Schulte