Taranto, Italy, has been recognised as a best practice by the Sustainable EU Tourism project for its efforts to integrate sustainability and innovation into its tourism model.
 

Traditionally known for its steel industry, port, and cultural heritage, the city is now investing in ecotourism and resource-efficient practices to secure long-term economic and environmental resilience.

At the core of this transformation is the Ionian Dolphin Conservation, which engages both residents and tourists in marine research and conservation through participatory initiatives such as the “Researchers for a Day” programme, whale-watching with data collection, and the Citizen Science programme linked to Duke University’s OBIS-SEAMAP portal. 

The organisation also manages the KETOS Citizen Science Centre, where visitors experience the underwater world through VR, interactive panels, and live “Fixed Underwater Eye” webcams.
 

In parallel, the CTE CALLIOPE project applies a citizen-led approach to environmental monitoring, while the ECOSISTEMA Taranto and Taranto Capitale di Mare digital portals connect institutions, operators, and tourists, promoting the city’s cultural, environmental, and accommodation offers.
These initiatives have positioned Taranto as a reference point for the blue economy, fostered international collaborations, revitalised parts of the old town, and increased the share of alternative and sustainable tourism.

Taranto’s experience shows how citizen engagement, scientific research, and digital innovation can converge to create a resilient, authentic, and sustainable tourism ecosystem. 

For more details on the key challenges the destination has faced, and the solutions implemented to address them, please refer to the attached document.