GSTC-certified Trentino

The idea of creating a real sustainable tourism district began to take shape in 2022, thanks to the partnership among different areas. Although devoid of legal authority, the district’s purpose is to bring together several territories through common projects and a strategy of shared commitment and responsibility.

In April 2024, Alpe Cimbra, Trento and Rovereto obtained the certification, joining Valsugana to form the first sustainable tourism district. 

A shared commitment and a new paradigm: towards a regenerative tourism 

Sustainable tourism in Trentino is the result of a collaboration that involves not only tourism offices, but also entrepreneurs, cooperatives, associations, etc. The goal is to overcome the concept of tourism that simply “takes” from the territory, to embrace a regenerative tourism model.

In this new vision, tourism becomes a tool to restore value and opportunities to local communities, especially to the most vulnerable groups in society. This goal is achieved through social responsibility projects that involve people with disabilities, foreigners and those who have difficulty finding work, thus promoting inclusion and social cohesion. 

Concrete projects of social responsibility and active involvement of guests 

APTs are actively engaged in “Destination Social Responsibility” (DSR) projects that span across different areas of intervention, such as social and cultural ones, and aim to mitigate the most severe impacts of tourism on local communities. An innovative aspect of these projects is the active involvement of guests, who are invited to share a sense of responsibility and participate in sustainable initiatives. The idea is to transform tourists from mere spectators into protagonists of change. 

An international network and sharing of Best Practices 

GSTC certification offers destinations the opportunity to engage in dialogue and exchange best practices through an international community. Participation in the annual conference in Stockholm in 2024, which, for the first time, witnessed the presence of over 50 destinations from all over the world, allowed Trentino to become part of this network, promoting the exchange of experiences and the adoption of innovative approaches.  

The future of sustainable tourism in Trentino: a constantly evolving model 

The path towards increasingly sustainable tourism is an ever-evolving process. Lake Garda will achieve certification in 2024, and Val di Fassa, Val di Fiemme and Campiglio will begin their journey in 2025. The approach adopted by Trentino, based on sharing, participation and collective commitment, makes it a model to follow for other tourist destinations that aspire to a more equitable, responsible, sustainable future, etc. 

If you want to help us become more and more responsible, answer these short questions. A thousand thanks!