When the mountain calls

With the arrival of spring, nature starts calling us!

And as the desire to escape from routine grows, we start looking forward to immersing in its colors, savoring its smells and listening to its sounds!

Maybe this year it is more than a simple desire. After the restrictions of recent months, in fact, we need to give ourselves a moment of peace... it's about our physical and mental health!

The good news is that we can finally do it, without having to give up security. There are many possibilities for all tastes!

Today I want to inspire you and give you a little taste of what your next experience might be.

To do this, I thought I’d introduce you to one of our trusted partners: Wild in the Dolomiti.

Did you know this Tour Operator? If you love nature and look for authentic experiences, I recommend you take a tour on their site and take a look at their proposals... I assure you that you will not regret it! First of all, however, I want to introduce you to Michela, creator and founder of this reality.

Here is our interview!

In the biography you define yourself "a professional, curious, a little seamstress, a little psychologist". Would you like to tell your story to our readers? Who is Michela?

I started working as a travel agent in Germany in 1989.

In 1993 I moved to Italy.

I started working in a travel agency in Belluno as a travel agent.

In addition to selling travel packages around the world, my job was to manage and create as a Tour Operator offers and experiences in our territory.

Together with my colleague Francesca I signed collaboration contracts with the hotels in our territory, I wrote texts for the description of the product for sale, I was in charge of printing and sending catalogues to travel agencies, who in turn sold our products. By the time I opened my Tour Operator.

Tell us about your passion for the tourism sector. What are the key values of your work?

The values of my tourism: slow, pure, simple but full of emotions and experiences.

I started traveling with my parents as a child. Every weekend we visited a different place.

I’m lucky, my job is my passion.

At this point the question arises: how was Wild in the Dolomites born? What is your mission and how do you differentiate from a traditional Tour Operator?

To put my passion into practice, as Technical Director I opened Wild in the Dolomiti. I have looked carefully for the Guides who work with me. Special people, who know the mountain in depth, telling it beyond the mere technical difficulties. We create your travel experiences together.

You should know that I learned about our Dolomites during my stays, even if sporadic. When I lived in Germany, I was used to visit Italy in winter and I still remember with joy the weekends I spent on the Belluno Dolomites, skiing with my friends.

What does it mean working as a "Travel Designer" to you?

I live in a magnificent place, the Dolomites. My goal is to offer my customers the holiday of their dreams.

What would you say to a traveler who thinks he can find the perfect experience in total autonomy?

The mountain can become a very dangerous place if you do not know the territory.

What are the most appreciated aspects to your customers? Is there any particular feedback that you would like to share with our readers?

Many customers have become my friends. We often chat. I’m proud because we tend to create real relationships which are much deeper than the customer – service provider ones!

I imagine that now you are dealing with the restrictions linked to the pandemic. How are you coping with this moment? Can we expect any surprises in the next few months?

In this last year we have developed new contacts and created tailor-made experiences together with our Guides.

To conclude, I’d like to ask you an unusual question. How do you imagine post-pandemic tourism? Do you think there is a risk that those who do a job like ours will be replaced or marginalized by automated technological platforms and marketing systems? What can we do to prevent it?

It is unthinkable that we will be replaced by an algorithm! I want to think that I can continue to freely create the ideal program tailored to my beloved customers.

I fully agree with Michela: no artificial intelligence can ever replace the authenticity of human relationships. Not even the best algorithms can replace a person’s passion, experiences and emotions!

How can a "smart machine" enhance a territory better than those who have lived there for years?

It’s impossible, of course! That’s why I advise you to always rely on professionals like her for your holidays, especially if it’s experiences like those proposed by Wild in The Dolomiti. The mountain is fascinating but can be very dangerous for those who do not know the territory well! Without a Guide, moreover, there is the risk of missing the best attractions... it would be a shame, wouldn’t it?

You really want to take that chance? Don’t you prefer turning to those who know the territory as their own pockets, knowing that you can count on passionate and competent professionals?