Italy
Tourism impacts the environment with the destructive force of its visitors. Sustainable tourism in Italy has become the goal of historians, environmentalists and tourism boards throughout the country. The ability to provide tourists the opportunity to visit destinations in Italy, without the "loved-to-death" effect, is being implemented through various sustainable tourism projects and responsible businesses. Sustainable tourism strives to conserve resources, minimize pollution and leave less of a footprint on the destination's environment.
Education
Parks, historic communities, marine and wildlife exhibits throughout Italy are educating visitors with multilanguage literature on the importance of low-impact tourism. The literature explains the proper etiquette for tourists when visiting cathedrals, entering nature preserves or exploring the small villages with an emphasis on reducing the use of natural resources and preserving the natural or historical state of the attraction.
Tour Operators
Green tourism marketing is lacking in Italy as opposed to many other places around the world. However, some Italian tour operators use group travel's low-impact effect as a marketing tool. Tour buses reduce congestion and pollution when compared to individual automobiles. Sustainable tourism-minded Italian companies like Citalia promote exploring the sights of Italy through walking tours with stays at green hotels.
Local Government
Local governments and communities are relying upon themselves to implement sustainable tourism. The International Conference for Sustainable Tourism was held in the Province of Rimini, Italy in June 2001. Since that time, many communities such as Municipality of Chioggia, Comunitá Montana del Giovo, Municipality of S. Benedetto del Tronto and Venice have signed agreements pledging responsible use of natural and social resources, environmental protection, respect for cultural heritage and enhanced local social conditions.
Sustainable Tourism Projects
Cinque Terra Sustainable Tourism Project is on the northeastern coast of Italy. The five villages, Montersosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggore, attract a huge number of tourists that cause a drain on the environment. In 1999 the area was recognized as a national park. Visitors are required to purchase a card that allows them to stay for periods up to seven days. To reduce the number of personal vehicles in the park, the price of the card includes transportation by bus and rail.
Real Estate Investments
Real estate investors have found profitable opportunities available in Italy's ancient communities. Instead of building new buildings, older buildings have tax benefits and available grants that make the restoration of villages and small hamlets a profitable enterprise. The restoration of these buildings maintains the historic value of small communities that would otherwise disappear, like so many other places in Europe. These projects are considerably less costly than new construction. Abruzzo & Basilicata, Italy Sustainable Tourism projects offer beautiful old buildings for as little as $30,000.
Tags: Sustainable Tourism, many other, many other places, other places, Sustainable Tourism