SUSTAINABLE TOURISM: ENHANCING THE TERRITORY WITH AGRICULTURE AND INNOVATION
Sustainable tourism is one of the most promising levers for the balanced development of Italian rural areas. A model that, by combining economy, environment, and culture, promotes the territory and also supports the local productive fabric, helping to preserve its identity. In this scenario, Intesa Sanpaolo plays a leading role, accompanying agricultural and tourism entrepreneurs towards paths of sustainability and innovation.
The link between agriculture and tourism is deep and offers numerous opportunities. Agritourisms, food and wine tours, and experiential activities, such as olive harvesting or wine tastings, are concrete examples of how agricultural companies can diversify their revenues by offering authentic experiences to visitors.
Moreover, sustainable tourism helps to preserve local traditions, promoting typical products and protecting cultural and landscape heritage. This synergy generates significant economic impacts, creating jobs and stimulating the development of the country's internal areas, often less accessible but rich in natural and historical beauties.
Intesa Sanpaolo's Commitment Alongside Agricultural and Tourism Entrepreneurs
Agriculture and tourism represent two strategic sectors for the Italian economy. To promote their concrete development, within the framework of the program "Your Future is Our Business," the bank has allocated 10 billion euros of new credit for tourism, of which 3 billion are destined for companies in the South, and 15 billion euros for the agri-food sector. Support is also offered thanks to the skills and widespread presence of the Agribusiness Directorate, a national network that Intesa Sanpaolo dedicates exclusively to the Italian agri-food sector within the Divisione Banca dei Territori led by Stefano Barrese, with 250 operational points distributed throughout the territory.
In addition to economic support, Intesa Sanpaolo offers specialized consultancy to help entrepreneurs develop integrated activities, such as agritourisms and experiential tours, that enhance local excellences. Particular attention is given to supply chain projects, capable of promoting collaborations between agricultural producers, tourism operators, and other local realities. These synergies create virtuous ecosystems that enhance the attractiveness of different areas.
Technological innovation plays a fundamental role in this context, helping to reduce environmental impact and improve the efficiency of accommodation facilities. Among the solutions supported by Intesa Sanpaolo are photovoltaic systems, geothermal systems, and water-saving technologies, financed through dedicated instruments. An example is the first national agreement between Intesa Sanpaolo and ACEA for the protection and sustainable management of water in the production processes of companies. Thanks to this agreement, the first Italian bank, which makes 20 billion euros available, and the first national water operator aim to develop new systemic initiatives with innovative solutions to promote efficient water use, also in favor of agri-food sector companies.
The Future Between New Forms of Hospitality and Ecology
Sustainable tourism has the potential to become a pillar of the ecological transition in Italy. To achieve this goal, it is important to strengthen and develop public-private partnerships aimed at creating modern and environmentally friendly infrastructures, alongside adequate training for operators and increasing consumer awareness towards a culture of responsible hospitality.
Intesa Sanpaolo positions itself as a strategic partner in this process, supporting projects that integrate environmental sustainability, enhancement of local traditions, and technological innovation.
Through the Agribusiness Directorate, Intesa Sanpaolo works daily to support entrepreneurs who want to invest in a development model capable of connecting nature, culture, and economy.
a development model capable of connecting nature, culture, and economy.