Castellana Caves, January 13, 2014 – “We must always strive for improvement; there is no end point,” commented Domi Ciliberti during his speech regarding the 2013 financial statements and the final results of the “Christmas in the Caves” project. These exciting numbers confirm an intense year of tireless promotional work in Italy and abroad, new projects, marketing strategies, and synergies with the most important organizations in our region, as well as national and international collaborations that have received excellent feedback from industry professionals and the public.
And all this translated into an increase of 9.100 visitors compared to 2012, closing the year with a total of 228.250 visitors, and a consequent increase in turnover of 4,5%.
"A highly comforting and satisfying picture," the president emphasized, "considering the recession sweeping every sector and the absence of the popular Hell in the Cave show, which alone promoted the Castellana Caves well worldwide."
The “Nativity Scenes in the Cave” and “Christmas in the Caves” initiatives also achieved surprising results, attracting over 2.500 visitors (60% of whom were non-residents) and nearly 2.000 spectators, respectively, for the six events. "The success of all this," Ciliberti continued, "lies not only in the idea, but in a team of people who believed in it from the beginning and who truly worked to make this goal a reality. I am referring to Don Leonardo Mastronardi, coordinator and enthusiastic supporter of many activities, to Elvira Spartano, and to the volunteers of ATC Sottosopra. And what can I say about Marino De Tommaso and Rosaria Genco of the Compagnia degli Scarti, who conceived and created a Nativity scene with multiple meanings, from the material to the message of peace embodied in their work. A work imbued with passion and dedication, truly of great value. The same goes for the ticket office staff, the administration, the guides, and the companions who made themselves available throughout the events, including Christmas. Between the lines of these words, there is a message I would like to make clear: all these efforts are aimed at bringing value to Castellana and the Castellanesi. If the Caves gain acclaim and success, this benefits our entire town. And not only that. We strongly desire that, despite what happened some time ago, our invaluable heritage be one with Castellana, erasing from everyone's mind the distinction between two realities (caves and town) which, rightfully, must increasingly merge and move in the same direction. We will always carry this banner forward, committing to setting continuous goals for improvement for 2014 as well. We can already announce one: the return of Hell in the Cave.
Serena Greco
Press Office Grotte di Castellana Srl
Cell. + 39 348 7649373
www.grottedicastellana.it
