Cavallino-Treporti, an Italian destination renowned across Europe for its outstanding achievements in the tourism sector, is setting its sights on achieving the prestigious GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) international certification. This milestone represents an essential step forward in the “Blue&Green Community” project, reinforcing the community’s commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism.
Cavallino-Treporti mayor Roberta Nesto underscored the importance of certification as a tool to raise the quality of life, create new opportunities, and engage the community.
“Certification is essential because it raises the bar of quality expressed by the area, also improving lifestyle standards,” Nesto said. “The approach to sustainability is focused on general collective improvement so everyone can live a little better. But we’re not starting from scratch. We have successful initiatives in place, and the challenge is to enhance and network them toward a common goal. We began a few years ago with our ethical code and the objectives we set as the ‘Blue & Green Community,’ a commitment we’ll continue to pursue with the goal of achieving certification: an official acknowledgment, based on objective parameters, as public recognition of this value”.
GSTC criteria and indicators
The GSTC certification journey, anticipated to span a year, involves a comprehensive analysis of social, economic, cultural, and environmental criteria aimed at enhancing local tourism management and fostering collaboration among institutions, businesses, residents, and visitors. The process includes several key phases: evaluating environmental impacts, adapting to climate change, mapping destination management, and organizing community engagement meetings on sustainability issues.
Tourism councillor Alberto Ballarin emphasized the significance of obtaining certification: “Tonight marks the start of the Hospitality License events, continuing the ‘Blue & Green Community’ project by sharing sustainability experiences with businesses, residents, and local associations. Some guests have contributed actively by sharing their experience with the GSTC certification and how to achieve this goal. All of Cavallino-Treporti is involved in this project: let’s certify ourselves because it’s an important moment for reflecting on and shaping the future of our region”.
Support for the initiative
The project’s presentation event featured key contributors: Lara Citon and Daniela Dall’Igna from the Hospitality Team, who have helped develop the Blue&Green Community project, Luigi Mazzaglia, founder and CEO of Vireo, a GSTC-accredited certification body, and Max Nagler, director of the Società Cooperativa Turistica Alta Badia. Naglershared Alta Badia’s experience as a GSTC-certified destination, highlighting their sustainable tourism management approach and resilience through challenges like the pandemic.
“It’s essential to work together on projects like this,” commented Mattia Enzo, president of the Consorzio Parco Turistico. “Currently, around 10 local businesses are certified in sustainability, and interest in the subject is growing. We anticipate that the number of certified businesses will at least double, sending a signal to the region on the importance of participating in this collective, networked development”.
Achieving the GSTC certification would mean aligning with the 38 criteria and 174 indicators set by the UN Agenda 2030, a goal that would empower the Cavallino-Treporti community to create a more sustainable and future-focused living environment.
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