Italy has invested millions in sustainable tourism, from walking trails to trains. A hot start to summer in Europe along with escalating overtourism protests have brought sustainable travel into focus. Italy has been particularly hard hit with excessive heat and overcrowding in popular destinations like Venice and Lake Como.
According to UN Tourism, Italy hosted more than 63 million international tourists in 2019, making it one of the on the planet. Tourism accounts for about 13 per cent of Italy’s GDP, a not insignificant chunk of the country’s national economy. As awareness grows, many tourists are focusing on how they can have a on the environment, economy and society while supporting local culture and traditions.
“Slow tourism travels fast,” says Italy’s Ministry of Tourism. “Promoting it means taking care of the present and, above all, the future of the sector. This segment is not merely a growing trend but has also become a strategic pillar of tourism development for Italy.
” In response to the growing interest in , the Ministry of Tourism earmarked funding to support it. They set aside €19 million for walking trails, €42 million for sustainable tourism, and an additional €33 million for open-air tourism. From idyllic to mountainous regions, Roman ruins, Venice canals, museums full of classic artwork, inviting vineyards, and regional cuisine at restaurants, Italy overwhelms tourists with an abundance of destination options.
Some overambitious travelle.
