Italy – fuTOURiSME

Oro di Pollina

Συντάχθηκε από Salerno Confartigianato στις Δεκέμβριος 18, 2024.

Founded in 2022, Oro di Pollina emerged from a series of reflections on land use and the critical role of young people in agricultureand, above all, the study of the Conscious Bio-Synergy method during the pandemic period. The vision of Michele Rocca, the founder, was clear: to create a sustainable farm that not only supported the environment, but also promoted the value of local and organic products.

At the core of their production is Zaffron, cultivated using the BSC (Bio-Sinergico Consapevole, Bio-Synergic Aware) method.

Organic because it is essential to know the biology of the soil and saffron.
Synergistic because it is the cooperation of natural and human life that make it possible to improve the environment and the product.
Conscious because we must know what we are doing, ask ourselves why it has to be done, and what it will mean for the soil, for the plants and for the product we will obtain.

This innovative approach integrates the principles of synergetic, biodynamic, organic and regenerative agriculture. Working in this way allows us to respect the ecosystem, which, combined with passion and simplicity, allows us to obtain a product that improves people’s physical and spiritual wellbeing.
The BSC method focuses on sustainable agriculture through a profound understanding and respect for ecosystems, with the aim of creating a self-sustaining environment that improves soil health, increases product quality and supports human well-being, while minimising external interventions.

Although the journey has not been without challenges, particularly in balancing traditional farming practices with modern agricultural needs and educating the local community on the benefits of ecological methods, the practices adopted by Oro di Pollina have proved invaluable.

The sustainable practices implemented by Oro di Pollina offer a highly replicable and scalable model of sustainable agriculture. By combining ecological farming with educational tourism experiences, this model also has the potential to inspire other areas and regions with similar farming traditions. As global interest in responsible travel and sustainable food production continues to grow, the Oro di Pollina approach not only promotes environmental conservation, but also encourages local development, cultural heritage preservation and the responsible use of natural resources for future generations.

Cooperate to fill the gap in the flow of information and support services aimed at helping tourism SMEs navigate the twin transition towards sustainability.

Συντάχθηκε από Salerno Confartigianato στις Δεκέμβριος 18, 2024.

While many SMEs are aware of the need for enhanced skills to implement sustainable practices, there is a mismatch in the ability of supporting organizations, such as Chambers of Commerce or Business Support Organizations (BSOs), to effectively address these needs. This challenge is compounded by the lack of a corporate culture within many SMEs that embraces sustainable practices in a genuine, vocational, and non-instrumental way, which often contradicts the company’s traditional mindset.

Direct conversations with representatives from experiential tourism SMEs revealed that addressing skills development is essential for initiating the twin transition process at the corporate level. It became clear that this process requires a focus not only on managerial skills but also on equipping staff members with the necessary knowledge and techniques to integrate sustainability into daily operations.

Key areas for improvement include ensuring that sustainability practices are incorporated into procedures and methodologies, fostering authentic commitment to sustainability among employees, and strengthening the overall sustainability culture within the company.

Collaboration with BSOs and Chambers of Commerce is crucial for guiding tourism companies towards the most suitable training and support models. This cooperation can help businesses focus on areas such as:

Developing and implementing internal sustainable strategies and policies.
Conducting environmental, social, and governance risk analyses to identify risks and opportunities for sustainable growth.
Promoting sustainability awareness and commitment among staff and stakeholders.
Staying updated on green and digital regulations at the national and EU levels, ensuring compliance.
Engaging with external organizations to share best practices and promote sustainable training initiatives.

Ultimately, the lesson learned is that raising awareness about the importance of skills development is a foundational step for tourism SMEs to successfully undertake the twin transition, with a focus on both internal staff training and external support networks.

Creating a community approach to best practice, peer learning, and networking for SMEs

Συντάχθηκε από Salerno Confartigianato στις Δεκέμβριος 18, 2024.

Stakeholder involvement from various sectors—academia, entrepreneurship, civil society, and public entities—creates a collaborative environment that fosters the sharing of sustainability-focused best practices and facilitates technology transfer. While small-scale examples of this model exist at the local level, the lack of coordination among training providers and tourism SMEs in larger economic environments remains a significant challenge.

One of the key insights is the absence of a dedicated network that brings together experiential tourism stakeholders to provide training and share knowledge. This gap inhibits the scaling up of best practices and peer learning, limiting SMEs’ potential to grow and adapt to new trends, such as sustainability and digitalization.

However, regional programs like the Campania Region Program and ERDF 2021-2027 offer a promising opportunity to bridge this gap. These programs are aligned with European and national strategies for ecological and digital transition, and they focus on enhancing tourism competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation. Notable initiatives include the Digital Tourism Hub and Integrated Funds, which support tourism SMEs in becoming more competitive in the digital space and promote sustainable tourism through lesser-known routes and the revitalization of neglected sites.

A crucial takeaway is that peer learning, networking, and best practice sharing should be standard practices, especially at the local level where cooperation among stakeholders is easier to achieve. Local authorities and tourism offices play a pivotal role in facilitating the creation of networks that support SMEs in their growth journey, enabling them to learn from each other and share experiences that contribute to a more sustainable, competitive, and innovative tourism sector.

Upskilling, reskilling and capacity building as lynchpins of the green transition

Συντάχθηκε από Salerno Confartigianato στις Δεκέμβριος 18, 2024.

To effectively foster the green transition of tourism companies and SMEs, training programs, workshops, and capacity-building models must be prioritized.

To this end, the work of BLAM – a collective of female architects focused on sustainability and community engagement – is particularly exemplary. BLAM operates through a private-public, multi-stakeholder model, bringing together cultural and food & beverage SMEs, a civil society organization, and the Municipality of Salerno. The organization’s efforts focus on urban regeneration, scaling green transition methodologies, and creating spaces that attract both locals and the thousands of tourists who visit the city each year.
BLAM has achieved remarkable results through its diverse, community-driven initiatives. These include Habitat Fest, an ecofestival that promotes sustainability, and iMorticelli, a community hub where a variety of workshops and initiatives are implemented to engage local residents and foster awareness. Furthermore, BLAM has played a pivotal role in the revitalization of Montevergine Park, transforming it into a space that not only promotes biodiversity but also serves as a cultural venue for the community. These projects demonstrate BLAM’s holistic approach to urban regeneration, where sustainability and community development are intricately woven together.

Similarly, Confartigianato Salerno has been an active player in initiatives aimed at facilitating the green and digital transitions for SMEs, particularly in rural areas. In the framework of the Erasmus+ project “ESG4SMEs,” Confartigianato Salerno has developed the “Profile of the ESG Manager for rural SMEs“, highlighting the key skills and responsabilities needed by the staff members involved in the implementation of an ESG strategy in rural SMEs. This initiative provides businesses with the tools they need to comply with national and EU ESG criteria, helping them transition to more sustainable and digitally advanced practices.
Furthermore, Confartigianato Salerno – as Enabler for the Twin Transition accredited by the Covenant of Companies for Climate and Energy – is actively supporting SMEs in their green and digital transitions by offering technical assistance, capacity-building programs, and collaboration with ESG experts, energy engineering companies, and ESCOs.

Drawing from experiences in similar initiatives, it becomes clear that networking strategies and capacity-building schemes are essential in raising awareness among both the tourism and civil society sectors. These efforts demonstrate that sustainability is not just an individual endeavor but a collective one. Cooperation and networking within and between sectors play a crucial role in scaling up sustainable practices, enabling communities and businesses to achieve higher levels of sustainability.
The lessons learned emphasize the importance of ensuring robust training and capacity-building models, particularly through Business Support Organizations (BSOs) in partnership with Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions. Such collaborations are vital in providing tourism SMEs and their staff with the necessary skills—both through re-skilling and up-skilling initiatives—to meet sustainability standards. Moreover, offering guidance on financial support at regional, national, and EU levels is crucial for SMEs to successfully implement green transition processes. This holistic approach ensures that the path to sustainability is accessible and achievable for all SMEs, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the green economy.

Step-by-Step Sustainability: Leveraging Internal Policies, Technological Support, and Local Impact for Circular Economy Success

Συντάχθηκε από Salerno Confartigianato στις Δεκέμβριος 18, 2024.

The experiences of San Severino Park Hotel and ETIKÉ Manifatture illustrate how small, coordinated steps can aggregate into substantial impacts, offering replicable models for other tourism companies. By embracing circular economy principles, SMEs can enhance their resilience, reduce their environmental footprint, and serve as leaders in sustainable innovation.

Nestled in the rural village of Mercato San Severino in Salerno province, the San Severino Park Hotel is a shining example of how circular economy principles can seamlessly integrate into daily operations. Through a well-crafted internal policy, the hotel has embraced a commitment to sustainability, inspiring both staff and guests to contribute to a greener future.
At the heart of its approach are initiatives designed to minimize environmental impact. Staff are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices, such as conserving energy and efficiently managing waste. In the kitchen, the focus is on zero-kilometer, seasonal menus that reduce food miles while guaranteeing freshness. Leftover food is creatively reused or repurposed, aligning with the hotel’s zero-waste philosophy. Plastic and disposable products have been entirely phased out, replaced with eco-friendly alternatives, while guest amenities feature organic cosmetics crafted from natural, sustainable ingredients. To further enhance energy efficiency, the hotel has installed photovoltaic panels, embodying its dedication to resource conservation.
By weaving environmental priorities into its operational fabric, the San Severino Park Hotel demonstrates how even small, incremental steps can collectively lead to significant sustainability achievements.

A few kilometers away, in the town of Baronissi, remarkable example of sustainable innovation can be found. ETIKÉ Manifatture, an innovative start-up in the ceramics sector, exemplifies the transformative power of circular economy principles when paired with strategic financial support. With funding from the national “Smart & Start Italia” scheme, the company developed an ingenious sustainable production line centered around a groundbreaking material: LAVIC.
This innovation repurposes leftover ceramic materials from workshops, recreating the look and functionality of natural lava stone without the need to extract volcanic resources. By doing so, ETIKÉ not only addresses environmental erosion but also slashes production costs, enabling access to a niche market with minimal competition. Their methods significantly reduce energy and material waste, making the company a beacon of sustainable manufacturing in the ceramics industry.

The experiences of San Severino Park Hotel and ETIKÉ Manifatture underline the importance of integrating diverse measures to achieve tangible environmental and economic impacts, and they highlight valuable lessons for businesses looking to transition toward sustainability:

Step-by-Step Transition Pathways: Incremental adoption of sustainability measures, such as reducing energy and water consumption, reusing materials, and managing waste, can generate significant cumulative effects.
Internal Sustainability Policies: Engaging both staff and leadership in sustainability initiatives fosters a culture of responsibility and innovation.
Technological and Financial Support: Access to funding and expertise is critical for overcoming initial barriers and enabling the implementation of circular economy practices.
Community and Local Impact: Prioritizing local supply chains and zero-kilometer products benefits not only the environment but also the local economy.

Community engagement and cross-sectoral collaboration as drivers of the twin transition

Συντάχθηκε από Salerno Confartigianato στις Δεκέμβριος 18, 2024.

The experience of Terme Forlenza reveals that a holistic strategy combining community engagement, cross-sectoral collaboration, and access to financial support is essential for successful twin transitions, particularly in niche sectors like thermal tourism.

Terme Forlenza, a wellness sector company located in the historical Roman bath site of Contursi Terme, serves as an inspiring example of sustainability in practice. Located in the heart of the region, the company attracts tourists from across Italy and Europe.

In recent years, particularly in response to the challenges posed by COVID-19, Terme Forlenza has implemented a comprehensive sustainability policy focusing on efficient waste and water management and the exclusive use of locally sourced products.

This strategy has fostered economic collaboration within Contursi Terme, a small village, by engaging the local agrifood and crafts sectors. This approach preserves traditional practices and cultural values while supporting the local economy.

The company’s operations rely on thermal mineral water sourced from the ancient “Piscina Mirabilis Forlentiae,” a naturally therapeutic water classified as sulphurous, iodic, carbonic-magnesian, and bacteriologically pure. Its applications span arthro-rheumatic, dermatological, gynecological, and respiratory treatments, as well as physiotherapeutic and aesthetic services.

The analysis of Terme Forlenza’s approach provides key insights into advancing twin transitions in the thermal tourism sector:

Community and Multi-Stakeholder Approach: Terme Forlenza’s success demonstrates the importance of actively involving local communities and diverse stakeholders. This collaborative effort not only preserves cultural heritage but also drives collective progress toward sustainability. In contrast, SMEs that neglect such engagement often encounter slower adoption of sustainable practices.
Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: The integration of local agrifood and crafts sectors into Terme Forlenza’s operations highlights the benefits of cross-sectoral action. This strategy amplifies the impact of sustainability initiatives, creating a ripple effect across interconnected economic activities. Businesses that operate independently miss opportunities to broaden their sustainability impact and establish greener business practices.
Technical and Financial Support: Terme Forlenza’s ability to leverage national programs such as Bonus Terme and the Fund for Sustainable Tourism underscores the critical role of financial and technical assistance. SMEs that fail to tap into these resources often struggle with the high costs and logistical complexities of adopting green technologies and policies.

These lessons provide a replicable framework for other SMEs aiming to integrate sustainability and digital innovation into their business models. By adopting similar approaches, companies can align with broader environmental and economic objectives, enhancing their resilience and competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic market.

Gole del Tiberio – Madonie a Passo Lento

Συντάχθηκε από Salerno Confartigianato στις Δεκέμβριος 18, 2024.

Madonie a Passo Lento invites travelers to explore Sicily and the Madonie region at a slow, deliberate pace, embracing responsible, sustainable, and relational tourism that honors the environment and local cultures. This initiative creates meaningful connections between visitors and the local traditions, offering an authentic experience of Sicily’s ancient knowledge and crafts still passed down from generation to generation, as well as the slow rhythms that mark the seasons in small Sicilian villages and farmhouses.

Thanks to Madonie a Passo Lento, visitors engage with local communities, exploring the small Sicilian villages and farmhouses where life follows nature’s cycles. They learn about age-old trades passed down through generations, discovering a way of life that blends history with sustainability.

Giovanni Nicolosi, in collaboration with Madonie Outdoor ASD and public authorities, has developed curated itineraries for all seasons that cater to travelers’ unique interests and needs. These routes are designed to showcase the region’s unspoiled beauty year-round.

Shepherd’s Paths and High Mountain Trails: Wander through ancient beech, cork, holly, and holm-oak forests once frequented by woodcutters, charcoal burners, and snow-makers.
Historical Routes: Follow the royal paths of transhumance and pilgrimage trails, rich with history and tradition.
River Walks and Agricultural Landscapes: Explore paths lined with orange groves, olive trees, and manna ash trees, immersing yourself in Sicily’s agricultural heritage.

Revitalizing a Hidden Gem: The Tiberius Gorge

Over the past decade, Giovanni has transformed the Tiberius Gorge from an overlooked, debris-filled site into one of Sicily’s premier nature tourism destinations. Today, it welcomes thousands of visitors annually, a testament to how passion and vision can unlock a place’s potential.

The valorization of the Gorge stems from Giovanni’s deep belief in the potential for sustainable tourism development in Sicily. Developing naturalistic tourism in areas of such immense value—such as the Madonie—should be a shared mission for all who envision a bright future for this region. By enhancing these sites, the initiative not only offers young people the chance to reconnect with the beauty of their homeland, the wonders of nature, and the richness of their cultural identity but also creates opportunities for them to build fulfilling lives in Sicily—without feeling compelled to seek their fortunes elsewhere.

Giovanni’s efforts blend practical creativity with theoretical knowledge gained during his university studies, including insights from the semiotic theory of value and the principles of beauty and art. His deep connection to his roots, paired with a hands-on, community-centered approach, demonstrates how dedication and innovation can revitalize a region while preserving its cultural and natural heritage.

Madonie a Passo Lento offers not just a journey through breathtaking landscapes but also an invitation to connect deeply with Sicily’s soul—a sustainable tourism model that respects both people and place while building a brighter future for its communities.

Ruralis

Συντάχθηκε από Salerno Confartigianato στις Δεκέμβριος 18, 2024.

Ruralis is a forward-thinking start-up that combines passion, competence, and a deep connection to its territory. Founded by a team that has lived, studied, and worked across the globe, the company returned home with a vision to develop exceptional services and support the local area—often overlooked by traditional tourism—transforming it into an unexplored world full of potential.
Ruralis is dedicated to reviving lesser-known Italian destinations, offering unique experiences that surprise and delight both locals and visitors. The team’s commitment to their roots is fueled by the desire to create added value for the region and its economy while providing a platform that showcases its hidden gems to an international audience.
Ruralis thrives on a perfect balance between collaboration and innovation, continuously improving the sustainable development of rural areas. The company believes that these internal regions possess immense concrete and ideal value, and they are on a mission to make others aware of it as well.
Ruralis is not just a business; it is a close-knit family that supports each other, grows together, and fosters a culture of collaboration and shared growth. The team values open communication, respecting each individual’s voice and opinions, steering away from traditional corporate hierarchies.

Rooted in the principle of sustainable tourism, Ruralis is dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that respect both people and the environment. Through its innovative business model, Ruralis is not only contributing to the revitalization of rural areas but also shaping a future where local economies flourish through responsible tourism and sustainable practices.

Latteria Montecatini

Συντάχθηκε από Salerno Confartigianato στις Δεκέμβριος 18, 2024.

Latteria Montecatini is a family-run dairy from Salerno, producing artisanal buffalo mozzarella since 1991.

The company is committed to traditional methods, hand-pulling mozzarella to maintain quality and authenticity. Their products, including treccione, zizzona, stracciatella, and fior di latte, are crafted from fresh buffalo milk, sourced locally for optimal flavor.

With a focus on three key principles—Territory, Raw Materials, and Mozzatura—they ensure each product retains the rich, timeless taste of the region.

Azienda Agricola Fiorentino – Sustainable Winery

Συντάχθηκε από Salerno Confartigianato στις Δεκέμβριος 18, 2024.

Azienda Agricola Fiorentino is a prime example of sustainable innovation in the wine industry. The winery, built using wood and bio-architectural techniques by local craftsmen, was envisioned as a space that bridges the connection between the land and people. The building process incorporates sustainable construction methods and materials, ensuring environmental responsibility throughout. Solar energy is produced on-site, and rainwater is harvested to irrigate the nearby apple orchard, enhancing the winery’s ecological footprint.

Designed by architect Angelo Verderosa, the Winery was constructed by Cugini Gregorio snc of Paternopoli and Sistema Tetto srl of Chiusano San Domenico.
The winery’s harvest is performed by hand, using small crates to ensure the plants’ well-being and to allow for the selection of only the healthiest, ripest grapes. This attention to detail is crucial for producing high-quality wine, as the goal is to work with perfectly matured, clean grapes.

The winemaking process begins with destemming and crushing, followed by fermentation in steel fermenters that are temperature-controlled using modern technologies. The first part of the maturation occurs in steel storage tanks, while further aging takes place in the wine cellar, where different vintages and varieties are refined. Before stabilizing in dedicated tanks and bottling, the wine undergoes constant monitoring and analysis to ensure the highest quality and safety of the final product.

In recognition of its commitment to architectural sustainability, the Fiorentino Winery received a special mention at the 2015 Inarch Architecture Award. The innovative approach, particularly in terms of materials, construction methods, and energy efficiency, represents a model for future sustainable architectural projects.

As the industry continues to evolve, this Winery stands as a replicable example of how sustainability and craftsmanship can be seamlessly integrated into modern architecture.

Country: Italy

Revitalizing a Hidden Gem: The Tiberius Gorge