Iniziativa eco-responsabile e CSR

🌊 Blue Lagoon in Comino, Malta, introduces an online reservation system starting from May 1. Visitors must book a free slot at bluelagooncomino.it for either morning (8-13), afternoon (13:30-17:30), or evening (18-22) sessions. A unique QR code is provided upon booking to gain access, along with a wristband for the reserved time slot. The Malta Tourism Authority initiated this to protect the beach's delicate ecosystems, part of the Natura 2000 network.

🏖️ Ministero del Turismo in Italy allocates €807,500 to enhance tourism, infrastructure, and sustainable enjoyment in Piedmont’s mountain areas under the 'Montagna Italia' project. Recently, the ministry also announced €11 million for Calabria’s mountains. The project in Piedmont, proposed by 8 tourist consortia representing 548 businesses, aims to boost off-peak tourism through expanded target audiences and the development of accessible, sustainable activities. Minister Daniela Santanchè emphasizes the nationwide support for entrepreneurial activities, networking among tourism businesses, public-private partnerships, promotion of local products, experiential tourism, and digital innovation to increase visibility.

🚂 By 2025, two-thirds of 681 surveyed business travelers in Europe and Asia-Pacific would prefer trains over planes given comparable costs and times, according to Bcd Travel. Six out of ten anticipate the same number of train trips as the previous year, with 18% expecting more. One-third report company policies favoring trains for short distances, yet only 6% mandate it, and 60% lack clear communication. Main reasons include station accessibility (49%), comfort (46%), and the ability to work en route (41%). Sustainability is also a factor, with 31% valuing lower environmental impact—train travel can cut CO₂ emissions by up to 95%. Over 80% work during train trips, utilizing Wi-Fi and power outlets; 50% use the time to rest, mostly booking through providers' websites. Issues cited include delays and strikes (50%), overcrowding (43%), poor connectivity (33%), and high prices (30%).

🌱 On April 24, Marina Lalli, President of Federturismo Confindustria, spoke at "Orchidays – Nel fiore di Mattinata", the first festival dedicated to the wild orchids of the Puglia region, during the "Talking Green. Quando l'orchidea diventa turismo" session, emphasizing environmental sustainability as a key competitive factor for Italy's economy and the promotion of Agenda 2030 principles. The event highlighted Mattinata and the Puglia Region's shared commitment to tourism, aiming to promote Mattinata beyond summer with strategies for year-round tourism. Sustainable tourism is exponentially growing and is projected to reach $8.73 billion by 2031, with an annual growth rate of 18.8%. This shift is driven by travelers' increasing environmental and social awareness, with a preference for ESG-compliant destinations and experiences.

🌱 Barceló Hotel Group achieved GSTC certification from Bureau Veritas for sustainability standards at four hotels: Royal Hideaway Corales Resort, Barceló Torre de Madrid, Barceló Fortina Malta, and Occidental Playa de Palma. As the first large Spanish hotel chain with this certification, Barceló aims to certify all its hotels in Spain by 2025.

🍫 Gruppo Elah Dufour Novi will participate in TUTTOFOOD 2025 at Rho Fiera Milano from May 5-8 after over 20 years. They will showcase their brands, including Nocciolato Novi, and product innovations for fall 2025. Since 2010, they've collaborated with Coldiretti, buying over 15,000 quintals of hazelnuts annually from 500+ Piedmont producers. The Premio Qualità Novi since 2016 rewards local hazelnut producers. The group focuses on export plans targeting France, Eastern Europe, Emirates, South America, and the US.

🍄 The Tastos project in Sardinia, Italia aims to establish the region as a black truffle cultivation and valorization hub. Supported by the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), the University of Sassari, and the Consorzio UNO di Oristano, the project integrates environmental sustainability with technological innovation and traditional farming. It utilizes a synergistic approach between sheep herding and truffle farming, with sheep maintaining truffle-rich underbrush. The initiative also involves cultivating hazelnuts alongside truffles for dual production. Tastos focuses on training, product transformation, and the use of advanced technologies, with plans for a digital sales platform for truffle products. However, results may take up to five to seven years due to the initial phase's significant investments and required agricultural shifts.

🍝 Farmo, a Milan-based company, celebrates its 25th anniversary at TuttoFood, aiming to improve life quality through healthy food options, expanding its lactose-free range. In 2022, Farmo's revenue was €21 million, with 80 employees and exports to 30 countries. Sales channels include 60% GDO supermarkets, 20% specialized stores, and 20% pharmacies. Farmo has four high-tech facilities in Casorezzo, near Milan, and recently opened Farmo Five near Chicago, USA, producing gluten-free Mac & Cheese for the American market. Farmo invests 6% of revenues in R&D, developing products like gluten-free pasta, bakery goods, mixes, and ready meals, focusing on inclusivity and environmental sustainability by reducing plastic packaging.

🍻 Diageo, global spirits leader, joins Aperyshow Charity Event, promoting responsible alcohol consumption through Drink IQ platform. Aperyshow, Italy’s first charity festival since 2010, supports causes like childhood disability, cancer research, and social inclusion. Diageo’s interactive education at the event includes free alcohol tests, blending entertainment and responsibility. This aligns with Diageo’s ESG strategy, "Society 2030: Spirit of Progress", contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals, and featuring iconic brands like Johnnie Walker and Guinness. More on DRINKiQ.com.

🍷 Located on the western edge of Sicily, the landscape of Alcamo, between the provinces of Trapani and Palermo, is rich with ancient stories, nature reserves, and vineyards. Catarratto, an indigenous white grape variety, has thrived in this unique pedoclimatic profile for over three centuries, covering about 30% of the regional surface with more than 15,000 hectares in the province of Trapani alone. A collective of around thirty young producers, the "Catarratto Boys," are redefining this once underappreciated grape variety. Their commitment to quality and identity has led to new market interest, with wines recognized by experts and authoritative guides.