A Community and Innovation Project
The Visit Sardara project was created to enhance the cultural, environmental, and identity heritage of the territory through innovative Destination Management tools. The initiative, supported by the Municipality of Sardara and funded through the GAL Campidano public call (RDP Sardinia 2014-2022), aims to transform the town into an organized and competitive tourist destination.
Activities Implemented for the Territory
The process of building the destination involved the implementation of an operational plan structured into four key areas managed by Sintur:
- Technical-Digital Area: Development of the DMS (Destination Management System) platform integrated with the tourism website, and creation of interactive maps for the digitalization of cycle touring itineraries and points of interest.
- Content Area: Production of original texts, photo shoots, and emotional videos dedicated to telling the soul of Sardara.
- Communication Area: Creation of a family of AI-powered virtual assistants with the aim of making the destination information and discovery experience more welcoming, recognizable, and engaging.
- Coordination and Analysis Area: Census of productive activities, qualitative and quantitative analysis of tourist flows, and constant monitoring for the development of the territorial brand.
The Smart Destination Model: The Future of Inland Areas
In addition to the specific activities for Sardara, the project adopts the Smart Destination Model, a strategic framework designed by Sintur Sinergie Turistiche for the rebirth of territories. This model stands out for:
- Centrality of Human Capital: We do not just present services, but people. Every operator (artisan, restaurateur, or manager) becomes a ‘voice of the town’ through first-person stories that enhance local histories and traditions.
- Ethics and Economic Sustainability: The model promotes a ‘zero commission’ supply chain. Transactions made through the portal directly fuel the local economy, allowing operators to invest in an increasingly authentic hospitality.
- Innovation and Virtual Assistance: The integration of an AI-based virtual assistant acts as a digital infopoint that is always active, guiding visitors to discover routes, artisan workshops, and traditional menus.
- Active Participation: A process where citizens and operators take center stage, with contents shared and validated together, alongside specific training to guarantee the digital autonomy of the community.
The Smart Destination Model represents an excellent pilot project, demonstrating how the combination of advanced technology and human authenticity can turn small Sardinian towns into internationally renowned destinations.
The Visit Campidano Virtual Assistants
Territorial Identity, Storytelling, and Digital Innovation
As part of the Visit Pabillonis, Visit San Gavino Monreale, Visit Sardara, Visit Serramanna, and Visit Villasor projects, a family of AI-powered virtual assistants has been introduced. The goal is to make the information and destination-discovery experience more welcoming, recognizable, and engaging. Instead of generic avatars, the project features original characters inspired by the most representative elements of local identity. Each virtual assistant thus becomes a true “territorial mascot,” capable of showcasing the town through symbols that are immediately recognizable to both the local community and visitors.
🏺 PINGIADEDDA – Visit Pabillonis
Identity Element The tradition of terracotta pottery.
The name Pingiadedda refers to the traditional terracotta pot used in local rural and domestic culture. Pabillonis is historically renowned for its artisans and kiln masters who have passed down the art of working clay through centuries. The avatar takes the form of a friendly, smiling pot that welcomes visitors and guides them through the discovery of the town, its traditions, and its itineraries.
Core values: Tradition, hospitality, craftsmanship, local identity.
🌸 ZAFFY – Visit San Gavino Monreale
Identity Element: Saffron.
San Gavino Monreale is one of the main saffron production hubs in Sardinia. The “Visit” logo already features the flower’s pistil, which has been transformed into a smiling and welcoming character.
The name Zaffy blends the word “saffron” with a modern, catchy sound suitable for a virtual assistant.
Core values: Agricultural excellence, quality, tradition, color, and creativity.
💧 SORGI – Visit Sardara
Identity Element: Thermal water and springs.
Sardara is universally known for its thermal heritage, which is one of the area’s main tourist attractions.
The character Sorgi was born from the transformation of the water droplet found in the Visit Sardara logo. The name directly evokes the concept of a “source” or “spring”, a landmark element in the history of this thermal destination. The avatar represents well-being, regeneration, and hospitality.
Core values: Well-being, health, relaxation, hospitality.
🌿 CIOFFU – Visit Serramanna
Identity element: The artichoke.
Serramanna is one of Sardinia’s primary horticultural centers, and the artichoke is one of the local territory’s most distinctive and recognizable agricultural products.
The name Cioffu comes from the local term used to describe the characteristic tuft of the artichoke, immediately recalling the graphic element in the Visit Serramanna logo.
The virtual assistant takes the shape of a friendly artichoke that tells the story of the agricultural world, rural traditions, and the Campidano landscape.
Core values: Agriculture, sustainability, rural tradition, authenticity.
🏰 Casti – Visit Villasor
Identity Element: Siviller Castle.
Siviller Castle is the most recognizable symbol of Villasor and stands as one of the best-preserved examples of fortified architecture in Sardinia.
The name Casti comes from the immediate association with the word castle, reinterpreted into a short, friendly, and memorable form perfect for a virtual assistant and territorial mascot.
The avatar was designed using the stylized shapes of Siviller Castle from the Visit Villasor logo, turning the monument into a welcoming, recognizable character. It is designed to guide citizens and visitors as they discover the historical, cultural, and identity heritage of the town.
Casti thus becomes the digital guardian of Villasor, narrating the stories of the village, its traditions, and its main symbolic monument.
Core values: History, culture, memory, hospitality, territorial identity.
A Single Family of Virtual Assistants
While maintaining a strong local character, all avatars share a common graphic and narrative style, becoming an integral part of the Visit Campidano territorial network.
The family—composed of Pingiadedda, Zaffy, Sorgi, Cioffu, and Casti—represents an innovative example of artificial intelligence applied to destination marketing. It transforms digital information tools into more human, engaging experiences that align with the identity of the destinations.
Each virtual assistant is not just a chatbot, but a true digital ambassador for the territory, capable of welcoming, informing, and guiding visitors to discover local excellence.
