Iniziativa eco-responsabile e CSR

✈ 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.

🌍 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.

🏖️ 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.