Plan your sustainable trip to Italy: discover Valsugana! Follow our tips to explore the region in the most environmentally friendly way possible.
The impact of the tourism sector on the environment is well known: Traveller traffic, exploitation of local natural resources and increased population density during peak season are just some of the indicators to consider when assessing the sustainability of a destination.
But what would our lives be without travelling, without the opportunity to explore extraordinary places that are rich in history and culture and where you can enjoy a wide variety of culinary traditions? The answer is as simple as it is complex: in order to continue enjoying these experiences, we need to adopt a
sustainable travel and
responsible tourism approach.
.
These terms, now familiar to most of us, are evidence of a
growing awareness of the importance of sustainable travel that respects not only the environment but also local culture and traditions, rediscovering the true character of a destination.
Italy is a country rich in cultural, natural and scenic heritage: ecotourism is becoming increasingly popular and many destinations offer unique experiences that allow travellers to get in touch with nature and local traditions.
What is sustainable travelling?
According to the definition of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO),
sustainable tourism is "tourism that takes full account of its current and future
economic, social and environmental impacts in order to meet the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities".
Ecotourism means
travelling in harmony with
nature, minimising the impact on the environment and respecting the traditions and culture of the places visited. Travelling sustainably means making conscious choices, from planning your trip to choosing a
sustainable mode of transport to get to your destination and throughout your stay. Even small responsible choices, such as buying only local products or choosing eco-friendly accommodation, can help reduce the impact of our journey.
Tips for more sustainable travelling
Now that we've clarified what it means to travel sustainably, you might be wondering: how does it work? The mantra to follow is always the same: how much of a negative impact will this decision have on the environment and the host community?
The first important decision for an
eco-friendly holiday is the
choice of destination. In Italy, more and more areas are realising the importance of protecting the territory in which they live. It is important to remember that behaving responsibly at the destination is not enough to reduce the impact of our travels. Choosing a sustainable mode of transport is an important step. That's why it's important to choose the train over the plane, or to opt for travelling by bike or on foot. Choosing a slow way of travelling, such as
ecological cycling or hiking, gives you the opportunity to authentically experience the area you are visiting, explore the landscapes and make a real connection with the people who experience the destination daily.
Among the important choices is also the choice of accommodation: during the overnight stay and the stay in general, it is important to
reduce the production of waste and the waste of precious resources as much as possible,
recycle waste correctly and always try to choose environmentally friendly solutions.
Also remember that during your holiday you are a guest of an area and its local community: always
respect the inhabitants, be friendly and try to get into conversation with them, they can give you information about the traditions and culture of the place!
Also, during your holiday, favour the purchase of
local products and thus contribute to the development of the local economy.
Valsugana: the destination for sustainable holidays in Italy
Between the valleys of Trentino lies Valsugana and the Lagorai area, an ideal destination for those who want to live
responsible and respectful experiences.
In Valsugana you can create your own tailor-made trip: you can choose one of the
hikes among the wild mountains of the Lagorai chain
or travel by
bike; you can lose yourself in the works of
Arte Sella or get to know the Mòchena culture with its customs and traditions; you can have an experience in harmony with nature by taking part in the
Adopt a Cow project and getting to know the pastures, the animals and the hard work in the mountains.
You can also explore Valsugana and Trentino thanks to the
Trentino Guest Card you can visit Valsugana and Trentino for free on the province's public transport: all you have to do is choose from the many
accommodation options!
Thanks to the constant commitment of the providers based in the area, Valsugana is a suitable territory for sustainable travel, making it the
first destination in the world to be certified according to the GSTC (
Global Sustainable Tourism Council) standards for
sustainable tourism.
The importance of sustainable travel
Every step we take on our journey can have a negative impact on the environment, local communities, and the planet's resources. It is therefore important that we become aware of these impacts and adopt responsible travel practices that minimise our
environmental and social footprint.
Sustainable travelling not only allows us to
explore the world in a more conscious and ethical way and travel at a
slower pace, away from the hectic and stressful rhythm of routine, but also offers us the opportunity to
actively contribute to the conservation of natural resources and the well-being of our host communities.
Discover the Valsugana and its commitment to sustainability >>