Ravenna takes on che challenge of becoming a increasingly sustainable and inclusive city and tourist destination. Thanks to the FOOTPRINTS PROJECT, funded under the European Urban Initiative – Innovative Actions, the city aims to raise awareness among citizens and tourists about increasingly concious choices to respect the environment, people and the characteristics that make Ravenna unique in the world.
The project, thanks to the collaboration between institutional partners, the local community, enterpreneurs and managers of tourist sites, aims to build an integrated tourism system capable of combining sustainability and authenticity. Various actions and investments will contribute to encouraging eco-friendly behaviour and offering an engaging and responsible tourist experience.
A central role is played by local tourism businesses, which are engaged in a path toward environmental sustainability aimed at obtaining green certifications. In this way, visitors will take advantage of eco-friendly options for accommodation and dining.
Among the planned initiatives, a key feature is the creation of 3 welcome hubs designed as intermodal points, where visitors will be able to rent and receive assistance for eco-friendly vehicles such as bicycles and electric vehicles, also accessible to people with disabilities. Urban routes and furnishings will also be implemented to ensure full accessibility of the historical centre.
The tourist offer will also be enriched by a catalogue of sustainable and inclusive experiences, available for purchase through an innovative game-app that will allow tourists to earn points and rewards based on the responsible and virtuous choices they make.
With Footprints, Ravenna faces this challenge by putting its tourist offer at test and aims at involving sector experts and especially travel enthusiasts to try out its offer, provide suggestions and expand the number of “green” tourists.
THE EXPLORERS CAMPAIGN 2026
To test the first sustainable tourism proposals in real conditions, Ravenna launched a campaign in October 2025 inviting travellers willing to act as pioneers.
A total of 50 testers were selected – 25 Italians from 9 different regions and 25 international visitors from 8 countries – chosen for their sensitivity to sustainability and their desire to experience travel in a more conscious way.
The first group will visit Ravenna from 25 to 29 May, followed by others in June and July. They will have access to a catalogue of sustainable experiences to explore the city’s artistic and natural heritage. Their feedback will be essential to refine the offer and will directly contribute to the development of the digital platform which, once completed, will be available to all visitors: a tool designed to reward sustainable behaviours adopted during the stay.
CONTENT CREATORS
Throughout 2026, Ravenna will host a series of Italian and international content creators specialising in responsible travel and environmental sustainability. They will explore the city, experience its offerings and share their journeys with a wider and more diverse audience through their social channels. This is not a traditional advertising campaign, but an authentic narrative built on direct experience, fully aligned with the project’s core values.
WELCOME HUBS
The welcome hubs in natural areas and along the coastline are also taking shape. The hubs in Sant’Alberto and Marina di Ravenna are conceived as true gateways to the territory: spaces where visitors can find parking, bike rental services and the opportunity to organise their visit independently or rely on expert guides. This infrastructure aims to make high-value natural areas more accessible, while reducing the impact of tourist flows and promoting sustainable mobility.
ONGOING ACTIVITIES
The Footprints project is still under development, with many of its most significant components currently in progress. The integrated digital platform is one of the key objectives, along with urban interventions: corridors and urban lounges designed to make the city more enjoyable and liveable in every season, as well as a redesigned signage and wayfinding tailored to the needs of all types of visitors – including people with disabilities, thanks to accessible content and formats. Each element is part of a broader vision aimet at reshaping how Ravenna tells its story
