Poland’s Sustainable Tourism: A Green Path to Discovery

By: Polish Tourism Organization

Poland, a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, is carving a path towards sustainable tourism, setting an example for how to balance the influx of tourists with the preservation of its environment and heritage. This commitment to green travel practices is not only enhancing visitor experiences but also ensuring that Poland’s treasures remain vibrant and accessible for future generations.

Eco-Friendly Accommodations and Transport

Poland’s approach to sustainable tourism is multifaceted, focusing on environmental protection, socio-cultural integrity, and economic benefits for local communities. From the Tatra Mountains’ pristine landscapes to the historic streets of Krakow and Gdansk, sustainable practices are being integrated to protect these destinations while accommodating tourists.

A key element of Poland’s sustainable tourism strategy is the promotion of eco-friendly accommodations. Hotels and lodges across the country, some of the newest in Europe, are adopting green practices, such as using renewable energy sources, implementing water-saving techniques, and reducing waste. These establishments often receive certifications, such as the EU Ecolabel, assuring travelers of their commitment to environmental stewardship.

Moreover, Poland is enhancing its public transportation network and promoting the use of bicycles and electric vehicles among tourists. Cities like Warsaw and Krakow have extensive bike-sharing systems, making it easy and green to explore. Long-distance travel options also include modern, efficient trains that offer a sustainable alternative to air travel within the country.

Conservation Efforts and Responsible Tourism

Poland’s national parks and nature reserves are at the forefront of conservation efforts, with strict regulations in place to protect biodiversity. The Bialowieza Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an exemplary model of how Poland is preserving its unique natural environments. Visitors are encouraged to explore these areas responsibly, following guidelines that minimize their environmental impact.

Responsible tourism initiatives extend to cultural heritage sites as well. Efforts to maintain and restore historical landmarks, such as the Wawel Castle in Krakow and the Malbork Castle, are undertaken with sustainability in mind, using traditional materials and techniques to preserve authenticity while ensuring longevity. Sustainable tourism in Poland is also about benefiting local communities. By promoting local crafts, cuisine, and traditions, tourists get an authentic experience while contributing to the local economy. Agrotourism is gaining popularity, offering visitors the chance to stay in rural areas, participate in farming activities, and learn about traditional Polish ways of life.

The Future of Tourism in Poland

Poland’s journey towards fully sustainable tourism is in full swing and challenges are met with innovative solutions. As Poland continues to develop its sustainable tourism industry, it sets a benchmark for other countries to follow. The emphasis on environmental conservation, coupled with the promotion of cultural and historical heritage, positions Poland as a leading destination for travelers seeking authentic and eco-friendly experiences.

Poland’s commitment to sustainable tourism is a testament to its dedication to preserving its natural beauty and cultural richness for future generations. By choosing to travel sustainably in Poland, visitors play a part in protecting this vibrant country’s legacy, making every trip not just a journey of discovery, but also a step towards a more sustainable world. Poland represents a harmonious blend of environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and economic viability. As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sustainable travel, Poland’s efforts shine as a beacon of hope, proving that it is possible to welcome tourists while safeguarding the planet’s precious resources.

About Polish Tourism Organization

The objective of the Polish Tourism Organization is the promotion of Poland as a modern, attractive country offering travelers a high standard of services and appealing prices. We carry out work focused on the promotion and development of Polish tourism both at home and abroad.

Floating Down the Path to Zero Waste

By: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Some travelers start to worry when they see their favorite brands start developing “greener practices.” Maybe they suspect greenwashing, maybe an excuse to cut costs… or maybe they care deeply about sustainability, but don’t want to make sacrifices with their hard-earned vacations.

Not with Uniworld. The philosophy here is that we love being able to explore our gorgeous planet in style. Indulgence and luxury are what we do best, and we want to be able to treat our guests to just that, for generations to come. We don’t waste our time—or our travelers’ patience—on superficial changes that diminish travel experiences while doing nothing real for the environment. We work smarter, seeking out science-backed solutions.

That’s how Uniworld became the world’s first river cruise line to introduce validated targets for achieving Net Zero. We’ve looked at every avenue through which we can make real change, reducing waste related to food, energy, water, plastics and more to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.

What we’re finding is that a lot of these changes can actually elevate the luxury travel experience. Putting refillable toiletries in our bathrooms means giving our guests a better experience than having to work with tiny plastic shampoo bottles in the shower, while also greatly reducing plastic waste. Sourcing fresh local produce for our meals means better tasting, more authentic cuisine.

One of our proudest achievements in this direction has been the implementation of our partnership with LeanPath. Uniworld began partnering with LeanPath in 2021 to install a comprehensive measuring system in our kitchens that calculates how much food is left over after each meal—and became the only river cruise company to do so. Not only can these numbers give our chefs a clear picture of how to make sure everyone has as much to eat as they desire without the kitchens throwing out excessive leftovers, but they can even give our chefs intuitive feedback on the meals they prepare.

We started our Leanpath trial with six ships in Europe, and already the results are incredible! Though 2022 was just meant to be a measuring stage, with the reductions coming after we got a clear idea of how much food waste we were creating, we found that just implementing a measuring system encourages more mindful and less wasteful kitchens. So far, we’ve eliminated over 29,000 pounds of food waste, saving approximately 100 tons of carbon from being emitted into the atmosphere. And that’s across only the six ships piloting the early stages of the Leanpath program. In 2023, Leanpath will be implemented across every ship we own. Personally, I can’t wait to see those results improve exponentially in the next few years, as I know it’ll equate to even better dining experiences for our guests and for the environment.

About Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises—the world’s most luxurious all-inclusive river cruise line— features distinctive destination-inspired ships with an average capacity of 120 guests, expertly curated excursions, gourmet cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, and impeccable service with the highest staff-to-guest-ratio in the river cruise industry. Based in Los Angeles, California, Uniworld offers truly all-inclusive itineraries in Europe, as well as voyages in Vietnam and Cambodia, India, Peru and Egypt—a total of 17 rivers in 26 countries worldwide. Uniworld is a member of CLIA and is highly regarded by discerning travelers, media, and cruise industry experts. Uniworld’s overarching sustainability strategy, ‘How We Tread Right,’ encompasses goals like reducing 50% of food waste by 2025, eliminating single-use plastics, achieving net zero by 2050 and offering guests meaningful experiences in the destinations they sail through supporting local communities. Uniworld is a member of The Travel Corporation (TTC) family of companies, which has been providing expert-led immersive travel experiences across the globe for over 100 years. (www.uniworld.com)

Regenerating The Red Sea

Located on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea is evolving as a year-round destination with a key focus on regeneration through sustainable practices that include 100% commitment to renewable energy, modern technology to provide personalized digital services, and immersive experiences for a “true Arabian” adventure.

The Red Sea will start welcoming guests in 2023 with 16 world-class resorts opening in the first phase of development. These include 11 resorts on hub island Shura, two resorts on the Ummahat islands, one resort on Sheybarah Island, and two inland resorts at Desert Rock and Southern Dunes.

The second phase of development will conclude in 2030 with 50 resort openings and 1,000+ residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. Each resort has its own unique attributes whether it be its architectural design or activities and attractions around the property.

Each island is located just a short distance from the mainland and the Red Sea International Airport by airplane or boat ride.

Keep reading for a sneak peek of what Saudi Arabia has in store for regenerating the Red Sea…

Photos Courtesy of Red Sea Development Company

Sustainable Practices

The Red Sea is home to one of the last thriving coral reef ecosystems on the planet. With an unwavering commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural, cultural, and historical environments, the Red Sea will be the first tourism project of its size to be powered solely by renewable energy. The Red Sea embraces the “Neo-Saudi Explorer,” someone who is respectful of ancient culture, discovering new territories in a safe, secure and crafted manner.

The Red Sea Development environmental initiatives include:

Less than 1% of the entire area of the destination will be developed
75% of the islands will remain untouched
Nine islands designated as special conservation zones
Development of a sustainable food supply
Visitors capped at 1 million people per year
Single-use plastics banned once fully operational
On-site landscape nursery will provide more than 25 million plants
100% renewable energy (24 hours a day via solar power)
Smart sensors to detect environmental impact
Zero waste to landfill Zero carbon footprint
Alignment with all 17 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

Saudi Arabia’s long-term goal is to achieve a 30 percent net conservation benefit by 2040 by enhancing biologically diverse habitats including mangroves, seagrass, corals, and land vegetation. With many of these initiatives already in place for 2023, this long-term goal is well on track to be achieved.

*Photos Courtesy of Red Sea Development*

Immersive Experiences

With desert rock mountains, sweeping sand dunes, and overwater villas with hues of blue and green, The Red Sea offers spectacular views and activities for travelers of all interests.

Marvel under the night sky while camping under the Milky Way. Look up and learn the traditional importance of astronomy to Islamic practices and the way life has been guided for centuries in Saudi.

Hike through canyons, sweeping dunes and rugged mountains, or bike through ancient volcanic lava fields, with their cinder cones and craters.

Take an aquatic adventure by night diving, reef diving, or heritage diving among some of the world’s most thriving corals. There is also plenty to see while snorkeling or kayaking in crystal blue seas over carefully protected coral reefs.

Smart Systems

The Red Sea is implementing an extensive smart digital system to allow visitors to have the most seamless and modern travel experience throughout their stay. Highly personalized digital systems include:

Virtual concierge services complemented by the highest level of personal attention
Luggage sent from The Red Sea’s iconic airport straight to guest’s hotels, dispensing with the need for immigration and customs queues

With all these developments in the works, The Red Sea will rapidly become a highly sought-after destination starting next year. What would you explore while visiting? The opportunities are endless.

For more information about The Red Sea visit www.visitredsea.com.

How a Commercial Airline can Stay Committed to Sustainability and Cleaner Skies

6 ways Singapore Airlines integrates sustainability into its operations, and takes eco-friendliness from a trend to a core value

When you think of “going-green” you may think of household composting, sorting your recyclables, or riding your bike to work, but there are many ways a commercial airline can also make an impact. Singapore Airlines (SIA) has identified several areas where we can eliminate waste and work towards reducing our carbon footprint, all while maintaining operational and safety standards.

Economy Class Meal Service
Photo Courtesy of Singapore Airlines

1. Waste reduction: SIA is reducing single-use plastics onboard, including becoming entirely plastic-straw free, replacing plastic swizzle sticks with wood-based ones, and swapping polybags from children’s toys with recyclable paper packaging. We have introduced an economy class meal concept which uses sustainable paper packaging and bamboo cutlery, reducing the use of single-use plastics by 80% and halving the weight of meal packaging. SIA has also teamed up with Singapore-based food waste management start-up Lumitics to help use advanced analytics and machine learning to optimize ordering, usage, and to ultimately minimize the amount of food waste the airline generates.

2. Sustainable fuel initiatives: An obvious challenge to sustainability in aviation is reducing an aircraft’s carbon emissions from using jet fuel. SIA has participated in several alternative fuel pilot programs over the years in an effort to source viable fuel alternatives and most recently has selected ExxonMobil for a new pilot with support from the Civil Aviation authority of Singapore and Temasek, to supply and deliver sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), derived from used cooking oil and animal fat waste, blended with refined jet fuel. This project is just a start but over the one-year pilot is expected to reduce about 2,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

3. Carbon Off-setting: Voluntary carbon offsetting is now commonplace for airline passengers and corporate customers to help voluntarily neutralize their individual portion of emissions from their journey by paying a small amount to invest in other carbon reduction projects. SIA offers these programs and for those who wish to participate, they can use cash or miles to invest in meaningful projects such protecting forests in Indonesia, supporting renewable solar energy projects in India, and providing efficient, clean burning cookstoves for rural families in Nepal.

AeroFarms – New Jersey Facility
*Photo Courtesy of AeroFarms*

4. Local Sourcing: You may have heard of “farm-to-table” but have you heard of “farm-to-plane”? Sourcing local products for onboard consumption is part of SIA’s farm-to-plane strategy whereby we work with local suppliers to bring fresh and delicious products to our customers. Shortening supply chains reduces carbon emissions but it also allows a company to work with partners who are using innovative technologies to locally produce ingredients to provide socially and environmentally friendly offerings. One of these partners is AeroFarms, the world’s largest indoor vertical farm of its kind, which uses aeroponic farming to produce salad greens for onboard meals, just down the road from Newark-Liberty International Airport in New Jersey

5. Reforestation Projects: Companies have a social responsibility to give back to the communities they do business in. One way that SIA does this is through an ongoing conservation project with one of the few remaining lowland forests in Indonesia, the Harapan Rainforest, which has 98,555 hectares covered by an ecosystem restoration concession. So far 2,787 trees replanted under the Harapan Rainforest Initiative, with 260 hectares of forest restored.

6. Fleet Modernization: The largest source of carbon emissions from an airline is from fuel burn during flight, making maintaining a young and modern fleet, the most effective way to reduce emissions. SIA has always championed its commitment to this as it serves the environment, as well as customers, by delivering the latest in aircraft technology and comfort. We have invested in the most fuel-efficient aircraft, such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, which are known for their advanced technology and high fuel-efficient performance. These newer-generation aircraft help to boost fuel efficiency by up to 30% over previous-generation aircraft.

About Singapore Airlines

The SIA Group’s history dates back to 1947 with the maiden flight of Malayan Airways Limited. The airline was later renamed Malaysian Airways Limited and then Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA). In 1972, MSA split into Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Malaysian Airline System. Initially operating a modest fleet of 10 aircraft to 22 cities in 18 countries, SIA has grown to be a world-class international airline group that is committed to the constant enhancement of the three main pillars of its brand promise: Service Excellence, Product Leadership and Network Connectivity. For more information, please visit www.singaporeair.com. We invest in large-scale initiatives that progress the company and the communities in which we operate towards a sustainable future.

Tips for Being a More Responsible/Sustainable Traveler

Every travel decision you make has the potential to move the needle toward a more sustainable future for people and our planet. Sure, you want to minimize any negative impacts of traipsing around the globe. But responsible tourism is all about considering how to do the most good, too, by visiting places that depend on tourism right when they need you most.

If you’re ready to take steps, large and small, that can have a significant impact on the natural environments and the communities you encounter along your way, take these tips to heart:

Understand Your Transportation Options

Your usual local modes of travel may not be the gentlest-on-the-planet way to go, so take yourself off autopilot. Rent a hybrid or electric vehicle. Check to see if a shuttle or bus might be an alternative before you hail a cab or ride service. Frequent cafes and restaurants within walking or cycling distance of your lodging. And, when selecting an airline, consider more than price and frequent flier miles. United has invested more in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) globally than any other airline, and they’re so committed to combating climate change, they’re on a path toward reducing 100% of their greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local Communities

Many communities rely on the inward flow of tourism dollars. Take exotic Tenerife, largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, which has fast become a world-class destination thanks to its welcoming residents, unbeatable climate, and vast offerings for visitors. Recognized as a Certified Biosphere Destination for its sustainable tourism initiatives, Tenerife is one of many places where tourist dollars have a positive impact not only on the local economy but on efforts to preserve natural expanses. Nearly half of its territory is categorized as protected. Seek out these places, but don’t just go. Pack lightly, and purchase what you need when you arrive. Eat local food. Stay a few extra nights. And consider an off-season visit, when your support is most needed.

Tour Wisely

A bit of research will help you choose a tour operator that shares your sustainable travel ambitions. Many USTOA members have been inspired by the organization’s goal of preserving the globe’s human, natural, and cultural assets, and they’re working diligently to make positive changes. What innovative things are they doing? Everything from designing unique itineraries that address overtourism to implementing animal welfare policies. Some are creating opportunities for travelers to give back to the destinations they visit. A few are actively pursuing carbon neutrality.

Open Your Mind to New Destinations

If your dream destination list only includes the usual suspects, consider broadening your horizons. There are countries making great “green” strides that don’t show up on every “top 10” list, so they might not be on your radar… yet. Imagine snacking on fried cod tongue—a delicacy that aligns with the nose-to-tail culinary movement—and racing silently across the frozen terrain of the starkly lovely Lyngen Alps on a snowmobile safari. Norway, where electric cars and electric snowmobiles are all the rage, has been recognized by the United Nations as “a leader in the global transition towards an inclusive green economy.” If a slower pace suits you, board a ferry to South Korea’s volcanic Jeju Island: the world’s first recipient of UNESCO’s triple crown of designations (Biosphere Reserve, World Natural Heritage Site, Global Geopark). Here, you can walk the Olle Trail, discover lava tubes and waterfalls, bask on white sand beaches, and savor black pig, which is unlike any pork you’ve ever tasted.

Act Like a Sustainability Superhero

Wherever your adventures take you, there are simple things you can do to leave a place better than you found it: Reduce your use of plastics, pick up trash, recycle, skip printed maps and brochures, reuse your towels, respect local customs, volunteer, donate to local causes. It’s all about treading lightly, and sensitively, as you step out in the world. Go one step further by telling friends about your sustainability efforts. Share photos on social media of eco-destinations, “green” experiences, artisanal products, and mouthwatering local cuisine. You just might entice others to follow the trail you’ve blazed.

Click here to meet USTOA’s Sustainable Superhero.

Header Image Courtesy of Anders Gjengedal and Visit Norway

Slovenia – Sustainable Diversity on a Plate

Slovenia is a Central European pocket-sized country, where short distances speak in its favor and reveal an outstanding diversity which reflects also through gastronomy. Believe it or not, but as many as 24 gastronomic regions and three wine-growing areas with 14 wine-growing districts will welcome you here. But what is it that makes Slovenian cuisine so special and why has this boutique country evolved into one of the most recognizable European foodie destinations?

*Photo Courtesy of www.slovenia.info/TomoJesenicnik*

The secret behind: fresh, locally grown and diverse ingredients

Wherever you try authentic Slovenian cuisine, you can be sure it comes straight from nature. Here, foraging and sourcing fresh ingredients from nearby fields and gardens is not a trend, but part of tradition and sustainable development, which has been present for centuries. Next to locally sourced ingredients, which are the true heroes of Slovenia’s authentic culinary stories, an abundance of tastes will also surprise you. It is thanks to the fact that Slovenia lies at the crossroads of four geographically and culturally very different areas that no fewer than 400 local traditional dishes and drinks await you here. Another reason is that Slovenia borders on four countries: Austria in the north, Italy in the west, Hungary in the east and Croatia in the south. While the Alpine Slovenia boasts goods from mountain pastures, Mediterranean and Karst Slovenia feature the flavors of salt and charcuterie aged by the Bora wind. In addition to healthy water, Thermal Pannonian Slovenia offers different farinaceous foods and bread, and Central Slovenia with Ljubljana will surprise you with authentic dishes with cosmopolitan influences.

*Photo Courtesy of www.slovenia.info/SuzanGabrijan*

Excellence on a plate – trust recommendations, rely on your own experience

To find the very best when it comes to food and wine in Slovenia, the internationally acclaimed culinary guides, such as Michelin and Gault&Millau, will come in handy. The ratings prove that Slovenia is an intriguing gastronomic destination, offering a plethora of exceptional culinary experiences in restaurants led by top chefs, who masterfully combine traditions with modern trends. In 2021, when Slovenia held the European Region of Gastronomy title, the Michelin Guide listed as many as 53 Slovenian restaurants and awarded 6 of them with Michelin stars. Ana Roš’s Hiša Franko, which also ranks 21st among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, received an astounding 2 stars. Pretty amazing for a country half-a-size of Switzerland, don’t you think?

*Photo Courtesy of www.slovenia.info/CirilJazbec*

Restaurants with the Slovenia Green sustainability label and Michelin Green Star

Many restaurants in Slovenia have their own circle of local suppliers or even own gardens or fields where they obtain fresh and local ingredients for their dishes. In doing so, they respect tradition and present it to the guests in a new, original way. Restaurants that are particularly devoted to sustainability have gained the Slovenia Green Cuisine label. Currently, there are as many as 40 holders.

Returning to nature and care for future generations is also becoming increasingly important in haute cuisine. This is why Michelin awards special Green Stars to the restaurants that follow the principles of sustainability. Currently, there are as many as 5 holders in Slovenia: Gostišče Grič in Horjul, Hiša Franko in Kobarid, Gostilna Mahorčič in Rodik, Gostilna za Gradom in Koper and Gostilna Krištof in Predoslje.

Authentic Slovenian dishes revealed

Wherever you go in Slovenia, you will find special local dishes. Many of them are also protected. Among the most well-known and distinctive specialties of Slovenia are potica, Prekmurska gibanica, idrijski žlikrofi, and belokranjska pogača. The queen of Slovenian festive dishes is definitely potica, a rolled cake with various sweet or savory fillings, usually served for the most important holidays. Since the written records of this festive dish date from the 16th century, potica has become a true ambassador of Slovenia throughout history – it has, for example, even been brought to the Pope for Easter breakfast.

All in all, it can be said that Slovenia is home to an array of splendid authentic and fresh tastes which are based on the sustainable use of resources and an integrative approach. Pair this with top chefs and excellent award-winning local wines and you will get a perfect gastronomic destination that will impress even the most demanding foodies.

Find your dream vacation to Slovenia with a USTOA tour operator here https://ustoa.travelstride.com/trip-list/slovenia

For further information visit:

Taste Slovenia

Slovenian Gastronomy: You can’t spell Slovenia without love

Slovenia.info

About Slovenian Tourist Board

Slovenian Tourist Board (STB) is the central national agency for the promotion of tourism, one of the most successful and promising industries in the Slovenian economy. Systematic planning, development and promotion activities and a modern approach to the placement of Slovenia on the global tourist map – particularly in recent years, this is what has helped the STB to increase the visibility and reputation of the country as an authentic boutique destination of five-star experiences, which is committed to sustainability.

Discover Italy’s New UNESCO World Heritage Sites

By: Susan Van Allen

Extraordinary destinations for travelers are added every year to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. In 2021, three of the new sites selected were in Italy, bringing Italy’s World Heritage Site total to 58—the most of any country in the world.

While many of Italy’s UNESCO sites from the past are packed with tourists, such as the Historical Center of Florence or Venice and its lagoon, these newly designated places are under the tourist radar.

Equally stunning and without crowds, these places give travelers a chance to blend in with the locals, immersing themselves in unique pleasures of bell’Italia. Their locations add to their allure, as each can easily be reached by short train rides from Venice or Florence, making them perfect for day trips.

For your consideration, from north to south:

Padua
*Italian National Tourist Board c/o GettyImages*

Padua’s Fourteenth-Century Fresco Cycles

Only a 30-minute train ride from Venice is the university town of Padua, a dazzling delight, where visitors can wander through the historic center’s piazzas, entering churches and civic buildings that were fantastically frescoed by artists in the fourteenth century.

As the UNESCO proclamation states, painters during that pre-Renaissance time brought a new image to Padua, giving it the nickname Urbs Picta, Painted City. The star of the eight frescoed buildings in the UNESCO group is the Scrovegni Chapel, painted by superstar Giotto. Entering, visitors are awestruck by vibrant colors and a striking style that captures powerful emotions.

More breathtaking interiors are to be discovered in Padua’s Baptistry, Palazzo della Ragione, and the Basilica of Saint Anthony, one of Italy’s most popular pilgrimage sites. To enrich the Padua fresco experience, there’s an app with fascinating commentary, and an inclusive ticket to see all eight sites.

Porticoes of Bologna – Piazza Cavour
*Photos Courtesy of BolognaWelcome*

The Porticoes of Bologna

Visitors to Bologna, in Italy’s central Emilia Romagna region, are enchanted by the city’s beautifully preserved medieval ambience, where sidewalks are sheltered with more porticoes than any other city in the world, totaling 62 km, or about 35 miles. The porticoes appear in a range of styles—from humble wooden structures to Renaissance loggias with carved stone columns and painted ceilings.

UNESCO calls these porticoes “expressions of Bologna’s urban identity.” Though their original purpose in the Middle Ages was to expand buildings to make room for the many university students coming to Bologna, today the porticoes serve to expand the city’s pleasures. On a practical level, they give protection for walks in rainy weather and provide cool shade on hot summer days. Moreover, they bring an easy-going elegance to the city, as they are perfect settings for sidewalk eateries or for musicians to casually set up and play Mozart concertos.

A traditional Bolognese experience is the 4-kilometer, 2.5 mile walk through the longest portico in the world, adorned with 664 arches, from the Porta Saragozza in the historic center up to the church of San Luca, where stunning views of the countryside await.

As Bologna is also famous for having the most delicious cuisine in Italy, it can be an ideal escape from the crowds of Florence, (only a 40-minute train ride away), to enjoy a classic lunch of Tagliatelle alla Bolognese.

Montecatini
*Italian National Tourist Board c/o GettyImages*

Montecatini Terme, a Great Spa Town of Europe

Mineral rich thermal springs have been enjoyed on the Italian peninsula since the days of the Roman Empire. Among Italy’s most famous places to “take the waters” is the Tuscan Art Nouveau town of Montecatini Terme, reached by an hour’s train ride from Florence.

UNESCO included Montecatini Terme amongst 11 “Great Spa Towns of Europe”, praising it for its history, since the 1700s, when the town developed as an international resort destination, combining medical studies with monumental spa architecture, promenades, and parklands.

Today there are two hundred spa hotels in Montecatini Terme that pump in curative waters, renowned for their beneficial effects on the liver and digestive system.

A favorite spot is Terme Tettuccio, a grand pavilion that sits in the center of Montecatini Terme’s beautifully landscaped park. Gorgeous marble bars with brass spigots disperse drinking cups of the cure, as local hipsters in their gym clothes and pensioners with their canes mill about. A jazz orchestra plays on the bandstand, there’s a bookstore, caffe, and inner gardens that blend to create a blissful Old World ambience.

To learn more, visit: www.italia.it or contact the Italian National Tourist Board in the US newyork@enit.it; losangeles@enit.it.

Find your dream vacation to Italy with a USTOA tour operator here https://ustoa.travelstride.com/trip-list/italy

About the author: Susan Van Allen is the author of 4 books about Italian travel, including “100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go”. She also designs and hosts Golden Weeks in Italy For Women Only tours, that give female travelers wonderful insiders’ experiences of the Bel Paese. www.susanvanallen.com

The Italian National Tourist Board – ENIT – supports marketing activities worldwide, promoting Italy as a unique and exclusive destination, aiming to increase the international tourist flow, while maintaining its high market share. The promotion is carried out with a corporate strategy conceived in Italy and implemented through its 28 offices abroad. In the next few years, Italy’s tourism development will be focused on a value growth to generate economic, social and cultural sustainability: enhance tourism supply, increase the value of the territories and businesses and market relevance.

Spain’s Commitment to Tourism Sustainability

By: José Manuel de Juan of The Tourism Office of Spain

Spain is one of the world’s tourism leaders, ranking second among the most visited countries. As part of this leadership role, the Government of Spain has launched an ambitious scheme that seeks to promote the transformation of tourist destinations towards sustainability in three ways: environmental, socioeconomic, and territorial.

UNWTO defines sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts to meet the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.” Therefore, sustainable tourism is not a tourism product but rather a management principle that must be applied to any type of tourism product and destination.

With this concept in mind, the Spanish government plans to invest 1.9 billion euros in the next three years to support Spain’s tourist destinations in their transformation process to integrate environmental, socioeconomic and territorial sustainability into their offer and to develop resilience strategies to face the new challenges in the tourism ecosystem, from climate change to tourism overdemand to health and safety crises.

Specifically:

To diversify the offer of tourist destinations to help generate employment opportunities, redistribute tourism revenue, and promote territorial cohesion while disrupting the concentration of the demand, particularly toward rural areas, as well as to promote arrivals all year round.

To guarantee sustainability by reducing emissions, improving waste and water management, protecting and restoring ecosystems for tourism, and introducing actions to prevent or mitigate the effects of climate change.

Any municipality in Spain can present their plans to the Government to get their sustainability plans financed.

The type of plan will depend on the type of destination. Destinations will be divided into categories which will require different actions:

*Photos Courtesy of Instituto de Turismo de España (TURESPAÑA*)

Sun and beach destinations

Sun and beach destinations are currently facing a profound change, with consumers who are increasingly more informed, more demanding and who have more alternatives, and citizens who demand a better distribution of the socioeconomic benefits of tourism among local populations.

All this requires a strategy that reinforces the diversity of the tourism experience, the participation of the local population in the benefits of tourism, the reduction of its environmental impact, the contribution to energy efficiency, and the recovery of an environment where a wide range of travel experiences can coexist.

Rural destinations

Inland Spain has an enormous cultural heritage and rich natural resources. This endows it with great potential from a tourism standpoint and a wide margin for development.

A better integration of this territory in Spain’s tourism system will contribute to a seasonal adjustment, a disruption of the current concentration, and the distribution of tourism income. Spain’s plan for rural destinations is aimed at improving the quality of life of their residents, generating new job opportunities, revitalizing aged social spaces, improving industries and business, and contributing to the country’s strategy against depopulation.

Urban destinations

Urban tourism represents approximately a quarter of the international tourism demand towards Spain. The cities are also the main points of entry into the country through their airports.

Cities face considerable challenges: the renovation of their cultural and leisure offer and the integration of new pieces in that offer, as well as the need for maintenance and improvement of their historic centers; a balanced approach that takes into consideration the multiplicity of demographic groups that inhabit a given space or neighborhood and the expectation that each group has for that space (living , working, visiting, etc.); the need to expand and diversify areas of interest; and the need for digital tools that allow a better management of tourism flows and contribute to a more efficient management of the different services made available to them.

Independently of the funds that are available to the destinations, the Spanish Government has just announced a 170-million-euros project aimed at financing hotels and other hospitality facilities to become more energy efficient.

This is just a brief summary of Spain’s comprehensive plan for a more sustainable tourism industry, one that the country takes with great enthusiasm as we lead the way into a new era in world travel.

Find your dream vacation to Spain with a USTOA tour operator here https://ustoa.travelstride.com/trip-list/spain

Spain is a destination filled to the brim with hidden gems in nature, culture, and cuisine. Mediterranean beaches, green National Parks, historic towns filled with contemporary art, and fresh seafood paired with world class wine make it a top pick for American travelers.

Find more travel tips, news, and inspiration by visiting the Tourist Board of Spain.

Plan your visit with a tour operator by visiting https://ustoa.travelstride.com/trip-list/spain

Sustainability is Responsibility

Sustainability is Responsibility

By Terry Dale, President and CEO of USTOA

Strong and symbiotic partnerships are key to the sustainability mission. Here are a few of the many USTOA tour operators who have firsthand experience in building these types of relationships.

Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions launched a sustainable strategy framework named the Polar Promise that’s dedicated to protecting the Arctic and Antarctica. Working with scientists, community leaders, and innovators, Quark Expeditions contributes $500,000 USD each year through donations and funding for more research and development projects. Partnering with the Inuit Cruise Training Initiative, they hire Nunavummiut guides, while other training programs are available for people to become ambassadors of the polar region.

Intrepid Travel

In addition to many other sustainability initiatives launched over the years, Intrepid Travel released a free 10-step guide in 2020 that is designed to guide travel businesses towards decarbonizing their operations. As a B-Corp certified tour operator and carbon neutral company since 2010, they have offset more than 351,000 tonness of carbon emissions worldwide. During guided trips, Intrepid Travel prioritizes public transportation and minimizes the number of flights included in each itinerary. With expert advice and experience, they are helping other tour operators join the zero emissions movement.

Lindblad Expeditions

With more than 50 years of responsible travel experience, a focus of Lindblad Expeditions’ daily operations is to source food from local farmers and fisherman whenever its possible. In the Galápagos, they collected 27 percent of provisions locally in 2019. This supports the local economy and preserves the ecosystem by reducing the threat of invasive species entering through imported foods. With a strong sustainable seafood policy, they do extensive research to ensure that they are keeping oceans healthy and fish stocks constantly regenerating. In the assessment, they measure fish quotas, stock levels in ocean zones, method of catch, maturity levels, and feed.

5 Ways Travelers Can Support Local Communities Through Sustainable Travel

5 Ways Travelers Can Support Local Communities Through Sustainable Travel

Rachel Jordan is the Partnership Marketing Coordinator for Club Adventures, powered by AAA Exclusive Vacations®

“Take only memories, leave only footprints”. It’s an oft-used phrase, and while the travel industry is filled with them, every iteration of this specific one provides the same message: leave things as you’ve found them and minimize your impact. Small changes travelers make can have large effects, whether that be on the environment, on people, or the larger world around us.

As of 2019, travel and tourism accounted for just over 10% of the world’s GDP, or roughly $8.9 trillion USD, demonstrating how many countries have come to rely on tourism to support local economies. As we become more interconnected and this number continues to grow, the idea of minimizing impact and the necessary advocation for sustainable travel is more important than ever. For all of us travelers in a modern age, we are constantly in search of immersive experiences, trying our utmost to forge authentic connections, dive deeper into a culture, and find ways give back to the local communities that welcome us. But, as a destination becomes more popular with travelers all seeking the same kinds of experiences, there are positive and negative impacts, and it can be challenging to strike a balance in making sure the positive outweighs the negative.

But what does that look like? How do we, as individuals and businesses, support local communities through sustainable travel efforts? Here’s a look at how we can all get started, cultivating the kind of responsible travel that establishes a solid foundation of well-sustained destinations to enjoy for generations to come.

1. Travel with companies who involve locals

Truly sustainable companies keep sustainability in mind right from the get-go. They will be mindful when designing tours to ensure that as much money as possible will stay in the destination. These companies hire local guides, so the money earned by the guide stays within their family and is reinvested back into the community. These companies also seek out local restaurants and hotels, making the effects of visiting a destination more impactful on local businesses. The more you avoid the tourist “hot-spots,” the more money can help the overall economy. For example, at Club Adventures, on our Women Explorers trip in Morocco, we employ female guides and drivers. This commitment supports not only the local community, but also empowers an underrepresented demographic in the tourism industry.

2. Get involved with local, sustainable efforts

Many developing countries realize the impacts of industrialization and climate change, and while they may not have the infrastructure to switch to green energy, many have already established efforts that protect the local environment. With some research prior to your trip, you could plant trees in the Amazon or help clean up a polluted beach in Bali. There are countless ways to get involved, so spend your time doing some research to see how tangibly a business is taking an interest in local efforts, and how transparent they are about the effort and the benefit(s) to the destination.

3. Avoid creating dependent relationships

With great power comes great responsibility. The power of tourism dollars requires operators and travelers alike to ensure responsible allocation. In keeping with this belief, Club Adventures does not visit or encourage tourism to any schools or orphanages on any tour. This ensures that any child-focused organization does not become reliant on funds from tourism, which is a fluid industry and could negatively impact the organization should tourism monetary support fluctuate.

4. Avoiding Animal Abuse

We’ve all seen those pictures of people riding elephants in India or Southeast Asia. As amazing as it might look on Instagram, many of these attractions are not treating these animals humanely. Sustainable companies and independent travelers alike should strive to not support these attractions, but instead specifically look for companies that have been strictly vetted to ensure they are treating the animals correctly, and do not allow visitors to touch or directly interact with local wildlife. Some of these companies may be rehabilitation centers, but still make sure to check if they have been thoroughly inspected before getting involved.

5. Practice green habits at home and abroad

Simple changes can truly make a difference, especially when the 40 million Americans who travel annually contribute to the change. Prior to our departures, Club Adventures encourages everyone to bring a reusable water bottle to exponentially decrease the use of single-use plastic. We advise to avoid getting plastic bags while shopping by putting souvenirs into your backpack, and to bring their own recyclable toiletries to avoid using one-use hotel containers.

At Club Adventures, we believe that sustainable travel should be the preferred style of travel, especially as our world continues to cope with over-tourism and climate change. Fortunately, sustainability is gaining wider traction across the travel industry as travelers start to dig deeper into who they travel with, and what impact their travels have on the world around them. Our suggestions are just the beginning to making a difference while traveling, but these small changes can have large effects. If we’re looking to take only memories, and leave only footprints, the work that comes along with that starts with each of us.

Rachel Jordan is the Partnership Marketing Coordinator for Club Adventures, powered by AAA Exclusive Vacations®. In her role, she assists with the implementation of comprehensive marketing strategies, while continually enhancing the strength of the Club Adventures brand. Rachel is also an avid traveler and blogger and is currently pursuing her M.S. in Global Tourism and Sustainable Economic Development. She continues to expand her comfort zone by exploring as many new cultures and destinations as possible. Follow her adventures on her Instagram account!

Club Adventures, powered by AAA Exclusive Vacations®, is a small-group adventure travel provider created for those who want to explore the world through a local lens. With global journeys 8-14 days long, group sizes are kept small (16 passengers max) and leaders are local. Get closer, go deeper, and create memories that will last a lifetime, all the with support of a trusted brand.