Sport and tourism: in Lombardy it is accessible, inclusive, authentic and slow

The work of the Regional Forum continued in the afternoon of October 30, with a focus on the theme 'Lombardia Protagonista – The circular economy at the service of sustainable sports and tourism', which was attended by the regional councillor Elena Lucchini (Family, Social Solidarity, Disability and Equal Opportunities) and Federica Peaks, Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Lombardy Region with responsibility for Sport and Youth.

LUCCHINI: WE ARE AIMING FOR A WELCOMING AND INCLUSIVE REGION

“Lombardy Region – explained Lucchini – strongly wanted to support the STAI project (Services for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism), financing a project based on the themes of universal accessibility, inclusion, health and well-being. After the success of the pilot project that we included in the schedule of events for 'Bergamo and Brescia Capital of Culture 2023' we now intend to export this good practice to other provinces. Thanks to STAI we have started a virtuous dialogue with the territories that will increase the perception of a sustainable, welcoming and attractive Region capable of investing in increasingly inclusive tourism and increasingly attentive to people with special needs and physical and sensory disabilities”.

PICCHI: SPORT SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITY PAR EXCELLENCE

“Sport – he explained Federica Peaks – it is by its very nature a sustainable activity: those who practice it regularly enjoy better health, not only physical but also mental, and contribute to reducing healthcare costs. Our goal is to extend good sports practices to an ever-increasing number of citizens. This year, thanks to a project by the Region in collaboration with Sport and Health, elementary school children will begin physical activity from the first year. We have also just completed a protocol with the FIB, the Italian Bocce Federation, to bring the game of bocce to nursing homes, aware that the added value of sport is not only given by movement but also by the strong capacity for aggregation. Physical exercise and social relationships are the addends of greater well-being”.

MAZZALI: DESEASONALIZATION AND VALUE FOR THE TERRITORIES

The regional councillor for Tourism, Territorial Marketing and Fashion also commented on the topic of the forum Barbara Mazzali.

“Today tourism – he said Mazzali – is increasingly oriented towards authentic and responsible experiences, in which the visitor not only explores, but respects the places that welcome him. Travelers are looking for destinations that combine culture, nature and tranquility, enhancing every aspect of the territory in a sustainable way. As a Department, we are committed to promoting tourism that not only respects the natural and cultural heritage of our region, raising awareness among visitors to experience each destination with awareness, but is also capable of enhancing it in an ever-new way. The food and wine tours, the historical and spiritual paths allow you to get to know Lombardy in a slow and profound way”.

“This type of tourism – he concluded the councillor – not only distributes flows in a more balanced way and deseasonalizes presences, but also creates real value for local communities, generating economic spin-offs and job opportunities. Through responsible tourism we aim to build a harmonious relationship between those who visit and those who host, in the awareness that every place is a precious asset to be preserved”.