#WAST

NEWSLETTER / 04

admin — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 14:29:32 +0000

The Final Transnational Project Meeting was held on 22 & 23 of April 2024, in Nicosia, Cyprus. During the meeting, partners had the opportunity to see the progress of the project so far and to discuss the next steps for the finalization of the project. Also, partners discussed about the Multiplier Events in all project countries.

On 23 of April 2024, took place the Final Conference of the project in Nicosia, Cyprus. The conference was organised by COMCY and NCCI. During the Conference, we had the opportunity to discuss about women entrepreneurship in Tourism sector in Cyprus with Mrs. Christiana Iacovidou, the managing director of Cleopatra Hotel. Also, during the event, Mrs. Olga Theocharous, Executive Tourism Officer of the Ministry of Tourism, presented an innovative initiative of the ministry to promote alternative tourism in Cyprus.

WAST_Article Women in Tourism

admin — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 15:14:52 +0000

In today’s world, the role of women in tourism is becoming increasingly important, especially in the context of alternative and sustainable tourism. Women are actively involved in creating unique tourist offers that take into account environmental, cultural and social aspects. Their participation in tourism contributes to the development of local communities, the preservation of cultural heritage and the implementation of sustainable practices.

According to the World Tourism Organization, women make up 54% of the workforce in the tourism sector compared to 39% in other sectors of the economy. In the hotel and accommodation sector, women make up 61% of the workforce. In travel agencies and among tour operators – 64%. At the same time, women in tourism earn 14.7% less than men, which is still better than 16.8% in other sectors of the economy.

Women today are active in leadership positions, which demonstrates their growing influence in the tourism industry: 23% of tourism ministers are women, compared to 20.7% of all ministers.

Women play a key role in the development of alternative tourist routes that offer unique experiences and introductions to local culture and traditions. They often act as guides, tour organizers and managers of tourist projects, helping to preserve the authenticity of tourist destinations. Women in the industry focus on creating tours that allow travelers to immerse themselves in local culture while supporting the local economy and preserving the environment.

In the field of sustainable tourism, women are working on implementing environmental initiatives such as eco-tours, nature conservation projects and local economic development. Their activities are aimed at reducing the negative impact of tourism on the environment. Women leaders in sustainable tourism promote practices that reduce resource use, protect wildlife, and preserve natural sites from the harmful effects of mass tourism.

The WAST project (Support Young Women and Professionals in the field of Alternative and Sustainable Tourism) aims to support young women in tourism through training and professional development in the field of alternative and sustainable tourism. The project provides women with the knowledge and skills needed to create sustainable tourism products that take into account the needs of local communities and environmental challenges. Thanks to these programs, women can actively participate in the development of new tourist routes that offer not only exciting experiences, but also contribute to the sustainable development of the region.

WAST also promotes the development of cooperation between European countries, supporting the exchange of experience and best practices in the field of alternative tourism. The project involves artists and representatives of other creative professions to create unique tourist offers that combine art and culture.

Women in tourism are often agents of social change, involving groups such as youth, the elderly and people with disabilities in their projects. They develop inclusive tourism programs that provide equal opportunities for all participants. Thus, women contribute to building a fairer and more inclusive society where everyone can find their place in the tourism business.

By participating in projects like WAST, women gain access to training programs that enhance their digital and professional skills. This allows them to more effectively use modern technologies to develop their tourism businesses and create new opportunities for travelers. Training helps women become more competitive in the labor market and take leadership positions in the tourism sector.

In general, women in tourism contribute to the development of innovative approaches to travel that take into account environmental and social aspects. Their work in creating alternative and sustainable tourism products not only enriches the tourism industry, but also makes the world a better place for future generations.

WAST_Final TPM_Article

admin — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 15:04:15 +0000

The Final Trasnational Meeting of the Project took place on the 22nd of April 2024, in Nicosia, Cyprus. During the meeting, partners had the opportunity to review the progress of the project so far and discuss the next steps for its completion. Additionally, partners discussed events in all project countries.

The project is on the verge of completion, and events are being organized in all countries involved in the project. You can get updated on all the project results for free through our website.

On the 23rd of April 2024 the Final Conference of the project took place in Chamber’s Building in Nicosia, Cyprus. The conference was organized by COMCY and NCCI.

During the conference, we had the opportunity to discuss women’s entrepreneurship in the tourism sector in Cyprus with Mrs. Christiana Iakovides, Managing Director of Cleopatra Hotel. Additionally, during the event,

Mrs. Olga Theoharous, Senior Tourism Officer of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, presented an innovative initiative of the ministry to promote alternative tourism in Cyprus. Also, participants had the opportunity to observe the results and presentation of the project.

Have an alternative tour in Turin

admin — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 05:32:04 +0000

Turin “Hunting for Street Art” Tour

“On the tracks of Turin street art to discover the city and the UN Sustainable Development Goals”

Get inspired by our “Hunting for Street art” tour by exploring Turin’s 17 street art sites dedicated to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discover the power of urban art as a means of communication and community engagement while pedaling through the city’s streets on a fun day trip.

Day I

Morning: Bike tour in the city

Arriving in Turin by using the Eco-train Trenitalia Rock from Milan or Asti, arriving at Torino Porta Susa station.

Prepare for the trip by downloading the apps that will assist you throughout the day:

If you need an electric bike, download Ridemovi
For calculating the fastest and safest cycling route, use Bunet

Hop on your bike and enjoy your tour, pedal slowly, look around, take some photos and be curious

Duration 1.30 (approximately 30 minutes of cycling), and you can find the spots bellow:

Goal 14 ‘Life below water’ – ‘Life below water’ – Corso Regina Margherita, 140

Goal 2 ‘No hunger’ – ‘Cultus’ – Via Pietro Egidi, 3

Goal 17 ‘Partnership for the goals’ – ‘Weaving’ – Corso Giulio Cesare, 20

Goal 15 ‘Life on land’ – ‘Life on land’ – Corso Palermo 40

Goal 13 ‘Climate action’ – ‘The ode of collapse’ – Via Parma 24

Goal 12 ‘Responsible consumption’ – ‘Fade’ – Via Mantova, 29

Goal 11 ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities’ – ‘Cernunnos’ – Along Dora Siena, 50

Goal 4 ‘Quality education’ – ‘APC’ – Viale Ottavio Mario Mai

Goal 5 ‘Gender equality’ – ‘Gender equality’ – Corso Belgio, 79

Goal 1 ‘No poverty’ – ‘No poverty’ – Along Po Antonelli, 115

Lunch:

At Bocciofila Vanchiglietta – Rami Secchi – Lungo Dora Pietro Colletta, 39/a.

Slow Food lunch with typical Turin dishes and revisited vegetarian version.

Evening:

Hop back on your bike and continue the tour – approximately 2.5 hours (40 minutes of cycling)

Goal 8 ‘Good Jobs and Economic Growth’ – ‘Flamingo’ – Via Giulia di Barolo, 3a

Goal 10 ‘Reduced inequalities’ – ‘Amylum’ – Via Giovanni Plana, 10

Goal 7 ‘Renewable Energy’ – ‘Promise’ – Corso Moncalieri, 45

Goal 16 ‘Peace and Justice’ – ‘Stop ivory trade!’ – Corso Moncalieri, 61

Goal 9 ‘Industry, innovation and infrastructure’ – ‘Industry, innovation and infrastructure’ – Via Nizza, 199

Enjoy a walk in Valentino Park, cycle to the Monumental Fountain of the Twelve Months, and then visit the Turin Botanical Garden.

Continue with the last two stops of the Hunting for Street Art Tour, whether by bike or on foot.

Goal 6 ‘Clean water and sanitation’ – ‘Clean water’ – Viale Virgilio, 45

Goal 3 ‘Good health’ – ‘Like the most beautiful things’ – Via Claudio Luigi Berthollet, 6

Dinner:

At Tutto fa Brodo – Via San Pio V, 8

A restaurant that declares the ecological footprint of all its dishes.

Return by train Trenitalia Rock to Milan or Asti

If you are interested in Street Art and want to discover more hidden gems of Turin, visit the Streetartcities website.

Have an alternative tour in Kyiv

admin — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 05:31:29 +0000

„ A Day Eco Tour of Kyiv”

Day I

Morning

Upon arrival in Kyiv, we suggest you visit the City Park Hotel Kyiv, which is an eco-hotel located near the city centre. After leaving your things at the hotel, you can go for a walk around Kyiv.
Not far from the hotel, there is a wonderful establishment “Urban Space 500”, where you can have breakfast. It takes 26 minutes to walk from the hotel to the institution, so we suggest that you come on foot, on your way to the institution you will see some of the most significant places in Kyiv, you will pass by the Golden Gate and St. Sophia Cathedral.

Middle of the day

After a delicious breakfast, we suggest you take a walk again in one of the most interesting museums of Kyiv, the Museum in Darkness “Tretya Povilnochi“. “Three After Midnight” is the only museum in Ukraine where you can walk in the dark with a blind guide.
Which is located 20 minutes on foot from “Urban Space 500”. On average, a tour of the museum takes about 1.5 hours. The next place to visit is the Pinchuk Art Centre. Which is located at least 15 minutes from the Museum In the Dark “Tuesday After Midnight”. Pinchuk Art Center has become an international hub of contemporary art that develops the Ukrainian art scene and generates critical public discourse for society as a whole. So you can visit the current exhibition and view the proposed works of art.

Evening

After visiting the PinchukArtCentre, we suggest you save more at the vegetarian establishment “Alltrueeast“, which is not famous for its delicious food, but also conducts only other good social initiatives. After the evening, returning to the hotel will take about 35 minutes, which will give you the opportunity to take a walk through the incredible evening in Kyiv.

Have an alternative tour in Nicosia

admin — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 05:30:52 +0000

„One day in Nicosia old town”

Visit the beautiful city of Nicosia, but in alternative way. There are many places hidden in the old part of the city and sustainable places that you can eat. Bellow there is a proposed tour based on the digital map of the project, as well.

Morning: Arrival

You can use the public buses to arrive in Nicosia’s city centre and especially in Salomou Square. Next to the Solomou Square is located the Eleftheria Square, which is the main square of Nicosia and it connects the old part and the new part of the city.

Midday: Tour in Nicosia Walled City & Cyprus Postal Museum

Then you can Walk around the Waled City of Nicosia, which is the old part of the town. If you want you can also book a free tour by tour guide on the tourism board’s website: https://www.visitnicosia.com.cy/nicosia-guided-tours/ You can admire the architecture and learn about the history of Cyprus and especially Nicosia. You can also move around the green line and check the history between the most recent war on the island, which turned Nicosia in the only divided capital in Europe.

At the end of the tour, you can visit the Postal Museum, which is located in the old part of Nicosia. The huge variety of rural postmarks exhibited and covering the whole postal history of the island is remarkable. Special seals for insured letters, postmarks of urban post offices, postmarks of English military camps as well as slogans are also exhibited. The visitor of the Museum can furthermore see how a letter or a postbag was insured in the past (initially with sealing-wax and later with machines) as well as different kinds of weighing scales and other philatelic books and magazines. More information here: https://www.cypruspost.post/en/museum

Lunch:

Lunch in the old town area in the Evroulla traditional kitchen, which is an alternative taverna in a tunnel. There you can taste the traditional Cypriot meze and drink some local zivania.

Accomodation: Aelia Wellness

You can stay in the Aelia Wellness Hotel, which has been designed as a wellness haven in Analiontas, in the outskirts of Nicosia, Cyprus. Envisioned as a place of beauty and enjoyment, Aelia offers a retreat where guests can connect with nature away from their hectic daily routine. Aelia eco-resort features a state-of-the-art spa and a fine-dining restaurant. An eco-resort, which blends naturally within its pristine, natural surroundings, Aelia boasts a state-of-the-art spa for utter relaxation, eco-friendly accommodation, and a fine-dining restaurant. You can book here: https://aeliawellness.com.cy/

Have an alternative tour in Lublin

admin — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 05:29:55 +0000

„Alternative Lublin in 2 days”

This tour is for people who like physical activity. If you enjoy being surrounded by nature in the middle of a big historical city, use the itinerary “Alternative Lublin in 2 days”.

Day I

Morning: Arrival and a walking tour

You can easily arrive to Lublin by buses or trains. We suggest using a train, e.g. Intercity or Polregio. On the train you have time to admire the various towns and villages along the way. Once you arrive, take a walking tour of Lublin’s Old Town and promenade (castle, historic houses, cathedral, Trinity Tower, Dominican Church, Lithuanian Square).

Lunch: Local and green cuisine in the Old Town

In the Old Town area, there are many local restaurants. Why don’t you try out Zielony Talerzyk or Umea? (check their description on the Map).

Afternoon: Bike trip

Rent a city bike. It’s very easy – you just need to download an application on your phone. Take a bike trip to the Botanical Garden, there you can have a walk and extend the trip to the Open-Air Museum, which is located nearby.

Day II

Morning: Yet another bike trip

In Lublin, we love cycling! Rent a bike and take a bike trip to the Zemborzycki Zalew Lake along the Bystrzyca River. Do you know that you can travel along the Lake through a dedicated bicycle path? You will find a few ice cream parlours and places to buy snacks or lunch if you get hungry.

Afternoon: Canoeing on the Bystrzyca River

Rent a canoe at the Bystrzyca River and take a canoe trip on the River to the centre of Lublin. Visit an environmental fair, walk to the Saxon Garden (in the season, Lublin Nature Festival takes place there).

Dinner: Perłowa Pijalnia Piwa

Perłowa Pijalnia Piwa will be the best option after such an active day. You can have dinner and try Lublin’s local beer, Perła.

Have an alternative tour in Athens

admin — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 14:57:55 +0000

A Unique Eco-Friendly Travel Proposal

Embark on a unique journey through Athens that combines eco-friendly exploration with cultural immersion, designed specifically for those who value sustainable tourism. This proposal outlines an itinerary that allows travelers to experience the city’s historical richness.

Morning: Electric Bike Tour of Athens

Begin your day with an exhilarating electric bike tour led by a team of passionate local experts dedicated to showcasing Athens’ hidden gems. This tour offers an intimate glimpse of the city’s vibrant street life and architectural marvels.

Midday: Visit to the Museum of Cycladic Art

Continue your sustainable journey with a visit to the Museum of Cycladic Art, a premier cultural institution that emphasizes the ancient civilizations of the Aegean and Cyprus, with a special focus on Cycladic art from the 3rd millennium BC.

Lunch: Soil Restaurant Experience

Conclude your tour with a delightful lunch at Soil, a restaurant nestled in a charming house with a romantic patio-terrace in the Pangrati district. At Soil, contemporary seasonal cuisine meets sustainability through a “farm to table” philosophy.

Accomodation: Eumelia Organic Farm, Laconia

Extend your sustainable travel experience with a stay at Eumelia Organic Farm in Laconia, a pioneer in regenerative agritourism and ecotourism. This unique farmstay offers a hands-on experience in organic farming alongside a variety of eco-friendly activities.

Quality Standards

admin — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 15:40:49 +0000

Digital Alternative Resource Map -Quality Standards-

Transport: In general, all kind of transportation that serves a lot of people can be considered as sustainable, because helps at the limited use of individual cars, so there are less vehicles in the road. Also, every type of transportation that uses alternative energy or greener ways of transportation. Moreover, it is important to mention if it is possible to use a bicycle, if there are enough roads for bicycles or scooters. Finally, if there are enough pavements or pedestrian roads. Alternative means of transport can be also put there, e.g. choo-choo train for tourists or electric tourists’ cars.
Gastronomy: So, which restaurant considered as sustainable? A restaurant that uses recycled materials for packaging or in general for their clients. Also, products used, for example, if the restaurant uses local products, products of this season or biological products. Mostly, vegan or vegetarian restaurants are considered as sustainable and alternative. In the end, there are some restaurants, which donate the food that remains at the end of the day, instead of throwing it out, so the restaurants that try to not to waste food.
Accommodation: Some hotels have a sustainability policy in their website in which they apply some good practices (e.g., recycled materials for key cards, greener cleaning products, limited water waste, recycling, etc.). There are also types of alternative accommodation: holiday farms, tree houses, places for camping, etc. It can be an accommodation in the countryside or near forest (green surroundings).
Places of culture (sights): These are places that present local/regional or national culture. If they are sustainable (e.g. a museum that uses QR codes with digital information) or alternative (e.g. a thematic museum), it is an added value. In this category, you can think of museums, castles, palaces, old factories, breweries, temples etc. that are embedded in the local tradition and culture.
Events: Of course, it is a cyclic event that promotes a greener way of life and the organisation of which follows good practices for the environment (e.g., an event at a place with bicycle parking instead of car parking, in order to force people not to use their cars, or a food festival which use biodegradable containers that won’t be sent to the landfill, etc.). Such events could be, e.g. eco festivals, fairs.
Sightseeing activities/Natural Areas (activities & protected areas): This category includes all natural resources as well as protected areas: parks (national, local), gardens, open-air museums. Tourists can admire nature there and do activities on fresh air – cycling, canoeing or walking (the activities can be described).

Standard di qualità

admin — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 15:40:49 +0000

Mappa Digitale delle Risorse Alternative -Standard di qualità.

Trasporti:in generale, tutti i tipi di trasporto che servono molte persone possono essere considerati sostenibili, perché aiutano a limitare l’uso delle auto individuali, quindi ci sono meno veicoli in circolazione. Inoltre, ogni tipo di trasporto che utilizza energie alternative o modi di trasporto più ecologici. Inoltre, è importante indicare se è possibile utilizzare una bicicletta, se ci sono strade sufficienti per le biciclette o gli scooter. Infine, se ci sono abbastanza marciapiedi o strade pedonali. Si possono anche mettere a disposizione mezzi di trasporto alternativi, come il trenino per i turisti o le auto elettriche per i turisti.
Gastronomia:quale ristorante è considerato sostenibile? Un ristorante che utilizza materiali riciclati per gli imballaggi o in generale per i propri clienti. Inoltre, i prodotti utilizzati, ad esempio se il ristorante utilizza prodotti locali, prodotti di questa stagione o prodotti biologici. I ristoranti vegani o vegetariani sono per lo più considerati sostenibili e alternativi. Alla fine, ci sono alcuni ristoranti che donano il cibo che rimane alla fine della giornata, invece di buttarlo, quindi i ristoranti che cercano di non sprecare il cibo.
Alloggio:alcuni hotel hanno una politica di sostenibilità nel loro sito web in cui applicano alcune buone pratiche (ad esempio, materiali riciclati per le chiavi di accesso, prodotti per la pulizia più ecologici, sprechi d’acqua limitati, riciclaggio ecc.) Esistono anche tipi di alloggio alternativi: agriturismi, case sugli alberi, luoghi per il campeggio, ecc. Può essere un alloggio in campagna o vicino alla foresta (dintorni verdi).
Luoghi di cultura (attrazioni):sono luoghi che presentano la cultura locale/regionale o nazionale. Se sono sostenibili (ad esempio un museo che utilizza codici QR con informazioni digitali) o alternativi (ad esempio un museo tematico), è un valore aggiunto. In questa categoria rientrano musei, castelli, palazzi, vecchie fabbriche, birrerie, templi, ecc. che sono inseriti nella tradizione e nella cultura locale.
Eventi: Naturalmente, si tratta di un evento ciclico che promuove uno stile di vita più ecologico e la cui organizzazione segue buone pratiche per l’ambiente (ad esempio, un evento in un luogo con parcheggio per le biciclette anziché per le auto, per costringere le persone a non usare la macchina, o un festival gastronomico che utilizza contenitori biodegradabili che non vengono inviati alla discarica, ecc.) Tali eventi possono essere, ad esempio, ecofestival, fiere.
Attività turistiche/Aree naturali (attività e aree protette):questa categoria comprende tutte le risorse naturali e le aree protette: parchi (nazionali, locali), giardini, musei all’aperto. I turisti possono ammirare la natura e praticare attività all’aria aperta: ciclismo, canoa o passeggiate (le attività possono essere descritte).