LUCCIOLA
TRAVEL - EVENTS - VENUES
The British love a rural retreat, off the beaten track.
Why should this change when you go to Italy?
The Italian countryside is stunning with some breathtaking palazzi and country houses (and I am not just talking about the Val d’Orcia in Tuscany) so whether you are looking for a wedding venue, romantic getaway or family holiday, let LUCCIOLA inspire you to see these places with confidence.
Four million Brits visited Italy in 2018, the Brits’ third country of choice to spend their holiday, but playing host to these crowds are the same four cities - Rome, Milan, Florence and Venice. Imagine being a local in Rome in July when the number of tourists in your city booms significantly, and maybe you just want to walk to your local gelateria and find yourself tripping over people getting there, and then have to queue…Worse still, find yourself forced to walk on the road because the tourists are occupying the pavement.
BY 2050, 70% OF WORLD POPULATION WILL LIVE IN URBAN AREAS
According to a report by the Assoturismo Confesercenti, ‘Italy’s città d'arte (art cities) registered a total of 44.4 million tourists from across the globe in 2018 - up 600,000 from 2017 - with overnight stays up from 110 million to 113.4 million.’ In particular, Rome welcomed 1.1 million more tourists than in 2017, of whom each would spend an average of 2.4 nights in the ‘Eternal City’.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
The shorter the time period spent in the destination, the less the tourist has given back to the area and the people. It raises the debate: how much good are tourists actually bringing to the destination? Or does the negative social impact bear greater strength than the financial reward (like is the case with Venice)?
CHOOSE WISELY
How your next holiday could look
To prolong the pleasure these destinations can bring to future generations, we need to respect them NOW. (This doesn’t mean you have to compromise your experience!)
Base yourself outside, but within reach, of the major cities means you are investing more into the surrounding areas, relieving the economic disparity which occurs across the country and reduces the burden of overcrowding in the city’s historic centre.
The European Union is on a mission to reach sustainable development and eradicate poverty worldwide by 2030, so whatever small moves you can make collectively will hold great impact.
This is where country houses, farm stays, and agritourism comes in! Statistics show that tourists looking for rural stays typically head to Grosseto in Tuscany but what about the other regions? Probably you haven’t heard so much about them!
The European Commission recommends, what they call “Cultural Routes", in other words, enjoying ‘immersive experiences in charming rural villages across Europe’.
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Engage with the culture and local communities
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Quality customer service - more genuine, personalised striking meaningful relationships
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Open yourself up to spontaneity
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Fun for the kids - animals on site, maybe a pool
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Situated on walking routes across the 25 national parks, so you can be sure of fantastic accommodation and breathtaking scenery en route
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Quality local cuisine using local produce
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The more established agriturismi will speak English so no issue of language barrier (but where there is a will, there’s a way - Google is your friend, or I can step in!)
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So peaceful - less crowded. Like a holiday should be, all about YOU time without the interruption of others.
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Often more cost effective / better value for money
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PLUS the feel good factor of knowing you have made considerate choices in the planning of your holiday!
THE PERKS
IN A NUTSHELL
That is without the added value when YOU BOOK - WE DONATE a minimum 10% commission from your holiday to MIND, the mental health charity.
YOU CAN HOLIDAY KNOWING
YOU ARE LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE AND HELPING OTHERS GET BACK TO LIVING THEIRS TOO
Looking for a wedding venue, romantic getaway or family holiday?
Or maybe there’s a special birthday and you want to pull the friends & family together.
How about a celebration abroad, requesting private hire of the country pad and a courtyard dinner served to you and your guests?
Italy has it all, really. Let me show you!
However it looks for you, it is TIME TO PARTY.
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