Sustainability

As a tailor-made travel company, Citalia cares deeply about Italy and its regions. We want to play our part in ensuring these unique and beautiful places, and their communities, thrive and flourish for years and decades to come.

We know that travel can be transformative; through building perspective, empowering communities, incentivising conservation and enriching lives. However, we recognise that we operate within the context of a climate and biodiversity crisis, and that aspects of tourism can leave a negative footprint on the world around us.

In response, we're busy working on improving our company-wide sustainability policies and practices, and - alongside our sister companies - have started implementing our 'Climate, Nature & Community' sustainability plan.

Climate and Nature

Italy is an incredible destination that makes it joyful to have a responsible holiday: the country is one of Europe's main environmental sustainability leads, so you'll find plenty of energy efficient or low carbon measures already in place. Train travel is comfortable, efficient and inexpensive, and Italy offers plenty of beautiful off-the-beaten-track destinations to explore, which enable you to get away from the crowds and benefit local communities. There's also a huge amount of agritourism to enjoy, which celebrates nature, the land, and the time-honoured traditions, from community-focused albergo to Italian farmhouse stays in a masseria, to Slow Food city breaks.

Supporting Healthy Oceans

As part of our commitment to climate and nature action, we've joined our sister companies across the Travelopia Group* to partner with Blue Marine Foundation.

Our objective is to help conserve the stunning coastlines and marine life that enrich your holidays and restore ocean ecosystems that are vital in tackling climate change.

Together with our sister travel companies, we intend to donate at least £1 million over the next 3 years, with an aim to support the conservation and restoration of 7,000 hectares of vital marine ecosystems through seven global projects.

From the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, Kenya to Indonesia, these protected blue carbon ecosystems have the potential to remove and store thousands of tonnes of carbon every year. They will also help protect a rich diversity of coastal and underwater wildlife, including endangered species.

Our support will also enable the training and employment of local communities in marine conservation, helping ensure these beautiful places are preserved for generations.

Sustainability Minimum Standards

We have embedded a range of minimum sustainability standards across our operations to ensure safe and fair labour conditions, the ethical treatment of animals, a proactive effort to minimise environmental impact across our offices and holidays, and an intention to support local communities wherever possible.

Sustainable Travel Tips

Here are some ways in which you can join us in our efforts to preserve your favourite areas, ensuring that future generations can also enjoy them:

• Consider taking the train to Italy, making the most of the Eurostar and Europe's comfortable, efficient and widespread rail network, and extending your holiday with a relaxing journey through Italy's breathtaking scenery.
• Make sure to pack a refillable water bottle and a re-usable coffee or travel cup.
• Elevate your beach days and souvenir shopping to a more sustainable level by bringing along a stylish reusable fabric bag.
• Save your tickets and travel documents digitally on your mobile device for easy, paper-free access.
• To conserve energy and reduce water usage, turn off lights and electronics when not in use and take shorter showers.
• Make your stay more eco-friendly by adopting your at-home habits and reusing bath towels and sheets during your holiday.
• Use air conditioning responsibly by avoiding unnecessary usage and closing windows and doors to maximise energy efficiency.
• Support local wherever possible; eating at local restaurants, browsing local markets and buying locally-made souvenirs will not only enhance your holiday experience, but also support local communities.

*Citalia is a member of the Travelopia group of travel companies which has come together to partner with Blue Marine Foundation.