Iniziativa eco-responsabile e CSR

🌳 Valencia, nominated European Green Capital 2024 and Lanzarote, first destination to obtain Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification, exemplify Spain's leadership in green tourism. Tono Franco Martínez of Visit Valencia announced plans to extend the Turia Garden by 1.5 kilometers, linking the city center to the Mediterranean port. Valencia aims to move cruise ship docks by 2026, despite expecting 820,000 cruisers in 2024, a 90% increase from 2019. Ryanair's presence has boosted arrivals at Manises Airport by 20%, with over 10 million passengers anticipated this season. In 2023, Lanzarote received 2.69 million foreign tourists, leading to a surge in vacation home rentals to 7,500. Héctor Fernández Manchado of Turismo Lanzarote highlights the call for sustainable access limits by locals.

🌎 Italians are ready for sustainable behavior to combat overtourism, per Evaneos survey. Key solutions: exploring lesser-known destinations (49.3%), setting visitor limits (42.1%), promoting responsible conduct (40.4%), and eco-friendly activities (39%). The majority, 87.8%, are open to off-peak travel and lesser-known places, while 86.8% would book trips outside peak seasons. Additionally, 82.7% prefer avoiding 'Instagrammable' tourist traps.

🏖️ Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè visited Macugnaga to support the flood-affected population. Announced a €10 million fund for damaged hotels, restaurants, and ski stations. Mentioned a €230 million tender for ski lift systems' renovation, modernization, and maintenance. Emphasized the need for teamwork on the trail network, preserving local identity and features.

🚢 Protests against overtourism, particularly cruises, may lead to itinerary changes in Europe, as warned by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Demonstrations have affected Spain (especially Barcelona and the Canaries), Norway, and Brittany, France. Tourists have been targeted, evidenced by incidents in Barcelona where protesters used water pistols against visitors. CLIA cautions that member operators might skip some European ports if passenger treatment ashore is poor or safety compromised.

🌍 Evaneos highlights practices to counter overtourism, advocating for the appreciation of lesser-known heritage and authentic experiences that benefit local communities. Communication is key to raising awareness of overtourism's impact, and balanced tourist flow distribution alongside green practices by tourists is essential for sustainable tourism development.

🔬 Ita Airways and the Italian Red Cross (Croce Rossa Italiana) launched a partnership marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding, aiming to enhance collaboration, particularly in training and information initiatives. Andrea Benassi, General Manager of Ita Airways, emphasized shared principles of social sustainability and health protection. The agreement coincides with the 160th anniversary of the Italian Red Cross, commemorated by an Airbus A319 of ITA Airways featuring a special livery dedicated to champion Novella Calligaris.

✈ La Compagnie celebrates its 10th anniversary by involving 10 children, also aged 10, to design future aircraft stickers. Children born in 2014 who've flown with La Compagnie, totaling around 350, receive a free round-trip ticket to fly by the end of 2024. A new Airbus A321neo, with 68 all-business class seats, joins their fleet in September 2026. The route and ticket sales start in January 2026. On July 9, in Paris, they unveiled an AI-generated digital artwork by Obvious, reflecting the Art Deco movement.

🚢 In Porto Marghera, Venice, a preliminary contract has been signed for a new maritime station. The location spans over 10 hectares, acquired for about €16 million. Starting in the 2027 cruise season, two temporary berths will be available for ships up to 300 meters long. By the 2028 season, a new 12,000 sqm passenger terminal with renewable energy systems and modern facilities, including baggage claim areas, will be operational.

🏖️ Italy's Ministry of Tourism launched a new social initiative under the hashtag #italypills showcased on Italia.it's social channels, featuring tourist information, anecdotes, and attractions. Debuting today on Instagram, the bi-monthly series will highlight Italy's distinctive beauties.

🌊 In France, environmental activists from Stop Croisières BZH and Extinction Rebellion blocked the entry of the Seven Seas Voyager cruise ship into Finistère port, Brittany, preventing 700 passengers from disembarking. Protesters, entering the water with a banner reading 'We are the iceberg,' highlighted the cruise industry's environmental impact.