Smart working in Barbagia, in Ollolai over a thousand requests for “digital nomads” from all over the world

ServiceIn Sardinia The municipal administration’s project encourages arrivals in the wake of an idea that the municipality launched a year ago: with 1 euro in Ollolai you can buy an uninhabited house, provided you renovate and live in it, increasing so population and economic repercussionsSeptember 1, 2023 : “Generation change and smart working are a challenge for attracting talent”2′ read An American designer is the first “digital nomad” to land in Ollolai, a town in Barbagia with 1,200 inhabitants in the heart of Sardinia, with the project “Work from Ollolai/Traballa dae Ollolai”, promoted by the municipality to fight depopulation, in collaboration with the cultural association Sa Mata. The goal is to develop a network of international residencies for professionals who will live and work in the country of Sardinia thanks to smart working. An American designer the first digital nomad to arrive Clarese Partis, 39, designer of the User Experience agency, comes from California and answered the call together with 1,112 other candidates, filling out the request within the dedicated portal. The municipal administration’s project encourages arrivals by offering a house at the symbolic price of 1 euro per month, in the wake of an idea that the municipality started a few years ago: with 1 euro in Ollolai you can buy an uninhabited house, provided that it is restructured and inhabited, thus increasing the population and economic effects. «My goal – says Clarese Partis, who has been working remotely as a digital nomad for two years – is to do my job wherever I am using the web and new technologies. When the opportunity to leave for Ollolai arose I was excited to come to enjoy new nature, mountains and fresh air. I’ve only been there for a few days and will be staying for a month, but I have to say that living here is better than I expected and the welcome has been very warm. There is so much to explore in Sardinia and I am happy to immerse myself in the interior of the island and its culture». Over a thousand questions from all over the world The project was born from an idea of ​​Mayor Francesco Columbu, initially developing a network with America but then extending the tender to the whole world. Last May, the launch of the proposal bounced in the international media, causing the incredible number of over a thousand requests for ‘digital nomads’ to fall into the offices of the municipality. “We will welcome all those who want to come with open arms, naturally on the basis of the accommodation we have available, and we do the same today for Clarese – explains the mayor – Their presence will revitalize the town which offers nature, tranquillity, healthy food, traditions and a welcoming community. I also want to remind you that we are one of the five Blue Zones in the world, a land of centenarians and ultra-centenarians». Next arrival: a couple from Singapore The next arrival is expected at the end of September and it is a couple from Singapore. «We certainly didn’t imagine receiving more than 1000 requests from all over the world – comments Veronica Matta, president of Sa Mata and director of the project -. They wrote to us from Peru, Mexico, South Africa, India, but also from many European countries. Naturally we cannot satisfy everyone, but it is certain that we will try to understand the potential of this sector».