calypso_country_report_italy_en by Arestudio S.C.

Italy May 2010 Antonio Magliulo + team

CALYPSO STUDY ON SOCIAL TOURISM ITALY

Revision Date Made by Checked by Approved by

Final 2010/05/17 Antonio Magliulo + team HAMS National Contact Point

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CONTENTS

1. 2. 3. 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 4. 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 5. 6. 7.

Summary Focus on experiences on and mechanisms for international exchanges Analysis of the four target tourism markets Structures and players Segmentation profile Existing support systems and/or mechanisms Demand drivers Analysis of the tourism sector Market trends Supply of services Supply of services from a European point of view Sustainable tourism aspects Feasibility of social tourism Legislative perspectives Development of products for social tourism Web portals

ANNEXES List of interviewees List of documents Good practice descriptions

1 2 3 3 4 9 10 13 13 14 15 15 16 16 18 21

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SUMMARY This case study is based on a series of questionnaires sent to public and private stakeholders. This method was complemented by a systematic consultation of studies and research published in recent years. In 2008, social tourism generated about 1.4 million holidays, amounting to 4.2% of the total number of holidays booked in Italy. Of these, 338,000 were organised by Workers Recreational Clubs (CRAL), 315,000 by cultural associations, 190,000 by religious organisations, 140,000 by parishes, 135,000 by schools, 130,000 by sports clubs and 105,000 by the municipalities of residence. The overall turnover is estimated at 1.3 billion euro (Isnart 2009). With reference to our four target groups, research has led to the following considerations: taking into account the demographical characteristics of Italy, the senior citizens segment is without doubt one well worth exploring. Data available indicates that senior citizens are tourists with a dynamic profile, who appreciate comfort at accommodation facilities and in other services, looking for attractions and services targeting specific needs (see, for example, the target group of senior citizens with special needs linked to food, allergies, etc.). Apart from some best practices, there does not however seem to be an offer coherent with the target group that would also represent an important lever for deseasonalisation of the sector. The young people target is without doubt the most varied. The number of young people travelling alone is increasing, as is the number amongst the younger, under-14 age group not contemplated by our research, but that in our opinion are a very interesting segment as they clearly use associative tourism. Also interesting is the segment of “more mature” young people who travel with their family (or rather, families travelling with children aged 19+). This segment also poses a challenge for businesses in terms of new opportunities that the target group can offer. Families are the least known target group with a profile that “spreads” into other target groups (young people/children who travel with adults, senior citizens who travel in groups, people with disabilities). Families with difficulties are only just beginning to be analysed. When fully up and running, the holiday vouchers scheme, currently destined solely for this target group (and therefore, the possibility of drawing information on the beneficiaries of vouchers and their use), will without doubt make it possible to understand the travel motivations and habits of this category. The target group "people with disabilities" is clearly the one most addressed by tools that measure the needs and coherent offer. It is a varied target group with extremely different needs that depend on the type of handicap, available income and family conditions, amongst others. It is a group with a “loyal” purchasing profile and generates a high multiplication effect (about 2.9 people travel with every traveller with a disability). This supply seems to focus on removing the obstacles that could limit accessibility, though with a level of control that is not always effective. In section 3, we describe some interesting social tourism experiences currently underway in Italy. We believe that two of these could be successfully be extended to the European level. The first is the C.A.R.E. project, whose purpose is to develop a network of accessible services and facilities in European cities adopting a common rating methodology, whilst the second is a project promoted by the tour operator Happy Age, which aims to create the first social tourism portal. This study aims to give an overall picture of social tourism in Italy: what we know and what it would be useful to know, strengths and weaknesses, obstacles and potential1.

On social tourism in Italy, see

Cnel (2004), Associazione Mecenate (2004), Mongelli, Vassallo (2007), Tonini (2007), Magistrali

(2008), Regione Campania (2008), Regione Toscana (2007), Ingellis et al. (s.d.), Isnart (2009).

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FOCUS ON EXPERIENCES ON AND MECHANISMS FOR INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGES Below, we have described some interesting social tourism experiences underway in Italy. - T.A.R.V: RFID-assisted tourism for the blind or visually impaired, Sardinia Region, Municipality of Oristano: This is a project financed by the ICT technology district and with POR regional funding for technological research and development 2000-2006. Experimented in the Romanesque Basilica of Santa Giusta in Oristano, the project involved the realisation of a multimedia solution for the blind or visually impaired using RFID technology, with interaction between TAG and PDA. This permitted the visually impaired to visit the cultural site and at the same time receive information on its architecture, history, works of art, etc. - The model of Tabiano and Castrocaro thermal spas (FederSpa): An idea originally elaborated by the Emilia Romagna Region led to a project on accessible tourism aimed at organising, promoting and marketing a tourism product that targeted everyone, with particular focus on the needs of the people with disabilities. Tabiano Thermal Spa and Castrocaro Thermal Spa: the reference hotel offers spacious rooms, toilets, relaxation areas for people with disabilities. - The first social tourism portal (Happy Age tour operator): The project developed from the need to satisfy the growing demand for information and quality services for social tourism. It has been created a single portal that provides information on the entire tourism offer, targeting in particular senior citizens, young people, families and the disabled who require quality services and facilities. It also aims to create a social network for exchanging experiences in the benchmark sector. - Protus: social tourism project: The project, implemented in 2006 by the Centro Turistico Studentesco e Giovanile (CTS) and the Carta Giovani Association, with the collaboration of the Regions of Lombardy, Lazio and Calabria, trade unions, associations and social and community centres, aims to favour dialogue between demand and supply in the field of social tourism. In particular, it targets promoting social tourism as a “Practice of Travelling”, with particular focus on the interests and needs of demand, on the one hand, and the peculiarities of the accommodation offer in the three regions on the other. The objective is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the accommodation offer, based on the real needs of social tourism sectors. The project also provides for initiatives aimed at educating and training personnel operating in the sector, at the same time creating an organisation to coordinate and bring together all the subjects involved in tourism, whether public or private. - “Italia per tutti” (Italy for all): This initiative was implemented in 1997 by the Italian government with the aim of promoting and diffusing accessible tourism; in other words, all the facilities and infrastructures that allow people with special needs to enjoy their free time without obstacles or difficulties. The initiative aims to promote certain key points including: improving hospitality services in the facilities, guaranteeing accessibility to accommodation facilities, transport and mobility, catering and free-time facilities and bringing together all the services available in order to make them truly usable, without discontinuity (Magistrali 2008: 77). - “CARE” (Accessible Cities of the European Regions): This project began in 2004 and is coordinated by the Region of Emilia Romagna. It is based on the sharing, on a transnational level, of strategies for developing cities where accessibility represents a key to quality. The aim is to ensure that territorial resources meet the requirements of all users with special needs. The project primarily aims to develop a network of accessible facilities and services in European cities by adopting a standard rating methodology. Secondly, it aims to carry out communication campaigns and provide information services for users (citizens and visitors). Finally, the main objective is to help create “hospitable cities” by building networks for specialised services, ranging from recreational services to the quality of street furniture. The project has so far realised 13 guides to hospitable and accessible cities, which provide all the information necessary

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to all kinds of tourists. Each city presents a totally accessible itinerary that takes in artistic and cultural sites, as well as information on services and facilities, hotels, restaurants and other public venues and focuses, in particular, on the presence of architectural barriers. - “ASK-IT”: This project aims to create a series of information services for people with disabilities travelling around Europe for leisure or business. The basic idea is to develop services based on information and communication technologies (ICT) that allow people with problems linked to limited mobility to move around independently and to access information regarding transport and mobility, as well as recreational activities. - “VIAGGI SOLIDALI”: This is a social cooperative based in Turin that aims, through tourism, to favour the development of communities in the southern hemisphere. Holidays and travel are organised based on the principles of responsible tourism expressed in the Charter of the Italian Association of Responsible Tourism (AITR). The cooperative is also committed to the diffusion of responsible tourism best practices through educational-training activities in high schools and at universities (Magistrali 2008: 137-41).

ANALYSIS OF THE FOUR TARGET TOURISM MARKETS

3.1

Structures and players As social tourism concerns a cross-section of targets, this necessarily entails the involvement of a plurality of stakeholders. In terms of their legal nature, we can identify two macro-categories of players in Italy2: 1. Public institutions that contribute to social tourism by adopting policies to facilitate and support the right of weaker categories to travel. 2. Private stakeholders that, by acting independently or in collaboration with other partner stakeholders or product/service providers, aim to satisfy the needs of the disadvantaged sectors. These include non-profit operators and private tourism operators: • Social tourism organisations (STO) are non-profit operators whose objective, like that of the public institutions, is to lower the ceiling of accessibility (physical, economic, demographic) to the tourism offer. • Private tourism operators or in other words, organisers and/or intermediaries (tour organisers, travel agencies, etc.), accommodation facility entrepreneurs and all those who provide services (transport, catering, guides, etc.). • Other non-profit cooperatives and associations that establish relationships of mutual collaboration with STOs in their respective fields of expertise, above all in terms of services for people and protection of the environment and animals (Legambiente, WWF, etc.). Most of the above-mentioned associations are, in turn, members of FITuS (Italian Federation for Social Tourism), a second level association that develops projects and initiatives managed by member organisations, with the exception of the “Italy Holiday Vouchers” scheme. The table below shows the main players and their relative role. It is not possible to precisely indicate their motivation or ability to take part in the Calypso project although, in general, all those contacted expressed their interest in participating.

For social tourism players see, amongst others: Regione Campania (2008: 15 ss.), Associazione Mecenate (2004: 14 ss), CNEL (2004: 36 ss).

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SOCIAL TOURISM PLAYERS

PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS (MINISTRY OF TOURISM, MUNICIPALITIES, REGIONS,) • Tuscany Region • Municipality of Verona SOCIAL TOURISM ORGANISATIONS (STO)3 Associations of a trade union nature • ETLI- CGIL, ETSI-CISL, OTIS- UIL • FITeL (Italian Federation for Free Time Activities)

Lay associations • TCI (Touring Club Italia) • CTS (Centro Turistico Studentesco e Giovanile • FIPAC (Italian Federation of Retail Trade Pensioners) • Strabordo Association • Diversamente Agibile Association • … Religious associations • ACLI (Italian Workers Christian Associations) • CTG (Centro Turistico Giovanile) CRAL (Workers Recreational Clubs), of which 3,000 are members of FITuS (Italian Federation for Social Tourism)

TARGET GROUPS INVOLVED All

Current role/Functions in the sector

Families (workers) and pensioners

Promotion of cultural, sports and recreational activities for members.

Adoption of policies aimed at increasing the fruition of tourism for all disadvantaged categories.

FITeL was founded in 1993 based on an initiative by CGIL, CISL and UIL. It is a social promotion association that is a member of the third sector, FITuS and BITS. Members include: trade union confederations, national CRAL federations, with over 100 large CRAL + another 500 CRAL (a total of 600,000 CRAL members associated).

All

Planning of packages for members. Information on holidays and services.

Young people Pensioners People with disabilities Young people, senior citizens, families with special needs Families Pensioners

Promotion of educational and personal development projects in the field of holidays and free time. Promotion and implementation amongst members of activities aimed at promoting free time and the social and cultural spheres.

Operators in the accommodation field

Aware of the themes of social tourism, they offer special products or adapt existing ones to the needs of the target groups.

Private cooperatives • WWF • LEGAMBIENTE

Families, senior citizens, children and people with special needs Young people, senior citizens, children and families

Travel information/promotion/support services.

Others (universities, schools, local bodies, etc.)

3.2

Support of a scientific, cultural and institutional nature.

Segmentation profile In Italy, a profile breakdown of social tourism has certain limitations that include: 1) a lack of tools and parameters that make it possible to define and circumscribe the phenomenon that, by nature, involves a cross-section of people; 2) the fragmented data and information available on tourism; 3) the lack within organisations of a “customer relationship” culture and tools that permit the organisation to memorise and track exchanges of information and business between service providers and customers (Varra 2005: 50-54); 4) the delayed implementation of the “holiday vouchers” scheme, introduced by law 135/2001, but only effectively usable since 20 January 2010. This aspect means that the numerous organisations that operate in social tourism are not able to provide reliable consolidated information on how many tourists they “move”.

Associazione Mecenate (2004: 14).

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Therefore, the profiles, exigencies and purchasing behaviour of the various target groups are presented based on a variety of sources and the subsequent integration of several research studies that are not homogenous. The analysis framework that derives from this cannot be excessively summarised as this would penalise the significance of the information. Senior citizens User profile (socioeconomic profile, travel habit demographics)

According to the NET.TUR research (Regione Toscana 2007: 7-12), 51.71% of senior citizens take 2-3 trips a year and 11.42% up to 4 or more. Of these, 46.49% choose based on previous experience, 22.35% based on recommendations made by relatives or friends, 20.72% from specialist catalogues and 3.26% on the Internet. With regards to company, 46.82% travel with friends, 40.29% with a spouse, 25.29% with a group and 3.92% alone. With regards to organisational methods used, 33.61% organise their holiday independently, 31.16% through an association, 15.99% through a travel agency, 9.14% through a senior citizens centre, 2.94% through a tour operator, 2.61% through their parish, 1.63% through a CRAL and 0.33% via Internet. 27.90% only have their travel and accommodation organised for them, 55.46% have everything done.

Organisation responsible for support

Duration of stay

Main holiday destinations

The same study highlights that 54.81% prefer to travel by coach, 41.27% by plane + coach, 40.29% by car, 13.7% by train, 5.55% by ship and 1.63% by camper van (multiple choice). In terms of accommodation, 39.8% choose a 4-star hotel, 32.14% a 3-star hotel, 24.8% a holiday village, 17.62% a holiday farm, 15.66% a guesthouse, 5.22% a holiday home, 2.61% a 2-star hotel and 1.91% a campsite. Other profiles: 1. Senior citizens with special needs (dietary, hygiene, services, etc.): more than two million travellers over 64 (SL&A, BETA 2008:17-29). Profile: the main profession is that of housewife, primarily living in north Italy and with a 79% preference for individual travel. 2. Senior citizens who use various forms of associative tourism: the target group represents 5.8% of senior citizens who took at least one holiday in 2008. Most booked through a company CRAL (29.5%). Other booking methods included parishes or religious organisation (25.2%), schools (4.2%), cultural clubs/associations (19.1%), sports clubs/associations (13%) and municipalities (8.4%) (Isnart 2009: 10). Given that, in terms of social tourism, most over-65s book through a CRAL, the benchmark organisation is FITeL (Italian Federation for Free Time Activities), a trade union body. It is structured in regions, provinces and territorial recreational clubs. Other important organisations include FIPAC (Italian Federation of Retail Trade Pensioners), 50 &PIUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, ADA (see section 8). ISTAT figures for 2008 indicate that 34.2% of tourists aged over 65 take a holiday lasting 1-3 nights, whilst 65.8% stay 4 nights or more. Figures on associative tourism alone are not available. In the research carried out as part of NET.TUR, 53.83% choose the seaside, 37.03% art cities, 28.38% the mountains, 13.87% spa towns, 8.48% archaeological sites, 7.5% the countryside, 7.5% nature parks and 6.2% the lakes (Regione Toscana 2007: 8). Figures available on associative tourism refer to travellers who book through a CRAL (not specifically senior citizens alone). They prefer overseas to Italy (27.3% of CRAL travellers in the first six-month

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period of 2008 and 28.4% in the second six-month period against 12.2% and 23.2%, respectively, who chose Italy.

Average spending during holidays per year

Holiday participation statistics

Barriers and reasons for non-participation

Young people User profile (socioeconomic profile, travel habit demographics)

The most popular Italian destinations were (in order of preference): Liguria (11.9%), Sicily (10.8%), Sardinia (10.1%) and Campania (8.7%), followed by Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige and Calabria. The overseas destinations chosen were Greece (19.3%), Egypt-Red Sea (15%), France and Corsica (10.5%) and Austria (8.7%). Although our empirical survey also highlighted the resorts booked by senior citizens too, it did not offer specific information on the target group. We do not have specific data other than the fact that spending by CRAL holidaymakers (not necessarily senior citizens) amounted to €347.5 Million, with an average sum of €1,057 per person (based on 338,000 holidaymakers). With reference to the senior citizenspeople with disabilities-youth target groups, the tour operator Happy Age estimates average spending on holiday of 500 euro a week. With regards to Italians aged over 65 (11.6 million, Istat 2008), 38.5% went on at least one holiday (figures from Isnart 2009); of these 5.8%, 261,000 senior citizens booked their main holiday using associative tourism (Isnart 2009). Figures available mean it is not possible to know with certainty the reasons for non-participation. It can be assumed that there are two main problems: economic (often these are pensioners with mediumlow incomes) and social, with delays and failings in welfare policies (including delayed implementation of the holiday vouchers scheme, as well as extremely poor financial support for carers and in general, for the daily living costs of this category).

ISTAT age group classifications are broken down as follows: 0-14, 15-24, 25-44, 45-64, 65+. They do not therefore include the 18-30 age group, which is the focus of the present study. The Touring, Doxa and BTS (2005) profile is as follows: young people, aged 15-24, students, often with part-time jobs, who “save in order to plan itineraries in Europe and the United States”. 25.3% go on holiday three or more times a year. They prefer low-cost airlines, but also Inter-rail. 27.7% of those interviewed prefer overseas to Italy, with a strong interest in meeting different cultures. In general, it is possible to distinguish between: 1. Young people travelling in groups without their family: they use the associative tourism circuit and mainly book through their school (40% of all youth who use associative tourism), their parish group (15.8%) or a cultural association (14.3%) (Isnart 2009: 9-10). Although indirectly, ISNART report figures indicate they prefer youth hostels. 2. Young people travelling with their family: according to the National Observatory on Youth Tourism (OTG-Iscom Group et al. 2009: 8), the number of young people aged 14+ travelling with their family has increased, providing they find a “holiday project” with entertainment and “experiences” (sports, adventure, educational, etc.). In associative tourism they mainly book through a CRAL, as they are part of a family unit of workers or pensioners. A total of 9.1% book through a CRAL, amounting to 21,000 young holidaymakers, and they mainly choose the 3-month summer period. 3. Study travel tourist (aged 14-19): this is someone who

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Organisation responsible for support

Duration of stay

Main holiday destinations

Average spending during holidays per year

Holiday participation statistics

Barriers and reasons

4 5

travels on the basis of a study programme, mainly in March and April (around 80%). The most popular means of transport is coach travel (about 62%) although the trend is decreasing in favour of air travel (over 30% and over 50% for travel overseas). More than 80% of educational trips are organised through a travel agency that is however contacted for operational aspects rather than with regards to choosing the destination (less than 1% of cases) (Centro Studi Touring Club 2008: 21-24). CTS (Youth Tourism Centre) is a benchmark for tourism planning targeting youth. It offers a variety of services with regards various destinations and for various travel purposes. AIG (Italian Youth Hostel Association) groups together over 100 Italian hostels and also offers information services and holiday proposals at concessionary rates for members thanks to special agreements with accommodation facilities and tourism services. Touring Club, Doxa and BTS (2005) carries the slogan “at least four nights away”. In general, the duration is extremely variable. For example, the tour operator Avec states that for their customers a holiday usually lasts 2 weeks. 71.3% of young people who travel using associative social tourism through their school choose a holiday overseas, with 28.3% in Italy (Isnart 2009: 13). The most popular Italian regions are Sicily, Trentino Alto Adige and Piedmont. In general, young people prefer, in the following order: Tuscany, Sicily, Puglia, Calabria and Emilia Romagna.4 Overseas they choose Spain, followed by Germany, Croatia and France. Compared to a few decades ago, Greece has lost some of its appeal for this segment of the population (OTGIscom Group et al., 2009: 7). Our research did not highlight that for seaside resorts they prefer Calabria, Romagna, Campania, Puglia and Sardinia, whilst the most popular mountain destinations are the Dolomites and the Cozie and Gaie Alps. The most popular European destinations are Great Britain, France, Spain, Germany, Holland and Greece. With regards to study holidays (Centro Studi Touring Club 2008: 21), in 2008 overseas destinations were favoured (about 80% of holidays) with the most popular countries being, in order of preference, Spain, France, Czech Republic and Germany. In Italy, the most popular destinations were Lazio, Tuscany, Veneto and Sicily, whilst the most popular cities were Rome, Florence, Venice and Naples. Precise and uniform data is not available as they clearly depend on the type of holiday. The Youth Tourism Observatory indicates procapita spending of €470.5 Figures for study holidays (Touring Club 2008) indicate an average cost per holiday of 290 euro per person. Our research has highlighted average spending of approx. 100 euro a day. In 2008, young people in the 15-24 age group amounted to 6,071,979, 12% of the total population of Italy. Of these, 52.1% or 3.1 million took at least one holiday: 7.45% or 231,000 travelled through associative tourism. In the 25-34 age group, 54.2% took a holiday, 3.7% of whom chose associative tourism (Isnart 2009: 78). Youth tourism in Italy is expanding and is being studied as an

From www.fiera.ge.it/notizie/2006/notizia_064_120906.aspx. From www.meetingrimini.org “Young People and Holidays: meeting and sharing experiences. Meetings organised by the Observatory on Youth Tourism, realized in collaboration with ENIT and CTS.

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for non-participation

opportunity for growth and development in a sector that, on the whole, is experiencing difficulties. Figures available do not make it possible to identify the barriers and reasons for non-participation. From a cultural and social point of view, young people see holidays as an acquired right. With regards to the offer, it is perhaps the sector with the highest number of specifically designed products and services, therefore barriers seem to lie with economic difficulties that mean holidays are not accessible to everyone.

Families facing difficult circumstances User profile (socioFamilies that travel through associative tourism do not emerge from economic profile, travel any report available. habit demographics) The Europcar-Doxa Observatory6 studied “Holidays in Times of Crisis” and the main results were: low-cost solutions (adopted by 37.7%), holidays out of season, rediscovery of friends’ houses and less popular resorts, “no frills” holidays, no luxury restaurants (89.8%) or fashionable resorts, less popular destinations (85%), countries with favourable exchange rates (76.8%) and very early booking via Internet (71.7%). Tourists focus on “simple things in contact with nature” (72%), “reading, relaxing and thinking” (56.4%), DIY excursions (48.3%), dinners at home (44%) and free beaches instead of bathing establishments (39.2%). Organisation CRAL and the association it belongs to (FITeL, as already indicated responsible for support in other parts of this report) are the main benchmarks for support of this target group. Duration of stay Data is not available on families. In general, information concerns the percentage of adult travellers: in 2008, 56.8% of adults aged 25-64 took a holiday lasting at least 4 days (Istat 2010). The percentage was basically the same as 2007 (56.6%, Istat 2009b), whilst the average duration of the stay, expressed in the number of nights, rose from 6.5 to 6 (Istat 2009b). Main holiday destinations

Average spending during holidays per year

Holiday participation statistics Barriers and reasons for non-participation

Adults with disabilities User profile (socioeconomic profile, travel habit demographics) 6

www.europcar.it

In general, families prefer the seaside (a figure that reaches 67% for families with children under 14) followed, in order of preference, by the mountains, cultural destinations and finally, nature holidays (OTG-Iscom Group et al., 2009: 6 ss). Precise data is not available. With regards to total bookings made through CRAL and cultural associations (which most adults who use associative tourism book through) the average cost per holiday is €1,028 and €785 respectively, €748 for holidays booked through municipalities, €702 for holidays booked through sports associations and €554 the average cost for holidays booked through local parishes or religious organisations (Isnart 2009: 11). Precise data is not available. Delayed implementation of the holiday vouchers scheme and the lack of appropriate welfare policies can be largely blamed for nonparticipation due to economic difficulties that are increasing (17% of families find it difficult to stretch their income to the end of the month compared to 15.4% of families the previous year) (Istat 2009: 2 ss).

Holidays are usually taken in the company of others, about 2.9 people for every adult with a disability. This is an extremely loyal tourist and mainly travels for recreational, spa and religious regions.

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Organisation responsible for support

Duration of stay Main holiday destinations Average spending during holidays per year Holiday participation statistics Barriers and reasons for non-participation

3.3

The following target groups can be identified: 1. Tourists with special needs, not necessarily disabled (dietary needs, allergies, etc.): these are mainly women (54% of tourists with special needs), mostly employed workers, adults (in over 65% of cases aged over-25, with 22.6% aged over-64), living primarily in northern Italy (49% of tourists with special needs) and they travel several times for tourism throughout the year. They do not have a strong seasonality and travel for recreation or fun (37%), but also for treatments, wellness and to spas (16%) and for study or business (10.3%). Holidays are usually organised independently (in 79% of cases). They favour cheaper, non-hotel accommodation facilities (apartment-hotels, holiday homes, religious institutes) (SL&A, BETA 2008: 17-22). 2. Tourists with disabilities: these are medium-low income tourists (according to the “Diversamente Agibile” association, their income is around 800-900 euro net a month) who travel both in Italy and overseas. They do not have particular peaks of seasonality, travelling mainly in spring/summer, but also December, February and April. Present on a national level, C.E.R.P.A (European Centre for the Research and Promotion of Accessibility) aims to improve the quality of life, also favouring accessibility to the market and tourist facilities. Other organisations include FISH ONLUS (Italian Federation for Overcoming Handicap), “Diversamente Agibile”, Village For All, Atlha Onlus. In most cases, they choose offers lasting 3-7 nights, depending on the destination. In Italy, Tuscany, with Florence and the Etruscan coast, Turin, Rome and Milan and overseas, Barcelona, London and Egypt. Around €800 per person (according to the “Diversamente Agibile” association). There is no official data on disabled travellers. The universe includes over 2.6 million disabled people (Istat figures from surveys carried out on health conditions and the use of health services.7) ENEA-Iter8 research highlights that, in general, 14.1% of those who do not travel are prevented from doing so for problems linked to health/old age (of these, 1.9% would travel), whilst 4.7% do not travel in order to care for a disabled person/child (0.1% would travel).

Existing support systems and/or mechanisms Institutional focus on the themes of social tourism in Italy is not recent and represents the formal indication of a profound and widely-diffused awareness amongst profit-making and non-profit operators. Yet in Italy the lack of travel support mechanisms for disadvantaged categories and the delays and defaults that have characterised the introduction of the few schemes available today have, in fact, penalised effective accessibility to tourism services for everyone. Although after considerable delay, holiday vouchers have now become operational in Italy too. They were set up in 2001 by law 135/2001 (Art. 10) that introduced and regulated holiday vouchers, but their implementation has lasted almost a decade. The scheme was conceived and implemented in 2004 by FITuS that suggested it to the Ministry of Labour and that in 2005 founded, along with Federalberghi (Italian Hotel Federation), the non-profit association BVI (Italy Holiday Vouchers), 7 8

Figures taken from SL&A (2008: 35). From www.disabilitàincifre.it “Main ENEA-Iter survey results”

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which began to manage the tool on 20 January 2010. A holiday voucher is a “legitimization document” (Mongelli 2009: 745) that identifies those with a right to the performance of various tourism or free time services, ranging from hotel accommodation to restaurants, from transport to the rental of holiday homes, from the purchase of holidays in travel agencies to car hire, from entrances to museums to other cultural services. Basically this is a means of payment, considered to all intents and purposes a cash substitute, to purchase services taking part in the scheme. However, holiday vouchers do not yet perform all the functions indicated by law: currently they can be used for essential tourism services (board and lodging) and can only be used by low-income target families with an incidence of economic help that varies depending on the size of the family and income. Given the recent introduction of the scheme in our country, at the moment of drafting the present study, data is not available on the use of this special concession by those who are entitled to use it.

3.4

Demand drivers Senior citizens Constraints

Needs and expectations in terms of destination

Types of accommodation

Activities

Constraints are of an economic (low income and thus low purchasing power) and social nature, in other words, the lack of suitable support services. Precise information on needs in terms of destination is not available. According to research carried out in Tuscany as part of the NET.TUR project (Regione Toscana 2007: 9), half of preferences go to seaside destinations, a third to mountain resorts and another third to art cities. With regards to the Isnart report regarding associative tourism that centres on CRAL associations, it can be noted that 6.3% choose based on proximity, whilst concessionary rates are the main motivation for 30.7% of CRAL holidaymakers. These are followed by the natural beauty of the place (22.9%), the possibility to rest (24.1%), the desire to see a new place (19.3%), the entertainment offer (19.3%) (Isnart 2009: 35-36). We can assume that that geographical distance or culture are not as discriminatory as the ability of the destination to satisfy the needs to rest, interests and entertainment. For tourists with special needs, the following needs emerged: prompt handing over of accommodation, the presence of hospitality personnel and the presence of medical staff and nurses. (Regione Toscana 2007: 11) . The type of accommodation favoured depends on the reasons for travel and is largely not indicated in statistical records (for example, the phenomenon of holiday homes or accommodation offered by associations and organisations in general). Official data is not available with regards to the phenomenon studied by us. With reference to Isnart figures, considering that CRAL constitute the main form of associative tourism used by holidaymakers over-65, here are the types of accommodation chosen by this particular target group (“senior citizens that use associative tourism and travel through CRAL”) are holiday residences (RTA) (7.5%), hotels (6.4%) and holiday villages (15.2%) (Isnart 2009: 6). The Tuscan study, carried out as part of the NET.TUR project, highlighted that the priority for senior citizens is comfort rather than price (40% favour 4-star hotels). With regards to infrastructure facilities, the following exigencies emerged: gardens (41.76%), lift (35.56%), parking (30.51%), pool (28.71%) and public areas for relaxing (20.88%). At the accommodation facility, they mainly look for a double room with en-suite (62.15%), colour TV (48.61%), adjustable air-conditioning (29.36%) and balcony (21.37%) (Regione Toscana 2007: 9-10). Precise figures concern CRAL holidaymakers (senior citizens and others). In Italy they mainly spend time on visiting local areas of

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Specific equipment Sensitivity to price Seasonality aspects

Young people Constraints

Needs and expectations in terms of destination

Types of accommodation Activities

Specific equipment Sensitivity to price Seasonality aspects

natural beauty, monuments and sites of archaeological interest and museums and temporary exhibitions, trying and purchasing typical local products, doing sports activities and taking part in events. The activities favoured by those who travel overseas do not differ fundamentally, except for a more marked interest in the fruition of environmental and cultural resources and shopping activities (Isnart 2009: 35). No precise information available. Although, as already highlighted, the percentage of those who travel on the basis of price is high, precise data is not available. ISTAT figures for 2007 show that 43.1% of senior citizens travel from July-September, 24.9% from April-June and 18.4% from September-December. Sources available and already mentioned do not make it possible to identify the presence of significant limits to taking holidays in periods other than those usually chosen, other than the problem linked to taking time off work for the percentage of those who are still employed.

As well as constraints of an economic nature, heightened by the growing difficulty linked to finding and keeping a job, there are constraints of an organisational-social nature linked to taking time off work (in Italy, holidays are still largely concentrated in the summer period, therefore peak season) and the school (university) calendar which is also fairly inflexible. There are no recent studies on potential demand. ENEA-Iter research revealed that 34% would like a holiday in a seaside resort and 28% in a mountain resort. Italy would be chosen by 47.7% of cases, with the north being favoured (Regione Campania 2008: 25). On the potential demand for study holidays, the main destinations requested are overseas (24%), Lazio (19%) and Tuscany (12%). Doxa, Touring Club and BTS research highlights that they favour hostels and snub holiday farms.9 Activities depend on the age group of travellers and the reasons for travelling. Sports activities are very popular but in general, they look for important emotional experiences. Precise information is not available. Medium-high. The information available does not indicate any particular lack of willingness to travel all year round, but constraints linked to work and academic activities remain.

Families facing difficult circumstances Constraints Whilst the tourism offer is quickly adapting in favour of this target group, constraints remain of an economic nature, heightened by the current crisis and scarce or delayed introduction of social support policies. Needs and expectations In its study on the holiday styles of Italians at a time of crisis10, in terms of destination Europcar-Doxa research estimates that, for financial reasons, Italy will be favoured over foreign destinations and mountains/hill resorts over seaside resorts and art cities. The cheapest Italian regions, such as Puglia, will be favoured. Types of According to Istat (2009), the most popular accommodation 9

From www.fiera.ge.it/notizie/2006/notizia_064_120906.aspx From www.europcar.it

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accommodation

Activities

Specific equipment

Sensitivity to price Seasonality aspects

Adults with disabilities Constraints

Needs and expectations in terms of destination

Types of accommodation Activities

Specific equipment Sensitivity to price Seasonality aspects

facilities are generally private ones. In 2008, this was chosen for 54.3% of holidays, against 35.4% of holidays in hotels and 10.3% in collective accommodation facilities (60.7% in terms of overnight stays against 39.3% nights spent in collective accommodation facilities). With reference to the target group that books through a CRAL (not necessarily families), the preferred activities are those indicated in the section for senior citizens. Aggregate data is not available. The Observatory on Youth Tourism highlights that families no longer merely look for changing tops, cots, pools, differentiated foodstuffs, etc. but “holiday projects” and “theme entertainment services” that also manage to involve children (Iscom Group et al., 2009: 9). Precise data is not available. Families are susceptible to seasonality due to work and school restrictions. The trend, both for relaxation-fun or for economic reasons, seems to be to prefer the summer, but with departures in June or September (84.5% according to the Europcar Observatory referring to 2009).

According to the “Diversamente Agibile” association the following constraints/difficulties exist: financial difficulties 20%, lack of information 20%, accessibility 40%, distance 10%, disability 10%. Some problems concern health conditions, even when there is no disability. According to ENEA-Iter research on citizens with special needs, the biggest difficulties faced in travelling concern the availability of health facilities and personnel (10.9%), accessibility to means of transport (6%) and accessibility to services (4.9%). For the target group of “tourists with special needs” but not necessarily disabled, the following needs are important:11 - dietary (43% of tourists with special needs) - hygienic-environmental (allergies, etc.) (37%) - medical checks and treatment (29%) - motor difficulties (8%) - particular difficulties due to sensorial disorders (3%) The same research highlights the specific conditions under which potential tourists with special needs could travel: carers (61%), medical assistance (25%), removal of architectural barriers (7%), organised holidays (4%) and special board (3%) (SL&A, BETA 2008: 27). Precise data is not available. With regards to accommodation, the research mentioned highlights the need for precise checks on accessibility to the facilities and the characteristics of the same. Precise information is not available. CARE research indicated that the most popular activity was linked to the world of food and wine and catering (SL&A, BETA 2008: 27). Other than the needs already indicated in other parts of this work, precise data is not available. Precise data is not available. The choices of this target group are not linked in particular to the seasons.

From www.disabilitàincifre.it “Main results of the ENEA-Iter survey”, page 4.

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ANALYSIS OF THE TOURISM SECTOR 4.1

Market trends

Tourism has been a strategic sector for economic and social development in Italy and in the future it could be even more important. The trend in recent years shows a general overall improvement and only a relative deterioration. Italy has continued to drop in the international arrivals table: it was first in 1970, fourth in 1990 and fifth today, threatened by China. On the other hand, the trend in terms of arrivals and overnight stays is positive, despite inevitable downturns. In its last report, Istat (2009) offered the following figures: arrivals increased from 85.9 million in 2004 to 96.1 million in 2007, a percentage rise of 11.9%. For 2008, a decrease of 3.1% was estimated, still less than the drop in international tourism flows estimated by the WTO. Overnights increased from 345.6 million in 2004 to 376.6 million in 2007, a percentage increase of 9%. For 2008, a decrease of 2.8% less than the international average is estimated. All in all, even figures on the average length of stay are positive. In fact, the fall seems to have come to a standstill: Istat estimates that the average number of nights spent in Italy, which was 4.02 in 2004 and 3.92 in 2007, will settle at 3.93 in 2008. Overseas tourists come mainly from Germany, the United States and Great Britain. They mainly stay in hotel accommodation facilities and have a higher propensity to tourism spending. Italy offers all forms of tourism: seaside, mountain, art and lifestyle. Most overnights are concentrated in the seaside and cultural segments. The phenomenon of seasonality is in part natural (the seaside in summer and the mountains in winter) and in part attributable to the inattentiveness of stakeholders. Perhaps the most surprising figures concern the south of Italy where 71% of total presences are concentrated in the June-September period. In aggregate terms, in 2009 the broader tourism sector contributed 9.6% to GDP and 10.6% to employment (WTTC 2010). The future development of the Italian tourism sector is unpredictable. The WTTC estimates that in 2019 the contribution to GDP will increase to 10.2% and to employment to 11.4%. The Italian government is more optimistic: in various declarations Prime Minister Berlusconi and the Minister for Tourism, Michela Vittoria Brambilla have estimated that, in just a few years, tourism can generate around 20% of GDP. Both scenarios are possible. In the World Economic Forum (2009) table of tourism competitiveness in 133 countries, Italy holds 28th position. The table was drawn up on the basis of 14 parameters that reflect the comparative and competitive advantages of countries. The former depend on the factor endowment (historical, natural and cultural resources), whilst the latter depend on the ability of individual countries to effectively exploit their factor endowment. Italy has enormous comparative advantages (it has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites), but significant competitive disadvantages. In other words, it has a considerable output gap: it has an enormous potential that it only exploits in part. Social tourism follows a similar dynamic. In 2008, the sector generated about 1.4 million holidays, amounting to 4.2% of the total number of holidays booked in Italy. Of these, 338,000 were organised by a CRAL, 315,000 by cultural association, 190,000 by religious organisations, 140,000 by parishes, 135,000 by schools, 130,000 by sports clubs and 105,000 by the municipalities of residence. The overall turnover is estimated at 1.3 billion euro (Isnart 2009). Istat estimates that in 2030 the number of over-65s will exceed that of the number of people of a working age (the 30-59 age group). The role of senior citizens and thus the role of social tourism are destined to become predominant (see also ULB 2009).

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4.2

Supply of services

Analysis of the supply of services dedicated to social tourism requires complete information linked to the destination, the stay, accommodation facilities, the type of stay, the means used, the activities carried out, etc. The complexity of analysis and the lack of sources have made an indepth structural assessment impossible. Nevertheless, on the basis of existing studies and by analysing the questionnaires received, we have drawn up some general remarks and considerations. The table below highlights the sector and geographical composition of accommodation facilities specialising in social tourism: Number and distribution of accommodation facilities specialising in social tourism (source: ISTAT 2008) Number of facilities Number of Distribution on the national in Italy beds level Holiday Residences - RTA (people with disabilities segment) Holiday homes (people with disabilities and senior citizens segments) Religious institutes offering accommodation (people with disabilities and senior citizens segment)12

2-star hotels (senior citizens segment)

3-star hotels (senior citizens segment)

Rented accommodation (youth segment)

Campsites and holiday villages (youth segment) Youth hostels

199,252

14% Trentino Alto Adige 11% Tuscany 10% Calabria 9% Lombardy 8% Sardinia

125,850

14% Veneto 13% Lazio 11% Emilia Romagna 11% Piedmont 9% Tuscany

234,330

18% Trentino Alto Adige 17% Emilia Romagna 12% Veneto 8% Tuscany 7% Lazio

974,995

18% Emilia Romagna 12% Trentino Alto Adige 10% Veneto 9% Tuscany 7% Lombardy

602,800

34% Veneto 13% Marche 11% Friuli Venezia Giulia 11% Tuscany 7% Trentino Alto Adige

2,595

1,360,935

17% Veneto 13% Tuscany 7% Puglia 7% Lombardy 6% Emilia Romagna

427

24,979

2,562

2,129

No census

7,196

15,160

66,000

20% Veneto

Religious institutes offering accommodation are an important phenomenon in the field of social tourism and have only in part been registered and organised for tourism accommodation purposes, given that the main objective of their existence is not tourism. Hospites, the website created and managed by CNEC (National Centre of Community Accountants) and the CTG (Youth Tourism Centre), has begun to systematically collect data in order to create what to all intents and purposes will be a portal for religious accommodation facilities in Italy. Cf: Mongelli, Vassallo, (2007: 7).

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(youth segment)

15% Emilia Romagna 9% Umbria 8% Veneto 8% Marche

In the survey carried out by FITuS, some considerations regarding the opinion that sector operators give on hotels, holiday homes and other places of religious accommodation emerge. In general, what emerges is a generally positive opinion expressed by 41-51% of the sample interviewed. With regards to those who see these facilities as a weakness we should point out that, in their opinion, this is attributable not really to their role, but rather to the fact that they are not sufficiently diffused and widespread, cannot always be included in social tourism packages due to their management systems and are not always suitable for groups. Another survey carried out on Internet has made it possible to identify the main holiday offers: The main products linked to holiday offers People with disabilities segment

12% 12% 11% 11% 11% 10%

4.3

Seaside Mountains Art cities Cultural Nature Smaller towns

9% 8% 6% 5% 4% 1%

Food and wine Archaeological Religious Spa Active holiday Cruises

Senior citizens segment

11% Seaside 11% Smaller towns 10% Mountains 9% Art cities 9% Nature 9% Spa

8% 8% 8% 7% 7% 3%

Cultural Food and wine Religious Archaeological Active holidays Cruises

Supply of services from a European point of view

Insufficient elements emerge from the questionnaires and publications to establish whether the Italian tourism offer is suitable to the needs and expectations of a European public.

4.4

Sustainable tourism aspects

As we mentioned in the summary, social tourism and sustainable tourism meet on the common ground of responsibility; in other words, choices and behaviour that aim to guarantee the right to tourism of present generations, whilst at the same time protecting the similar right of future generations. To initiatives can be mentioned that, in different ways, aim to promote responsible tourism behaviour. The first is the Sustainable Holiday Charter approved by the Italian Association of Responsible Tourism (AITR), which targets all stakeholders in the sector (not only tourists). The charter suggests and prescribes responsible behaviour before, during and after a holiday. The second initiative is the setting up of a network of European universities for sustainable and competitive tourism. The network is inspired by two cardinal principles - social dialogue, intended as the willingness to talk to all public and private stakeholders involved in the tourism system and to carry out training and research activities primarily oriented towards the same stakeholders and scientific independence in choosing and defining training programmes, in the adoption of research methods, in the interpretation of data collected and of the results achieved and in lastly, in the valuation of the public policies implemented by local and European authorities. The network is coordinated by a secretariat - which includes two members of this research group (Magliulo and Varra) - and more than 20 European universities are members.

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4.5

Feasibility of social tourism

Tourism is a primary source of wealth for Italy. Historical, artistic, cultural and landscape values and resources make Italy truly unique. Despite this, the tourism sector, especially on the offer side, still has numerous organisational, managerial and cultural shortcomings that hold back the realisation of a real hospitality industry. Most tourism businesses in the strictest sense are familyrun and there is a lack of culture amongst operators in the sector aimed at favouring aggregation processes designed to consolidate Italy's image and its competitiveness. Social tourism is also part of this context. It is a growing phenomenon, but nevertheless suffers these structural and cultural shortcomings and policy choices that are not always appropriate. From the results of the FITuS survey (Mongelli, Vassallo 2007), certain considerations emerge that could help to highlight the development mechanisms needed to favour a growth in social tourism. These include: 1) consolidation and transformation of territorial tourism promotion bodies into dynamic realities that perform a promotion role for the tourism destination, addressing the offer in a targeted fashion. 2) development of policies and incentives designed to attract social tourism from other countries. 3) development of tax exemption policies for operators who target social tourism. 4) increase in training opportunities for social tourism operators. 5) maintenance of the holiday voucher scheme, useful tools for supporting social tourism. 6) exchange of best practices on a European level in order to favour the growth of not only the social tourism offer but also cultural and sport/amateur tourism. 7) introduction of a system for classifying accommodation facilities that takes into account the specific needs of social tourism. 8) improvement of the quality of the presentation and sale of social tourism offers through ICT tools. 9) introduction of incentives for lower-income families, senior citizens and disabled categories to help them acquire a right to tourism. 10) development of aggregation processes amongst tourism businesses by establishing brand policies aimed at offering expert services for social tourism. 11) incentives aimed at favouring the reorganisation of businesses specializing in social tourism. 12) development of territorial policies aimed at promoting low-cost offers for families. The natural and artificial barriers that hinder the development of social tourism in Italy cannot however be ignored. Those interviewed highlighted that the following obstacles existed: architectural barriers, poor competitiveness, absence of relevant organic provisions, poor recognition of sustainable tourism as a factor for social growth and integration, resistance of operators to working together in synergy for the good of the entire sector.

LEGISLATIVE PERSPECTIVES The first legislation addressing the question of social tourism dates back to 21 March 1958, when law 326 was approved. It concerned the control of complementary social tourism accommodation complexes (Addamiano 2009: 33). In 1972, with the transfer to regional authorities of legislative jurisdiction on tourism matters, came the first regional legislative interventions aimed at granting funds and subsidies to bodies and organisations active in the field of social tourism. In particular, Tuscany, Piedmont and Emilia Romagna were the first Italian regions to introduce forms of promotion in favour of organisations offering holidays to â&#x20AC;&#x153;disadvantagedâ&#x20AC;? people. An important legislative intervention, aimed at favouring the mobility of people with disabilities, was made with the passing of Presidential Decree no. 503 dated 24/7/96. Under Art. 1, it defined the concept of architectural barriers: 1. physical obstacles that cause difficulties linked to mobility, in particular for those who, for any reason whatsoever, have reduced ability or are either permanently or temporarily disabled; 2. obstacles that limit or impede the easy and safe

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use of parts, equipment or components; 3. lack of adaptations and signals that permit orientation and make places and possible sources of danger recognisable in particular, for the blind, the visually impaired and the deaf. Another step forward came with the social services reform (law no. 328 dated 2000), which did not merely limit itself to the prevention, reduction or elimination of the conditions of disability, need and difficulty, but also proposed the promotion of concrete opportunities for an improved quality of life, along with equal opportunities, non-discrimination and rights of citizenship, social solidarity and the promotion of voluntary initiatives (Magistrali 2008: 3). However, the main new issues in tourism, with repercussions on social tourism too, came with the reform of national tourism legislation (framework law no. 135 dated 2001), which, amongst others, introduced the following new elements: • •

•

establishment of local tourism systems to improve accessibility to territories (Art. 5) drafting of a policy to support demand through the provision of a “Revolving Fund for Tourism Loans and Savings” (Art. 10). The fund makes it possible to grant tourism loans, at favourable rates, and tourism savings for low-income families and singles. The beneficiaries are given the possibility to use the holiday packages in Italy, with the only limit being they have to be used in low season or in depressed areas, in order to favour the deseasonalisation of the phenomenon and the development of tourism in resorts with low tourist influxes. definition of a holiday vouchers scheme (Art. 10), managed on a national level by nonprofit associations, tourism business associations and banking and finance institutions (Addamiano 2009: 33 and Mongelli 2009).

With regards to this last article, it should be highlighted that, thanks to a decree dated 21 October 2008 and approved by the state-regions conference, the government finally defined the methods for using the resources referred to in Art. 10 of law 135 dated 2001, as provided for by Art. 2, paragraph 193, letter b) of law 244 dated 24 December 2007 for the allocation of “Holiday Vouchers” destined for solidarity initiatives in favour of society’s weakest families and in order to promote the deseasonalisation of tourism flows in the seaside, mountain and thermal tourism sectors. On 3 July 2009 the Department for the Development and Competitiveness of Tourism drew up a special agreement with the Italy Holiday Vouchers Association to manage the holiday vouchers scheme, with the aid of government funding. The holiday vouchers scheme was activated in January 2010. Holiday Vouchers are a form of payment and are available in two versions (equivalent to 5 and 20 euro). They can be spent immediately at any of the tourism businesses or to pay for any of the tourism services indicated in the Italy Holiday Vouchers Guidebook or online on the following website: www.buonivacanze.it. Holiday vouchers can only be used in Italy, outside of the municipality of residence, and are valid until 30 June 2010 (the expiry date is indicated on each voucher). The holder is guaranteed the possibility of choosing a holiday in hundreds of hotel accommodation facilities, catering facilities, family tourism facilities or to pay for tourism services (including travel agencies and tour operators) at the best financial terms and conditions. The right to Holiday Vouchers extends to adult Italian citizens who normally reside in Italy and belong to family units that, on the date of the request for issuing the vouchers, have net income that falls within the amounts indicated in the following table: (Art. 4 of the above-mentioned decree dated 21 October 2008): State contribution: percentages and amounts based on no. of family members and income Number Net income Maximum State contribution: Amount to be of family of the family unit value of the percentage and amount of paid by the members (2) voucher for reduction applied requesting

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(1)

from Euro

to Euro

0 10,000 15,000 0 15,000 20,000 0 20,000 25,000 0 25,000 30,000

10,000 15,000 20,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 25,000 30,000 35,000

4 or over

the purpose of calculating state contribution (3) €500.00

€785.00

€1,020.00

€1,230.00

(4) (5)

45% 30% 20% 45% 30% 20% 45% 30% 20% 45% 30% 20%

party to the bank within 10 days of booking (6) €225.00 €150.00 €100.00 €353.25 €235.50 €157.00 €459.00 €306.00 €204.00 €553.50 €369.00 €246.00

€275.00 €350.00 €400.00 €431.75 €549.50 €628.00 €561.00 €714.00 €816.00 €676.50 €861.00 €984.00

Concessions apply in the percentage of column (4) - which is different for each income band - on the value of the Holiday Vouchers that can be requested up to a maximum amount indicated in column (3). Basically, by requesting this maximum amount (3), a reduction is obtained that leads to payment into the bank of the amount in column (6).

Furthermore, the Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI) has signed a protocol of support for the Holiday Vouchers with F.I.Tu.S. This aims to provide incentives for voucher use by young people, the elderly and low-income families. In the near future, as already requested by several parties and as hoped for by the Department for Development an Competitiveness of tourism13, coordinated action is expected between the social subjects involved in collective bargaining, workers and businesses, along with the government, to transform holiday vouchers into a contracting tool that provides for the decontribution and defiscalisation of incentives, with the aim of achieving similar results to those achieved on a European level where tourism savings of workers, along with a corporate contribution exempt of taxes and contributions, has seen an exponential growth in the use of holiday vouchers. In general, Italian legislation provides for the right of everyone to a holiday and at the same time, defines specific rules to protect the rights of those in disadvantaged categories. Nevertheless, according to sector operators, there is a need for organic law regarding social tourism and quality control of the accessibility to facilities for disabled people.

6. DEVELOPMENT OF PRODUCTS FOR SOCIAL TOURISM Those interviewed indicated the following as the main obstacles to the development of social tourism in Italy: • 30% indicated difficulties linked to accessibility • 25% indicated a total lack/scarcity of appropriate information • 20% indicated financial difficulties • 20% indicated problems linked to disability • 5% indicated other factors Furthermore, some critical areas were identified that hold back the development of social tourism in our country. In particular, these were: • lack of specific legislation on social tourism. • poor accessibility to means of transport, especially in certain parts of the country. • lack of controls of the accommodation facilities and services declared accessible. 13

Biagio Costa, responsible for the management of Holiday vouchers.

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• • • •

•

presence of architectural barriers in tourist destinations. high cost of the tourism offer. limits to the training of operators and the information they are given. limited accessibility to certain sectors, either directly or indirectly linked to tourism, such as commercial business activities, cultural activities and museums and happenings and events. lack/limited culture of hospitality, especially with regards to the disabled.

According to Social Tourism Organisations (STO), the main elements capable of improving the quality and quantity of the supply of services targeting the social tourism market could be: • increase in the quality standards of the services offered and improvement of accessibility. • awareness raising amongst tourism businesses of the potential of social tourism and the needs of its beneficiaries. • differentiation of the services and holidays offered. • growth in the professionalism of operators in the sector through permanent training initiatives. Those interviewed believe that in the next few years: • interest and investment in the social tourism market will grow in consideration of its contribution to the deseasonalisation of tourism demand. • there will be an improvement in the quality of the services offered and the professionalism of sector operators. • there will be an increase in outgoing organised holidays. A recent SWOT analysis highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of social tourism in Italy. The strengths lie in the widespread local presence of association branches and in the culture at the base of social tourism organisations, which is linked to voluntary work, a tendency to form associations and shared participation, whilst the weaknesses are linked to the professional expertise of operators, the presence of numerous initiatives that are poorly integrated with each other and the excessive difference between theory and practical realizations (Associazione Mecenate, 2004: 18). Today, we could add to that analysis that, if suitably removed, the lack of sustainability and responsibility that, for a long time, has represented a “threat” to social tourism too can become a new and strong “opportunity” for its development. If we wish to provide some operational indications, we firstly need to underline how the impossibility of precisely mapping existing supply makes it difficult to predict the development of products for the target groups studied. Indeed, the still fragmentary and in a certain sense incomplete know-how does not even make it possible to measure the gap between demand and supply. Drawing on our long-standing experience as experts of the Italian tourism phenomenon and the information available, even if indirectly, from the various sources studied, we believe there is ample space for innovation of supply, subject to an effective in-depth study of the target clients (an incentive mechanism for the development of measuring systems would help). In particular, we feel that there are numerous possibilities linked to improving supply in the segments targeting “senior citizens” and “young people who travel with their family”, whilst in recent years the specific offer for the disabled and young people has been much more targeted. With regards to deseasonanlisation, medium-high level tourism facilities that suffer from a drop in demand in low season, could target senior citizens as they can travel at any time of year and organise ad hoc proposals such as sports and educational activities (board game tournaments, ballroom dancing courses/tournaments, fishing competitions, etc.), activities aimed at developing interests and hobbies (gardening, decoupage, painting, sculpture, cookery, etc.) or courses of personal use or of use to others (self defence, first aid, etc.). It would therefore be a question of broadening the motivations to travel, from merely a “holiday” to a “pleasant activity”. It would not be difficult to find the know-how necessary by addressing the network of associations and therefore, the senior citizens themselves.

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The opening of facilities that exclusively address this target group could represent another element of differentiation of supply, with proposals perhaps grouped together under a “senior oriented” brand. With regards to transport, it would help to consolidate the special rates offered by national carriers (such as Trenitalia and Alitalia), focusing in particular on “groups of senior citizens”. Families that travel, not only with small children, but also with twenty-year-olds or, if you prefer, young people (even in couples or with friends) who travel with their family, are a target group that is growing rapidly, thanks also to the closing of the cultural and social gap between generations due to processes linked to the “break up” and “reforming” of the traditional family unit. The variety of proposals offered by tourism facilities, specially designed for this target group and communicated through appropriate means and messages, could represent a new way of taking holidays and at the same time, rediscovering old ways. In this sense, a holiday village is often a suitable response that reconciles the various needs for “aggregation” and “independence” of members of the same family. Finally, social tourism undisputedly needs managerial expertise that is compatible with the mainly non-profit nature of the organisations and functional to the objective of the creation of maximum social value.

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WEB PORTALS Organisation

Site/Portal

Sectors of interest

Services offered

Tourism product

Destination area

Internet website

Destination description Centro Turistico ACLI www.ctaonline.it

Associazione Italiana Cultura e Sport – AICS www.aics.info

Comune di Verona Turismo sociale www.comune.verona.it

Federcultura Turismo Sport-Confcooperative www.federcultura.confcooper ative.it

Association/ Body/Private company site

Senior citizens Disabled Families

Families Senior citizens Young people

- Holiday offers - Tourist packages - Network of agencies/offices/clubs on the national territory - Direct management of accommodation facilities - Organisation of tours/excursions/guided visits - Supports the “Italy Holiday Vouchers” scheme Holiday offers Tourist packages Direct management of accommodation facilities Concessions/discounts on tourism services and at accommodation facilities - Supports the “Italy Holiday Vouchers” scheme -

Senior citizens Young people Families

- Holiday offers - Tourist packages - Organisation of holidays and travel for residents

Sport

- Participation in trade fairs/exhibitions/events - Network of agencies/offices/clubs on the national territory - Direct organisation or in co-partnership of conferences/events - Supports the “Italy Holiday Vouchers” scheme

Art cities - Smaller towns - Mountains Nature Archaeological Cultural - Food and wine - Spa - Active holidays - Seaside Religious Art cities - Smaller towns - Mountains Nature Archaeological Cultural - Food and wine - Spa - Active holidays -Seaside Religious Religious - Cultural Art cities - Smaller towns - Seaside Mountains

National and international

Site in other foreign language

A platfor m indicati ng the availabi lity of stocks Yes

Detailed description

National and international

Yes

Detailed description

National and international

Partial description No

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50&Piu Turismo www.50epiuturismo.it

Sardiniaforall www.sardiniaforall.it

Turismabile (initiative realised by the CPD-Consulta per le Persone in Difficoltà Onlus)) www.turismabile.it

Fondazione Carige www.fondazionecarige.it

Italia.gov.it www.italia.gov.it

Associazione Italiana Alberghi per la Gioventù – AIG www.aighostels.com

Associazione Carta Giovani –ACG www.cartagiovani.it

Association/ Body/Private company site

Portal on accessible tourism

Senior citizens Associative tourism

- Holiday offers - Flight booking - Concessions/discounts at accommodation facilities - Online booking of accommodation facilities

- Cruises - Seaside

Disabled Senior citizens

- Holiday offers - Concessions/discounts at accommodation facilities - Information/research on accommodation facilities, tourism services and travel for the disabled - Holiday offers - Tourist packages - Information/research on accommodation facilities, tourism services and travel for the disabled

- Seaside - Nature Smaller towns

Disabled Senior citizens

National and international

Yes

Partial description Regional

English

Yes

English

Yes

Partial description - Art cities - Smaller towns - Mountains Nature Archaeological Cultural - Food and wine - Spa - Religious - Active holidays

Regional and national

Detailed description

Association/ Body/Private company site

Senior citizens Young people Families

Portal for services for citizens

Disabled Families Young people Senior citizens Young people

Association/ Body/Private company site

Young people

Holiday offers Tourist packages Online booking of accommodation facilities Concessions/discounts at accommodation facilities and on tourism services - Insurance cover for members - Online information material available

- Art cities - Smaller towns - Mountains Nature - Cultural Active holidays Seaside

National and international

- Holiday offers - Concessions at travel agencies/tour operators - Promotions/last minute offers for social tourism holidays - Discounts at museums - Management of mailing lists/newsletters - Supports the “Italy Holiday Vouchers” scheme

Art cities - Smaller towns - Mountains Nature - Cultural Archaeological Active holidays Seaside

National

English

Yes

Detailed description

Yes

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Centro Turistico Studentesco e Giovanile – CTS www.cts.it

Centro Turistico Giovani – CTG www.ctg.it

Tour Operator AVEC www.avec-education.com

Association/ Body/Private company site

Young people

- Holiday offers - Tourist packages - Online booking of accommodation facilities and tourism services - Flight booking - Management of mailing lists/newsletters - Discounts for museums - Organisation of study holidays, work placements, youth exchanges - Concessions/discounts on tourism services - Supports the “Italy Holiday Vouchers” scheme - Promotions/last minute offers for social tourism holidays - Assistance, guidance, training of social tourism operators - Network of agencies, offices, clubs on the national territory - Online information material available - Publishing of promotional and information material - Holiday offers - Tourist packages - Supports the “Italy Holiday Vouchers” scheme - Management of mailing lists/newsletters - Online information material available - Assistance/guidance/training of social tourism operators - Concessions/discounts on tourism services and at accommodation facilities - Discounts at museums - Presence of affiliated accommodation facilities on the national territory - Network of agencies/offices/clubs on the national territory - Holiday offers - Tourist packages - Organisation of study holidays/work placements/youth exchanges - Assistance/guidance/training of social tourism operators - Management of mailing lists/newsletters - Online information material available

Smaller towns Mountains - Nature Archaeological Cultural - Active holidays - Study Seaside

National and international

Smaller towns Mountains - Nature Archaeological Cultural - Active holidays - Religious Food and wine Seaside

National and international

- Study

Yes

Detailed description

Yes

No description

International

Detailed description

Yes

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Associazione Diritti Anziani – ADA www.adanazionale.it

Associazione Nazionale Anziani e Pensionati –ANAP www.anap.it

Association/ Body/Private company site

Senior citizens

Federazione Italiana Pensionati Attività Commerciali – FIPAC www.fipac.it

Association/ Body/Private company site

Senior citizens

AUSER Anziani www.auser.it

Association/ Body/Private company site

Senior citizens

- Holiday offers - Network of agencies/offices/clubs on the national territory - Concessions at travel agencies/tour operators/ thermal spas/wellness centres - Concessions/discounts at accommodation facilities and on tourism services - Management of mailing lists/newsletters - Supports the “Italy Holiday Vouchers” scheme - Online booking of accommodation facilities - Holiday offers - Tourist packages - Network of agencies/offices/clubs on the national territory - Concessions/discounts at accommodation facilities

- Holiday offers - Tourist packages - Network of agencies/offices/clubs on the national territory - Concessions at thermal spas/wellness centres - Holiday offers - Tourist packages - Concessions/discounts at accommodation facilities

- Art cities - Smaller towns - Mountains Nature Archaeological Cultural - Food and wine - Spa Religious - Seaside Active holidays

- Art cities - Smaller towns - Mountains Nature Archaeological Cultural - Food and wine - Spa Religious - Seaside Active holidays - Seaside - Spa

National and international

Yes

No description

National and international

Yes

No description

National

Yes

Detailed description

- Art cities - Minor centres - Mountains Nature Archaeological Cultural - Food and wine - Spa Religious - Seaside Cruises

National and international

Yes

No description

ANCeSCAO www.ancescao.it

Association/ Body/Private company site

Senior citizens

ANTEA - Associazione Nazionale Terza Età www.anteasnazionale.it

Association/ Body/Private company site

Senior citizens

- Network of agencies/offices/clubs on the national territory

ITALY

Associazione Volontariato Anziani www.avavarese.it

Association/ Body/Private company site

Senior citizens

- Holiday offers - Tourist packages - Concessions at travel agencies/tour operators

Seaside - Mountains - Nature - Art cities Smaller towns

National and international

Yes

No description Comitato Anziani Crocetta www.comitatoanzianicrocetta.o rg Montanari Tour www.montanaritour.it

Association/ Body/Private company site

Senior citizens

- Concessions at travel agencies/tour operators

Association/ Body/Private company site

Senior citizens

- Holiday offers - Online information material available - Organisation of tours/excursions/guided visits

- Seaside - Smaller towns - Art cities Cultural - Active holidays - Mountains - Food and wine

National

Yes

Detailed description

Associazione SiPuò – Laboratorio Nazionale Turismo Accessibile www.laboratoriosipuo.net

Association/ Body/Private company site

Disabled

- Assistance/guidance/training of social tourism operators

Atlha Onlus www.atlhaonlus.eu

Association/ Body/Private company site

Disabled

- Organisation of study holidays/work placements/youth exchanges

Consorzio Sociale – COIN www.coinsociale.it

Association/ Body/Private company site

Disabled

mondo possibile www.mondopossibile.com

Portal on accessible tourism

Disabled

- Holiday offers - Information/research on accommodation facilities, tourism services and travel for the disabled

- Art cities - Smaller towns - Mountains Nature Archaeological Cultural - Food and wine - Spa - Seaside - Religious

Village for all www.villageforall.net

Portal on accessible tourism

Disabled

- Holiday offers - Assistance/guidance/training of social tourism operators - Concessions/discounts for tourism services and at accommodation facilities - Management of mailing lists/newsletters

- Nature - Seaside Mountains

National and international

Yes

No destination description National Partial destination description

Yes English German Dutch Spanish

ITALY

Associazione Strabordo www.strabordo.org

Portal on accessible tourism

Disabled

Cooperativa sociale Independent L. www.independent.it

Portal on accessible tourism

Disabled

Vento sociale www.ventosociale.it

Portal on accessible tourism

Handyturismo www.handyturismo.it AssoInViaggio www.assoinviaggio.it

Terre di mare www.terredimare.it

Una montagna per tutti www.unamontagnapertutti.eu

Turismo accessibile in Friuli Venezia Giulia www.turismoaccessibilefvg.it

Holiday offers Tourist packages Information/research on travel for the disabled Online booking via a pre-registration form

- Art cities - Smaller towns - Nature Archaeological Cultural - Religious Seaside - Mountains

- Holiday offers - Information/research on tourism services and accommodation facilities for the disabled - Management of mailing lists/newsletters

- Mountains

Disabled

- Supports the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Italy Holiday Vouchersâ&#x20AC;? scheme

Portal on accessible tourism

Disabled

- Information/research on tourism services and accommodation facilities for the disabled

Portal on accessible tourism

Disabled

- Holiday offers - Information/research on tourism services and accommodation facilities for the disabled - Call centre management - Management of mailing lists/newsletters

Art cities - Smaller towns - Nature Cultural - Food and wine - Seaside

Portal on accessible tourism

Disabled

- Holiday offers - Information/research on tourism services and accommodation facilities for the disabled - Management of mailing lists/newsletters

Cultural - Art cities - Smaller towns Seaside

Portal on accessible tourism

Disabled

- Holiday offers - Publishing of promotional and information material - Online information material available - Assistance/guidance/training of social tourism operators - Information/research on tourism services and accommodation facilities for the disabled - Information/research on accommodation facilities for the disabled

- Mountains - Food and wine

Portal on accessible tourism

Disabled

Yes

National and international Detailed destination description Regional

Yes

No destination description

English

National

Yes

Detailed destination description Regional Detailed destination description International

English French German

Yes

French

Yes

Detailed destination description

Yes

ITALY

Turismo senza barriere www.turismosenzabarriere.it

Portal on accessible tourism

Disabled

- Holiday offers - Tourist packages - Information/research on accommodation facilities for the disabled - Assistance/guidance/training of social tourism operators - Organisation of tours/excursions/guided visits - Promotions/last minute offers for social tourism travel - Information/research on tourism services and accommodation facilities for the disabled - Assistance/guidance/training of social tourism operators

- Smaller towns Mountains - Nature Archaeological Cultural - Food and wine - Spa - Religious - Cruises - Seaside Active holidays

National

Yes

Detailed destination description

Turismo per tutti www.turismopertutti.it

Portal on accessible tourism

Disabled

English French Spanish German Esperanto

Yes

5 Sensi Cooperativa www.5sensi.info

Association/ Body/Private company site

Disabled

- Information/research on tourism services for the disabled - Assistance/guidance/training of social tourism operators - Organisation of tours/excursions/guided visits

German English

Yes

Accaparlante Coop. Sociale www.accaparlante.it

Association/ Body/Private company site

Disabled

- Information/research on tourism services for the disabled - Assistance/guidance/training of social tourism operators

Yes

Associazione Italiana Assistenza Spastici www.aiasnazionale.it

Association/ Body/Private company site

Disabled

- Network of agencies/offices/clubs on the national territory

C.E.R.P.A. Italia Onlus www.cerpa.org

Association/ Body/Private company site

Disabled

Centro per l'Autonomia Umbro www.cpaonline.it

Association/ Body/Private company site

Disabled

Disabled.com www.Disabled.com

Portal on services for the disabled

Disabled

English

- Information/research on tourism services and accommodation facilities for the disabled -

Yes

ITALY

Diversamente agibile www.diversamenteagibile.it

Disabled

- Information/research on tourism services and accommodation facilities for the disabled - Blog on accessible tourism

Yes

Disabled

Association/ Body/Private company site

Disabled

Associazione Handimpresa www.handimpresa.it

Association/ Body/Private company site

Disabled

Cooperativa Sociale La Cruna www.lacruna.com

Association/ Body/Private company site

Disabled

- Information/research on tourism services and accommodation facilities for the disabled - Online information material available - Organisation of tours/excursions/guided visits

Yes

Superabile Inail www.superabile.it

Portal on services for the disabled

Disabled

Educazione e Scuola www.edscuola.it Fiaba www.fiaba.org

Portal on accessible tourism

Holiday offers Tourist packages Call centre management Information/research on tourism services, accommodation facilities and travel for the disabled - Management of mailing lists/newsletters

Turismo Accessibile www.turismoaccessibile.it

Portal on accessible tourism

Disabled

- Information/research on tourism services and accommodation facilities for the disabled

Viaggi accessibili www.viaggiaccessibili.it

Portal on accessible tourism

Disabled

- Holiday offers - Tourist packages - Information/research on tourism services and accommodation facilities for the disabled

Seaside Art cities Nature Archaeological Cultural Mountains

Art cities - Smaller towns - Mountains Food and wine Cultural - Nature Seaside

National and international

Yes

Detailed destination description

National and international Detailed destination description

English French

Yes

English

Yes

ITALY

Federazione Italiana Tempo Libero – FITEL www.fitel.it Happy Age www.happyage.it

Association/ Body/Private company site

Social tourism

- Supports the “Italy Holiday Vouchers” scheme

Association/ Body/Private company site

Social tourism

- Assistance/guidance/training of social tourism operators

Social tourism

- Supports the “Italy Holiday Vouchers” scheme - Network of agencies/offices/clubs on the national territory

Association/ Body/Private company site

Social tourism

Association/ Body/Private company site

Associative social tourism

- Supports the “Italy Holiday Vouchers” scheme - Realization of studies and research on social tourism - Direct organisation or in co-partnership of conferences/events - Network of agencies/offices/clubs on the national territory - Assistance/guidance/training of social tourism operators - Holiday offers - Tourist packages - Network of agencies/offices/clubs on the national territory - Concessions/discounts at accommodation facilities - Concessions at thermal spas/wellness centres and with travel agencies/tour operators

Legacoop Turismo www.legacoopturismo.it Federazione Italiana di Turismo Sociale – FITUS www.fitus.it

CRAL – Assocral www.assocral.org

ETSI, Ente Turistico Sociale Italiano, this is the body that provides free time services for the CISL trade union www.etsicisl.it

Association/ Body/Private company site

ACSI Associazione Centri Sportivi Italiani http://www.acsi.it

Association/ Body/Private company site

Associative social tourism

Young people Families Disabled Senior citizens

Holiday offers Tourist packages Insurance cover for members Supports the “Italy Holiday Vouchers” scheme

- Social promotion in the culture, sport and free time sectors - Network of agencies/offices/clubs on the national territory - Direct organisation or in co-partnership of conferences/events

- Art cities - Smaller towns - Mountains Nature Archaeological Cultural - Food and wine - Spa Religious - Cruises Seaside - Active holidays - Seaside - Spa Nature - Smaller towns – Mountains

National and international

Yes

Partial destination description

National and international

Yes

Partial destination description No

ITALY

ANCST Associazione Nazionale Cooperative Servizi Turismo http://www.ancst.it

Association/ Body/Private company site

Young people Families Disabled Senior citizens

- Network of agencies/offices/clubs on the national territory - A member of LegaCoop

CITS Centro Italiano Turismo Sociale http://www.citsnet.it

Association/ Body/Private company site

Young people Families Disabled Senior citizens

TCI Touring Club Italiano http://www.touringclub.it

Association/ Body/Private company site

Young people Families Disabled Senior citizens

UNPLI Unione Nazionale Pro Loco d'Italia http://www.unioneproloco.it

Tourism portal

Nr - website under construction

Holiday offers Online information material available Management of mailing lists/newsletters Publishing of promotional and information material Direct organisation or in co-partnership of conferences/events Assistance/guidance/training of social tourism operators Concessions/discounts at accommodation facilities Holiday offers Online booking of accommodation facilities and tourism services Tourist packages Online information material available Management of mailing lists/newsletters Publishing of promotional and information material Direct organisation or in co-partnership of conferences/events

- Network of agencies/offices/clubs on the national territory - Direct or co-partnership organisation of conferences/events - Nr - website under construction

Art cities - Religious Smaller towns Cultural

National

Archaeological Seaside - Smaller towns - Art cities Cruises - Cultural Food and wine Mountains - Nature Religious - Spa Active holidays

National International

Nr - website under construction

English

Yes

ITALY

ANNEXES LIST OF INTERVIEWEES Name of the interviewee Ferdinando Orlando Paola Fagioli

Position

Responsabile Gestione

Legambiente Turismo

Ulivieri Maximiliano

Presidente

Roberto Vitali

Presidente

Giorgia Previdoli

referente progetti, formazione e studi Presidente

Associazione “Diversamente Agibile” ASD (Associazione Sportiva Dilettantistica) – APS (Associazione di Promozione Sociale) Village for all Cooperativa Sociale La Cruna

Valeria Poeta

Organisation ATLHA ONLUS

Associazione Strabordo

Gasco Claudio

Resp.Naz.Turismo Sociale

AUSER

Fattorelli Marco

responsabile tecnicoorganizzativo del centro di responsabilità Turismo Sociale Presidente European Project Office

Turismo Sociale del Comune di Verona

Massimo Micotti Silvia Tecchio

Serena Saltari e Mariantonietta Castorino

Operatrici della struttura

MondoPOssibile Consulta per le Persone in Difficoltà Onlus ANTEAS SERVIZI

Type of organisation ONLUS

Interview date

Associazione di Volontariato iscritta all’albo regionale del volontariato; ONLUS di diritto Associazione NOPROFIT

16/02/2010

Ente non commerciale; Associazione non riconosciuta

16/02/2010

cooperativa sociale arl ONLUS

22/02/2010

associazione onlus di volontariato Associazioni volontariato e promozione sociale ente pubblico

22/02/2010

Associazione di volontariato di secondo livello Associazione senza scopo di lucro

24/02/2010

23/02/2010 28/02/2010

02/03/2010

ITALY

Aurelio Crudeli

Direttore

FEDERTERME

Annagrazia Laura

responsabile per le relazioni internazionali e la progettazione europea responsabile progetti europei Area Progetti

Consorzio Sociale COIN Società cooperativa

Massimo Ronchetti Alessandro Tomasino

50&Più Fenacom Associazione Italiana Alberghi per la Gioventù FITUS Federazione Italiana Turismo Sociale AVEC S.r.l.

Benito Perli

Presidente

Cosimo Mastrorocco Massimo Monti

Amministratore presidente

HAPPY AGE TOUR OPERATOR

Roberta Vitaioli

Dipartimento Agricoltura, Protezione Civile e Turismo Settore Politiche Turistiche membro di direzione nazionale e responsabile nazionale per il turismo

Regione Liguria

Dina Demofonti

ACSI associazione di cultura, sport, turismo e tempo libero

Associazione sindacale imprenditoriale Cooperativa

08/03/2010

Associazione non riconosciuta Ente Morale

08/03/2010

Associazione senza scopo di lucro

09/03/2010

Società Tour Operator Società a Responsabilità Limitata Ente pubblico

09/03/2010

associazione

11/03/2010

08/03/2010

09/03/2010

ITALY

LIST OF DOCUMENTS

References Addamiano (2009), Proposte della Regione Emilia Romana per anziani e diversamente abili, Tesi di Laurea della Facoltà di Sociologia dell’Università di Milano Bicocca, anno accademico 2008/2009, Milano. Associazione Mecenate 90 (2004), Il Turismo Sociale in Italia, Foggia 29 marzo. BITS (2010), What is Social Tourism?, http://www.bits-int.org/fr/ Centro Studi Touring Club (2008), Turismo scolastico, Rivista del turismo, n. 3. Cnel (2004), Nuovi paradigmi e nuovi tracciati di sviluppo, Roma. EU (2007), Action for More Sustainable European Tourism, Report of the Tourism Sustainability Group, February European Economic and Social Committee (2006), Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Social tourism in Europe, Official Journal of the European Union, 23.12.2006, C 318/67. Ingellis et al. (s.d.) Verso una definizione di turismo sociale, www.turismosociale.com Isnart (2009), Il turismo sociale e associato in Italia, Primo Rapporto – Anno 2008, Roma. Istat (2007), Annuario statistico italiano 2006, Roma Istat (2008), Annuario statistico italiano 2007, Roma Istat (2009a), Annuario statistico italiano 2008, Roma Istat (2009b), Condizioni di vita e distribuzione del reddito in Italia, Roma. Istat (2010), Viaggi in Italia e all’estero, Roma. Magistrali G. (2008) (a cura di), Turismo sociale, Maggioli Editore, Santarcangelo di Romana (RN). Magliulo A. (2007), Elementi di economia del turismo, Firenze University Press, Firenze. Mongelli T.L. (2009), Gli strumenti del turismo sociale: i buoni vacanze, le case per ferie e gli ostelli della gioventù, in E. Becheri (a cura di), Rapporto sul turismo italiano, Franco Angeli, Milano, XVI edizione. Mongelli T.L., Vassallo G. (2007), Il turismo sociale in Italia, FITUS e Ministero del Lavoro e delle Politiche Sociali, Roma. OTG-Iscom Group et al. (2009), Al via l’Osservatorio sul Turismo Giovanile. Studio preliminare e progettazione , Modena. Regione Campania (2008), Rapporto sul turismo sociale, Febbraio, Napoli. Regione Toscana (2007), NET.TUR. Manuale per gli operatori del turismo accessibile, Rifkin J. (2000), L’era dell’accesso, Mondadori, Milano. SL&A, BETA (2008), Turismo accessibile in Italia. La domanda e l’offerta,Cecina. Tonini N. (2007), Viaggio attorno al turismo sociale, sostenibile e solidale, Franco Angeli, Milano. Touring, Doxa and BTS (2005), I giovani viaggiatori, Genova. ULB (2009), L’emploi dans le secteur européen du tourisme social, Février, www.bits-int.org

ITALY

Varra L. (2005) Elementi di progettazione, processi e modelli organizzativi nelle imprese turistiche, Franco Angeli, Milano. World Economic Forum (2009), The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2009, www.weforum.org WTTC (2010), Travel & Tourism Economic Impact, Italy 2009, www.wttc.org

Sitografia www.ctaonline.it www.aics.info www.comune.verona.it www.federcultura.confcooperative.it www.50epiuturismo.it www.sardiniaforall.it www.turismabile.it www.fondazionecarige.it www.italia.gov.it www.aighostels.com www.cartagiovani.it www.cts.it www.ctg.it www.avec-education.com www.adanazionale.it www.anap.it www.fipac.it www.auser.it www.ancescao.it www.anteasnazionale.it www.avavarese.it www.comitatoanzianicrocetta.org www.disabilitaincifre.it www.fiera.ge.it www.montanaritour.it www.laboratoriosipuo.net www.atlhaonlus.eu www.coinsociale.it www.mondopossibile.com www.villageforall.net www.strabordo.org www.independent.it www.ventosociale.it www.handyturismo.it www.assoinviaggio.it www.terredimare.it www.unamontagnapertutti.eu www.turismoaccessibilefvg.it www.turismosenzabarriere.it www.turismopertutti.it www.5sensi.info www.accaparlante.it www.aiasnazionale.it www.cerpa.org www.cpaonline.it www.disabili.com www.diversamenteagibile.it www.edscuola.it www.fiaba.org www.handimpresa.it www.lacruna.com www.superabile.it

www.turismoaccessibile.it www.viaggiaccessibili.it www.fitel.it www.happyage.it www.legacoopturismo.it www.fitus.it www.assocral.org www.etsicisl.it http://www.acsi.it http://www.ancst.it http://www.citsnet.it http://www.touringclub.it http://www.unioneproloco.it

1-1

GOOD PRACTICE DESCRIPTIONS Realisation of the first social tourism portal Name of the expert conducting research Country Respondents/informants Target group involved: Description of exchange:

Handling of target group needs:

Description of support mechanisms Description of funding mechanisms: Lessons learned

Massimo Briani. Italy. Happy Age Tour Operator - Contact: Massimiliano Monti, President. Senior citizens, young people, families and the disabled who need quality services. The project portal comes from a need to satisfy the growing request for quality information and services for social tourism. Given that it is a portal, accessibility will be guaranteed to everyone; this tool will also have the function of a social network for the exchange of experiences on a tourism level. Primary objectives: promoting tourism initiatives and packages that offer good value for money, providing correct, uniform and detailed information on the tourism offer at all levels and guaranteeing accessibility to the tourism offer. Sector operators, institutions, public bodies, associations, universities and private stakeholders. Being defined, A self-financed project, realised in possibly institutional. partnership with a famous IT engineering multinational company. A ten-year experience in social tourism and a solid network of institutional relationships with public bodies created over the years has permitted Happy Age to gain expertise and the necessary foundations to realise this project. In this respect, the project is the ideal tool for realising the objectives of the Calypso project, with particular reference to the diffusion of a culture of accessibility and the realisation of an integrated system of exchange of good information and best practices.

T.A.R.V: RFID-assisted tourism for the blind and visually impaired Name of the expert conducting research Country Respondents/informants Target group involved: Description of exchange: Handling of target group needs:

Description of support

Massimo Briani Sardinia Region, Municipality of Oristano Francesco Ibba, chief designer. Disabled. Not available. Design and realisation of a multimedia solution for the blind or visually impaired capable of guiding visitors inside a tourism site, effectively rendering the visitor completely independent, regardless of the presence or otherwise of guides or carers. On the one hand, these audio-guides for the blind or visually impaired help visitors to orientate inside the space and, on the other, they provide information on the architecture, history and artworks. Basically, an invisible electronic itinerary has been designed using RFID technology and with interaction between TAG and PDA, to guide blind or visually impaired visitors inside the cultural site. Not described.

1-2

mechanisms Description of funding mechanisms:

Lessons learned

Proposed by Faticoni Spa in 2007, the project was European. funded by the ICT technology district and thanks to regional POR funding for technological research and development 2000–2006 called “Technological research and development project in businesses and on the territory”. In the Romanesque Basilica of Santa Giusta, in the Province of Oristano, RFID TAG have been positioned in order to guide blind or visually impaired visitors, providing them with architectural, historical and cultural information, as well as indications on how to reach the next point. This technology makes it possible for blind or visually impaired visitors to move around inside any cultural itinerary independently.

Good Practice: the model of the thermal spas of Tabiano and Castrocaro Name of the expert conducting research Country Respondents/informants

Massimo Briani Italia Federterme

Target group involved:

Disabled.

Description of exchange:

National and regional tourism; the number of participants is not specified; about 12 days. Period: spring/summer. The benchmark model aims to satisfy the needs of individuals, family groups and the disabled. The idea, originally elaborated by the Region of Emilia Romagna, led to an accessible tourism project aimed at organising, promoting and marketing a tourism product that targets everyone, with particular focus on the needs of disabled people. The project provided for the following adaptations: Tabiano Thermal Spa: the reference hotel (the Hotel Sporting) offers spacious rooms for the disabled in which the en-suite does not have steps leading into it and has a pavement shower and WC with grab rails. Accessibility: gradient of front entrance slope does not exceed 10%. Disabled badge owners can park near the secondary entrance. Moving around inside is easy and barrier-free. Facilities: the rehabilitation pool is fitted with a hoist for the disabled. The massage and mud bath cabins are not fitted with hoists, but the personnel have been trained to assist in transferring guests. The building has fully-equipped disabled toilets. The spa has two wheelchairs for guests to use and there are also zones reserved for treating children, with indoor games areas that are free from architectural barriers. Castrocaro Thermal Spa: the hotel has rooms for the disabled. Facilities: three mud bath cubicles designed to meet the needs of the disabled, tubs have easy access and are fitted with grab rails. The massage and mud bath cabins also have hoists and the personnel have been trained to assist in transferring guests. Relaxation area: access to the grotto/sauna is possible using the facility’s own wheelchair. The spa also has fully-equipped disabled toilets.

Handling of target group needs:

Description of support mechanisms Description of funding mechanisms: Lessons learned

No funding. A comparative study of the choices made by the two companies examined shows that factors such as the ease of access and/or specific assistance dedicated to this type of patient, provided above all in the “treatment” sector, certainly represents an extremely

1-3

useful benchmark model and one to “imitate”.

Protus: project for social tourism Name of the expert conducting research Country Respondents/informants

Target group involved: Description of exchange: Handling of target group needs: Description of support mechanisms

Description of funding mechanisms: Lessons learned

Massimo Briani Italy. CTS - National Presidency. The good practice was taken from the website: www.turismosociale.cts.it. Senior citizens, young people, disabled and families. Not available. The project, implemented in 2006 by CTS and the Carta Giovani Association, with the collaboration of the Regions of Lombardy, Lazio and Calabria, trade unions, associations and social and community centres, aims to favour dialogue between demand and supply in the field of social tourism. In particular, the project targets promoting social tourism as a “Practice of Travelling”, with particular focus on the interests and needs of demand on the one hand, and the peculiarities of the accommodation offer in the three regions on the other. The objective is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the accommodation offer, based on the real needs of social tourism sectors. The project also provides for initiatives aimed at educating and training personnel operating in the sector, at the same time creating an organisation to coordinate and bring together all the subjects involved in social tourism, whether public or private. State subsidies, Ministry of Labour and Welfare Policies. On the basis of the information collected, social tourism integrates principles of sustainability as it is founded on the access to holidays for broad segments of people, both in economic terms (associative tourism manages to offers rates that are within the reach of those with low income and therefore, is based on economic accessibility) and in social terms (it is often associated to tourism that is physically accessible to everyone and aims to satisfy the people who express specific needs and that represent, in various ways, the weaker segments of the population). Furthermore, it emerged that training can represent an important vehicle for improving information and the diffusion of know-how on social tourism, both in the accommodation sector and in the associative fabric.

1-4

Good practice: ASK-IT (Ambient Intelligence System of Agents for Knowledge based and Integrated Services for Mobility Impaired Users) Name of the expert conducting research Country Respondents/informants

Target group involved:

Description of exchange: Handling of target group needs:

Description of support mechanisms

Description of funding mechanisms: Lessons learned

Massimo Briani Italy-Genoa. Councillor for Tourism - Province of Genoa: Anna Maria Dagnino. The good practice was taken from the website: www.ask-it.org The disabled and people with limited mobility, which refers to any limit that prevents the freedom of movement: people with damaged limbs, the blind or visually imparted, people with mental disabilities, etc. Not available. This project aims to create a series of information services for people with disabilities travelling around Europe for leisure or business. The basic idea is to develop services based on information and communication technologies (ICT) that allow people with problems linked to limited mobility to move around independently and to access information regarding transport and mobility, as well as recreational activities. La Cruna is the official partner for the Genoa site, Mizar Mediaservice (routing, localization and navigation services), the University of Newcastle - Transport Operations Research Group (RFID services as an alternative to GPS in the old town) and BMT multi-disciplinary engineering, science and technology consultancy. State funds and partial funding by the European Commission, as part of the 6th Framework Programme, chapter on e-Inclusion. The project aims to create digital maps that indicate the best routes for the disabled to follow in various European cities. The project was tested in Genoa in three different contexts (‘Visit to the Aquarium’ ‘Visit to an exhibition at the Galata Museum’ and ‘Participation in a Social Event’) and overall, it seems to work well.

Italia per tutti (Italy for all) Name of the expert conducting research Country Respondents/informants Target group involved: Description of exchange: Handling of target group needs:

Description of support mechanisms

Massimo Briani Italy. Ministry of Economic Development, Head of the Secretariat: Giuseppe Guerrera. Mainly the disabled, but it also addresses the needs of senior citizens and people with problems linked to allergies. Not available. Aims to respond to the need to enjoy holidays and free time without obstacles or difficulties, focusing on the need for improved accessibility to services connected with holidays. In particular, it works with the intention of improving accommodation facility services, guaranteeing accessibility to accommodation facilities, transport and mobility, catering and free time facilities and bringing together all the services available in order to make them truly usable, without discontinuity. This project was implemented in 1997 by the General Directorate of Tourism of the Ministry of Productive Activities and it develops

1-5

Description of funding mechanisms: Lessons learned

thanks to the commitment of regional and local institutions and with the collaboration of tourism sector entrepreneurs, the third sector and above all, people with special needs. Furthermore, ENEA and CO.IN and associations linked to the world of disability have also collaborated in the initiative. State funding. As part of the “Italia per tutti” project, a series of actions aimed at favouring entrepreneurial initiatives were also implemented. In particular, a small computerized guide is made available to the public via the website www.italiapertutti.it. It offers information regarding accessibility to facilities and infrastructures in Italy in the world of tourism. Entrepreneurs interested in operating in the sector are also provided with studies and technical and economic analyses developed with the aim of realising an information tool to support new initiatives.

Summer oases - Tutti insieme a…. Name of the expert conducting research Country Respondents/informants Target group involved: Description of exchange:

Handling of target group needs: Description of support mechanisms

Description of funding

Massimo Briani Italy. Giorgia Previdoli, European projects coordinator for the La Cruna Social Cooperative. Senior citizens and/or the disabled with difficulty in moving around independently and their families/friends. Description: day excursions to discover the natural and cultural resources of the Province of Genoa. Scale: Local/regional. Participants: from 20 to 150, depending on the destination. “Tutti insieme a…” summer oases in the Province of Genoa first began in 2007. In Italy, destinations chosen have included: Portofino Mountain Park, the town of Portofino, Beigua Park, Villa Serra Park, Galata Museum of the Sea and the Lanterna Park. Summer oases are an initiative of the Council for Equal Opportunities of the Province of Genoa and are organised by the La Cruna cooperative, in collaboration with the Regional Council for Handicap, the Portofino Park Body, the Protected Marine Area of Portofino, the Municipality of Santa Margherita Ligure, the Il Giardino del Borgo Cooperative, Beigua Park and Villa Serra Park. Excursions last just a day and take place from July to September Special needs of people with various types of disability and/or limited mobility. Transport, catering facilities, excursion itineraries, toilet facilities and all other elements are planned in order to guarantee the highest possible accessibility standards. Along with the experience of the professionally trained personnel of the La Cruna social cooperative, this makes it possible for all participants to fully enjoy the natural and artistic beauty of the place visited in as independent a manner as possible. During the excursions organised as part of the Summer Oases project, participants with difficulty getting around can use handy four-wheel electrical scooters provided by the Mobility Service run by Terre di Mare. (cf: http://www.terredimare.it/schede_view.php?ID=9&lang=it) Funded by the 10 euro per Funded by the Liguria

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mechanisms:

Lessons learned

Province of Genoa, Council for Social Promotion, Sport and Free Time.

person for the Region (PSIR Funds) annual Terre di and the CARIGE Mare Fidelity + 10 Foundation. or 20 euro per person, depending on the initiative. The experience of the “Tutti insieme a..” summer oases has had a positive effect on the citizens, the policy decision-makers and the territory. Thanks to the excursions organised, more than 200 people with disabilities and their families and friends have been able to see and discover, in many cases for the first time, the resources of the territory. The political contacts and those responsible for managing the parks and other resources involved in the project were made aware of the architectural and cultural barriers that are an obstacle to the full functioning of the sites by people with disabilities and in many cases, undertook concrete initiatives to improve accessibility to structures and the usability of the services. The practice could be extended and assume the dimension of an international exchange. People with disabilities living in the Province of Genoa could take part in similar initiatives organised by other countries and vice versa.

Una montagna per tutti (A mountain for all) Name of the expert conducting research Country Respondents/informants

Target group involved:

Description of exchange: Handling of target group needs:

Description of support mechanisms

Description of funding mechanisms:

Massimo Briani Piedmont Region, Province of Turin. Councillor for Tourism - Province of Turin: Ugo Perone - the good practice was taken from the website: www.unamontagnapertutti.eu Targets all weak social subjects, in the broadest sense: not only subjects with disabilities, but also those who live with limited abilities due to specific psycho-physical conditions (senior citizens, children). Not available. The planning, realisation and organisation of services, itineraries, facilities and promotions to favour the accessibility to and fruition of tourism-cultural activities of subjects with “disabilities”. The aim of the project is to realise services, expand hospitality and develop tourism, cultural and sports opportunities, create a different concept of mountain tourism and a new accommodation culture that aims to meet the needs of a broader cross-section of public. The aim is to make the mountain territory more suited to the needs of everyone, regardless of their psycho-physical condition or age. Comunità Montana Val Sangone (project leader), Province of Turin (Action 1 and 5 coordinator), Communauté de Communes du Briançonnais (coordinator of French bodies); Communauté de Communes de Haute Maurienne Vanoise; Communauté de Communes de Pays des Écrins; Association des paralysés de France; Comunità Montana Val Pellice; Comunità Montana Valli Chisone e Germanasca; Comunità Montana Alta Val Susa; Comunità Montana Pinerolese Pedemontano (Action 2 coordinator); Parc National de la Vanoise; Orsiera Rocciavré Park; Laghi di Avigliana Park; Agency for the development of south west Turin (Action 4 coordinator) and the Pracatinat Consortium. The project was co-funded by the European Union through the INTERREG III cross-border cooperation programme.

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Lessons learned

Construction of a cross-border network dedicated to tourism offers that address â&#x20AC;&#x153;everyoneâ&#x20AC;?, as part of a coordinated plan between Italy and France that has led to the realisation of many projects to adapt facilities and sites to the criteria of accessibility and the drafting of a small accessibility guide - CID. This is a good practice for collaboration between European countries, the main destinations for European tourism, which can be extended to the Calypso level.

Accessible tourism in the Piedmont region Name of the expert conducting research Country Respondents/informants Target group involved:

Description of exchange: Handling of target group needs:

Description of support mechanisms Description of funding mechanisms: Lessons learned

Massimo Briani Italy. Turismabile - Alberto Manzo. The disabled and anyone with special needs (food intolerances, families with children and pushchairs, senior citizens, people with sensorial impairments, etc.). We do not handle exchanges. Self-assessment questionnaire for accommodation facilities, attractions, transport companies and sometimes in loco inspections only for what concerns the Piedmont Region. Developing principles of accessibility chain, as an integrated system of accessible tourist services, from airports and railway stations to accommodation, from entertainment and shopping to inbound transport. Implementation of a website dedicated to the accessibility chain, reporting information about services and facilities without an accessibility label. We are supported by the Piedmont Region. Piedmont Region.

C.P.D. Council for People with difficulties Onlus A need for increased knowledge about the special needs of tourists with disabilities by tourist operators. Need for widely diffused principles of transparent accessibility, based on a universal design: structures and facilities designed for all, without any difference.