Responsible tourism in Italy (2024)

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 centres 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 Calabria and Sardinia. Holidays 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 better and more responsible 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.

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.

Italy winterPugliaSardiniaSicily TuscanyUmbria

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