Responsible tourism in Italy
Our Italy Vacations
Amalfi Coast walking vacation, Italy
Walk in lemon groves and hillside villages
Puglia small group tour, Italy
Puglia, whitewashed towns, traditional farmland and fine cuisine
Tuscany tours, walking and wine tasting in Italy
Walking and wine tasting in Tuscany
Sicily history tour, Italy
One of the most fascinating islands in Europe
Umbria cooking vacation, Italy
italian cooking in a farmhouse between Umbria and Tuscany
Matera to Puglia cycle in Italy
Nestled between the Adriatic and Ionian seas
Amalfi Coast and Bay of Naples vacations
One of Europe's most dramatic stretches of coastline
Dolomites winter activity vacation in Italy
Ride across the boot of Italy
Sicily walking vacation, Sicilian Volcanoes
Discover Mt Etna and the beautiful volcanic achipelago
Bergamo circular walking tour in Italy
Begamo; start hiking at about 5 km distance from the airport
Cycling vacation in the Prosecco Hills, Italy
A great variety of scenic roads and picturesque rolling hills
Umbria to Tuscany cycling & cooking vacation
Cycling and cooking vacation between Umbria and Tuscany
Tuscany biking vacation through Siena & Chianti
Cycle the most evocative and romantic landscapes
Mont Blanc Circuit trek, with hotel accommodation
Classic Tour, using small inns and guesthouses
Tuscany culture vacation, tailor-made
Capture the true spirit of Tuscany
Cultural tour of Italy, Verona to Milan
Witness our historical heritage
Italy villa near Majella National Park, Abruzzo
Artist's award-winning riverside Majella mountain retreat
Dolomites walking vacation in Italy
Sandwiched between the spectacular peaks of the Dolomites
Italy photography vacation in the Dolomites
Spring and autumn photography in the Italian Dolomites
Amalfi coast small group hiking vacation
This walking vacation explores the spectacular Amalfi Coast.
Piedmont walking vacation, Vineyards of Barolo
A gastronomic gem quietly tucked away
Italian Alps walking and cooking vacation
Walking in the Italian Alps with Piemontese Cookery Classes
Cinque Terre walking vacation
Walk the stunning coastal routes of the Cinque Terre
Mont Blanc vacation, Tour du Mont Blanc
The best of the Tour du Mont Blanc
Rural villas in Tuscany, Italy
Traditional apartments in the heart Tuscany
Amalfi Coast budget walking vacation
The hidden trails of the Amalfi Coast
Cross country skiing vacation in the Dolomites, Italy
A famously beautiful range of jagged peaks
Short break pasta making & Italian food vacation, Tuscany
A Tuscan food adventure, learn to make pasta
Lake Como family walking vacation, Italy
Lake Como; a panoramic hike, suited to do with children!
Sardinia and Corsica sailing vacation
The good life Italian and French style in one sailing trip!
People & culture
Slow Food
Italy is a country where historic cities and towns probably provide the major tourist draw, rather than its distinctive array of national parks and other areas of natural wonder, from the wolf-roamed Apennine hills to Sardinia's untamed interior. Years of austerity have also increasingly drawn people towards urban centers in search of scarce work opportunities. The preservation of rural communities is therefore a pressing need as small-scale farming, country crafts and other rural activities become increasingly difficult to earn a living from. This is where sustainable tourism plays an increasing role in providing vital economic support and demonstrating continuing interest in rural lifestyles that offers communities and individuals encouragement that this is a good way forward.Its Slow Food movement has drawn international attention to Italy as a place where food is still linked closely to its terroir – the land it springs from and the people who produce it – and culinary tours of Italy tap into that passion. Agrotourism farmstay breaks are also enjoying a welcome expansion from their previous heartland of Tuscany into neighbouring Umbria and further afield to places like Cantabria and Sardinia. Vacations that give visitors a chance to actively engage with locals and traditional lifestyles – from craftsfolk to fishermen – also provide vital support, helping preserve rural landscape, traditions and communities – a vital and thoroughly enjoyable way for tourists to help pay for the Italian landscapes and ways of life they love.
What you can do
Responsible Travel breaks specifically set out to support sustainable tourism in Italy, from culture to cooking – and there are plenty of different types of trip and locations to choose from. When you're in Italy, spend money in rural communities – buy local produce, eat in village restaurants, stay in rural accommodation owned by your hosts and employing local people.
Wildlife & environment
Dolphinaria
A 2013 report from Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) revealed that all of Italy's five dolphinaria - Rimini, Oltremare, Acquario di Genova, Fasanolandia and Zoomarine – keep captive dolphins in conditions that violate national and European laws – specifically, the European Zoos Directive (1999/22/EC) and Italy’s Ministerial Decree No.469, both of which aim to protect whales and dolphins in captivity. Only two of the dolphinaria even have a license – the others are technically illegal, as well as morally abhorrent. Animal protection organisations including the Born Free Foundation, LAV and Marevivo have asked the EU to begin proceedings against the Italian government. Here at RT, we strongly believe such dolphinaria are wrong. Please see our guide to responsible dolphin watching.Source: Born Free Foundation
What you can do:
Do not give any business to dolphinaria, and try to dissuade others from going too. Support organisations trying to improve the welfare of dolphins both in the wild and captivity, such as WDC and the Born Free Foundation. And if you love dolphins, consider vacations that involve responsible engagement with these fascinating sea creatures.
Responsible tourism tips
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