The European Commission has two awards which recognise and promote smart and sustainable tourism. Little-known Grosetto in Tuscany is the first Italian city to win the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism award.
Anyone who has heard of Tuscany will have heard of the trio of cities – Florence, Siena and Pisa. But who, even Italians, knows of Grosseto?
Well, the tourism light is now shining on this Tuscan city which not only has an historic centre, but wild nature reserves and beautiful beaches. The European Commission awarded the city with the title of 2024 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism.
The award, alongside its bedfellow the European Capital of Smart Tourism, recognises outstanding achievements in smart and sustainable tourism. Dublin was the winner of the latter award, in which the Ligurian city of Genoa made the shortlist.
“Grosseto’s success as a Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism is the result of many years of efforts focused on enhancing our natural and cultural heritage,” said Antonfrancesco Vivarelli Colonna, mayor of Grosseto, in a statement. “This is just the beginning of our journey towards a greener and more sustainable future for Grosseto.”
This video highlights the area’s green, smart and sustainable tourist offerings.
The EC describes Grosseto as “a charming city located in the Tuscany region of Italy. Situated along the western coast of the country, it offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
“With its origins dating back to ancient Etruscan times, Grosseto carries a rich historical heritage that’s reflected in its well-preserved architecture and historic sites. Grosseto also boasts picturesque landscapes and the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea and invites tourists to explore its history and coasts through slow tourism initiatives.”
Grosseto’s commitment to sustainable and smart tourism
Grosseto shows its commitment to preserving its natural beauty, with around 30% of its protected areas dedicated to agriculture. This in turn forms the backbone of its agritourism industry.
The Park of Maremma exemplifies this, offering 32 high-quality agritourism experiences suitable for all ages and abilities. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy cooking activities, learn to collect and process raw materials, and follow scenic bicycle routes.
A key element of Grosseto’s sustainability ethos is its focus on mobility. The Park of Maremma integrates cultural, archaeological, and scientific research with sustainable tourism initiatives.
In line with its commitment to accessibility, Grosseto also has an integrated cycling mobility system and a shuttle service which you can book via an app. Furthermore, the city has made its beaches, monuments, and centre more accessible through initiatives like “Mare per tutti” and “GRITACCESS.”
Looking ahead, Grosseto plans to create a green space for residents and visitors with a place for jogging, walking, cycling, and relaxation. The Grosseto Urban Trekking project, a regional initiative to promote slow tourism and highlight local art and history, aims to establish a network of walking and cycling paths that will connect the entire province.
