My Italian Link - Issue #09 My Italian Link Issue #09 | Page 34

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TOURISM
ECOTOURISM:
WHAT IS ECOTOURISM?
Ecotourism (sustainable travel) is about bringing conser-
vation, tourism and the local community together to pro-
mote a sustainable travel industry. The idea is to minimise
the ecological impact you leave behind, and to support
local industry and culture. Not only does this promote
understanding and respect for Italy’s centuries-old history,
it contributes financially to the conservation of its cultural
heritage. It’s about creating a global culture of curiosity
and esteem for local identity. Ecotourism, then, is at the
heart of a more authentic Italian experience. There’s lots
you can do to contribute!
HOW TO TRAVEL ITALY SUSTAINABLY
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Italy offers some of the world’s most significant cultural and historical experiences. But is the protection of
Italy’s heritage at the heart of your travel decisions? It certainly should be, especially given how easy it is to
travel the country with appreciation and conservation in mind!
ECO-FRIENDLY TRANSPORT
This one is simple, especially in Italy. Most cities offer pu-
blic transport systems. Buses, trams, water taxis or the
metro – all have less impact than renting a car. Better yet,
take the opportunity to walk or cycle – something that’s not
always possible back home. If you do plan to rent a car, re-
quest a hybrid or the most fuel-efficient model you can find.
If you’d like to go the extra mile, book a direct flight, which
is more fuel efficient. Plus, you get to skip that pa-
nic-stricken connecting flight.
ECO-FRIENDLY FOOD
In Italy, eco-friendly dining has never been easier. Who
wouldn’t want to eat fresh ingredients grown locally and
plucked straight from the town’s surrounding fields (or
sea)? There are whole movements dedicated to the idea.
Slow Food, founded by Carlo Petrini, is a non-profit organi-
sation promoting local, seasonal ingredients and traditio-
nal cooking, while the Kilometre Zero movement promotes
self-growing and ingredient sourcing from as nearby as
possible. Eating like this is part of the food culture in Italy,
so finding a restaurant that adheres is easy! You can also
head to your local Eataly market for the real deal.
ECO-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION & AGRITOURISM
There are several avenues to consider when it comes to where you stay. You could go the
whole hog and consider a farm-stay at one of Italy’s official agritourism spots. Agritourism
involves any stay on farms or ranches, and staying with locals in more rural parts of the
country. See how they make mozzarella di bufala or help harvest olives for oil. Not only does
it promote appreciation for local production techniques and produce, it promotes off-the-
beaten-track experiences of Italy and is one of the biggest travel trends this decade. If the
countryside isn’t your thing, turn your attention to your hotel. For example, request that your
linen and towels not to be changed every day to save water, or try to book at a certified
green hotel that adheres to European eco-friendly practices.
A low-impact holiday does not mean low-impact memories! Find your eco-friendly dream
accommodation at www.legambienteturismo.it or visit www.responsibletravel.com for
more tips on eco-friendly travel.
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