Centro Visite Catasta in Morano Calabro (CS), Calabria
Located in the heart of the Pollino National Park, the Centro Visite Catasta was rewarded for its ability to create spaces for socialising and environmental education. The centre promotes reading, local crafts and the typical products of the area, contributing to the sustainable development of the region and showcasing its still little-known natural beauty.
The situation calls for attention. It is crucial to support such initiatives in order to preserve our natural heritage.
Salento Bici Tour, Puglia
Salento Bici Tour was recognised for its commitment to spreading low-environmental-impact mobility, especially among young people. The tour operator offers cycling itineraries that allow visitors to discover the Puglia region in a sustainable way. It promotes active, responsible tourism in harmony with the environment.
Appennini for All in Cese di Avezzano (AQ), Abruzzo
Appennini for All received the award for its inclusive tourism offer, making experiences in nature accessible to people with disabilities as well. The organisation provides outdoor activities in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, promoting social inclusion and respect for the environment. It shows that the mountains can be a place for everyone.
It is time to reflect on our choices. Sustainable tourism is no longer an option, but a necessity.
Associazione Insieme a Te in Faenza (RA)
Associazione Insieme a Te was rewarded for the project ‘La Spiaggia dei Valori’, a free-access beach resort designed to welcome people with motor disabilities or neurodegenerative diseases. The facility guarantees suitable services and accessible spaces, encouraging active participation and social inclusion, and offering a barrier-free holiday destination.
Ciclovia dei Parchi della Calabria
The Calabria Region was recognised for the Ciclovia dei Parchi della Calabria, a route that links inland villages and showcases the region’s natural and cultural beauty without the construction of new road infrastructure. The cycle route promotes slow, sustainable tourism, offering visitors an authentic, environmentally respectful experience and contributing to the discovery of still unexplored areas.
Italy is a country rich in excellence and, when it comes to sustainable and eco-friendly tourism, it is second to none. This is confirmed by Legambiente, which every year rewards those organisations able to offer travellers unforgettable experiences while respecting the environment and inclusivity.
The message of the Ecotourism Oscar 2024 is clear: it is time to move beyond the view of tourism as ‘oil’ to be exploited until it runs out. The phenomenon of overtourism risks depleting the resources that make Italy unique in the world, consuming the land and damaging the environment.
Investing in sustainable tourism is essential. Only in this way can the country’s natural and cultural heritage be preserved. It means offering authentic experiences that respect the environment and local communities, ensuring lasting economic development.
The award-winning establishments show that another kind of tourism is possible: one that makes the most of resources without consuming them, that promotes inclusivity and looks to the future with responsibility. A model to follow so that Italy continues to be a destination of excellence, respecting its land and future generations.
