Tourism in the southern regions can also have social and environmental enhancement characteristics. If it is supported at the start, it becomes a competitor of traditional companies that are somewhat encouraging the rise of the GDP of the South. Maybe two are better.
The social and inclusion characteristics, however, do not seem very up to the Minister of Tourism's taste Daniela Santanchè who has recently been looking for a team of promoters for his Ministry. We must “create a team, listen and unite,” she said.
They have thought about giving economic and ethical value to more innovative solutions two foundations. They invested half a million euros and gave a real hand to women and young people in quality hospitality.
The CON IL SUD Foundation and Finanza Etica have issued a call for tenders 545 thousand euros to create 11 social tourism enterprises in 5 southern regions. The news, which the Ministry probably ignores, is all here. The Minister can also bring it if she wants his sponte in that team, if he ever forms it, and give a little help here in the South.
4 companies are active in Campania, 3 in Sicily, 2 in Puglia, 1 in Calabria and Basilicata respectively. 2024 will be the year of the economic balance sheet, but the political one in a general sense is already positive.
“The South is not at year zero”
The tender went well because 2 activities are community cooperatives and 6 are social cooperatives. Furthermore - given the times - 50% of corporate governance is in the hands of women and 38% in those of young people under 35.
The contribution of the Finanza Etica Foundation comes from the liberal donation of Etica Sgr, the savings management company of the Banca Etica Group.
The Bank made a choice by allocating a portion of its profit fund to support entrepreneurial activities in the South. It doesn't happen often and many still consider these regions to be areas to stay away from.
“In the South we are not at year zero, it is good to repeat it, if ever there was a need - says the Professor Federico Pirro of the University of Bari. “Not to mention the large agricultural productions and theappeal undisputed of countless tourist areas now renowned in the country and abroad". Here you are, appeal tourism which should grow with the PNRR but with little space for inclusion.
The initiative of the two Foundations is a signal for social enterprises that work on participatory paths with local communities. “The results of the tender testify to the potential of valorising social enterprise in the world,” he says Teresa Masciopinto, president of the Ethical Finance Foundation. Tourism brings integration and in the 11 initiatives there will be eco-sustainability interventions, initiatives towards women who have suffered violence and people with disabilities. Professional placement is ensured to manage a camping site, an artistic hostel, floors dedicated to biodiversity. The Minister always has time to give us a little thought.
