Starting again from the villages of the Italian hinterland, from the same municipalities – under 15,000 inhabitants – which for decades have suffered from the phenomenon of depopulation. Also for this reason the Touring Orange Flags initiative, for 23 years, has been aimed at dedicating special attention to the small towns of the Italian hinterland by committing to their enhancement. These are internal areas that know how to express great excellence in environmental, cultural, gastronomic, hospitality and social innovation terms, but who face the challenge of marginalization and the threat of depopulation on a daily basis and therefore can find in tourism a concrete opportunity for social and economic revitalization.
The Orange Flags: what are they?
A path that for more than 15 years has aimed at finding the most hidden excellences that the Italian Touring Club pursues – with almost 3000 applications received – by selecting and certifying the most beautiful villages in the hinterland with the Orange Flag. Beautiful, but not only. Places where the quality of hospitality, environmental sustainability, the protection of the artistic and cultural heritage come together to give an authentic travel experience. “Small centers that welcome travelers thanks to hospitable communities that, with commitment and enthusiasm, keep traditions alive, protect the local heritage and animate the territories through the organization of events and demonstrations”, writes the Touring in the official note.
The 5 winners
With the 5 new entries this year, the Orange Flags have reached the milestone of 267 certified locations distributed from North to South. The initiative was born from a reflection on how to stimulate, involve and promote territories far from the coast. The Orange Flag was conceived from the point of view of the traveler and his visit experience: it is assigned to places that not only enjoy a valuable historical, cultural and environmental heritage, but are able to offer tourists a quality welcome.
And after the assignment the tourist arrives. According to the Touring, in fact, 79% of the Orange Flag Municipalities have opened new restaurants, 81% have opened new businesses, also for the benefit of citizens. Arrivals in certified locations increased on average by 45% and presences by 38% thanks also to new dedicated services in 79% of locations (eg guided excursions, rental of sports equipment, etc.). But above all the Municipalities remain alive, since after the Flag there is a increase in the number of residents (+ 8% of residents on average from the year the label was awarded). To discover them all click on the official website.
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