Iniziativa eco-responsabile e CSR

🏃 In Puglia, Italy, €1.3 million has been allocated for the Project C.Os.T.A. to make tourism accessible for all, including 7 network projects and 20 additional plans deemed suitable for future public funding. Europe has 130 million people with disabilities, and 10 million in Italy, each traveling at least once a year. Tourism Councilor Gianfranco Lopane emphasized the creation of accessible tourist communities and light infrastructures. The initiative involves 44 proposals, with 27 suitable and 7 financed in the initial phase.

🏖️; 22% of 30 million Italians will choose outdoor vacations like camping and agritourism this summer. Enit's research, with Human Company and Istituto Piepoli, shows a 7% increase from 2023's 15%. 44% value freedom, 33% nature contact, for an average trip length of 9 days. August leads, followed by July and September. Most favor the sea (62%), with 78% staying in Italy, and Tuscany, Puglia, and Sicily top destinations. Tourism budgets are up by €500.

💲 Gruppo Gattinoni commissioned the "Business Travel 2030" research in late 2023 to analyze business travel trends. In 2023-2024, there was a 35% increase in sustainable travel requests; 19% of respondents had not yet taken specific sustainability measures. The 87% of travel managers prefer sustainable suppliers, 82% choose greener travel services, and for 49%, sustainability indicators in travel plans are useful. 20% value sustainable solutions over economic factors. Elena Carlino, Commercial Director, emphasizes commitment to ecological and safe business trips. The company works with Up2You for sustainability certification and Carbon Footprint calculation.

✈ airBaltic, a Latvian carrier, serves nine Italian destinations directly: Catania, Milan, Naples, Olbia, Pisa, Rome, Turin, Venice, and Verona. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Riga-Milan route in 2024, currently connected by five weekly flights. CEO Martin Gauss cites increased demand for Italy. The airline also promotes sustainability, offering passengers the option to buy eco-fuel (Saf) voluntarily. In the first year, 16,000 travelers participated, contributing to 18 tons of Saf used in May 2024 for flights between Spain and Latvia.

🏖️ According to the Visa Travellers Survey by Visa and Ipsos, 77% of Italians plan to vacation within Italy in the next 12 months, with 550 participants surveyed. While 49% will visit other European countries, with Spain (32%) and France (21%) being top choices, 55% prefer the USA for trips outside Europe, and Japan leads in Asia. Most departures occur in July and August, with 40% heading to "iconic" cities, 38% pursuing cultural interests, and another 38% choosing seaside locations. The average Italian plans to spend 1,418 euros per person, allocating more for Europe (1,323 euros) and even higher for trips outside Europe (2,719 euros), compared to 1,053 euros within Italy. Half of the Italians (51%) will finance their vacations using credit cards (54%), bank credit lines (27%), travel agency financing (17%), or Buy now pay later options (16%). Digital payments for travel are preferred by 60% of respondents, especially for overseas trips (39%), valuing convenience (69%), security (47%), and speed (44%). One-third prefer using a single payment card, rising to 52% for those traveling outside Europe, with credit cards (56%) and debit cards (33%) leading. Additionally, 46% of travelers are willing to pay up to 5% more for eco-s

🌍 Travelers in recent years seek sustainable accommodations that embrace environmental practices like renewable energy use and waste reduction, while also preserving local culture. They crave authentic experiences, involving interaction with locals, valuing traditions and typical local products. Hotels are expected to offer unique, immersive experiences such as guided tours by locals and visits to small artisan companies.

🌳 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.