Single-use plastic items represent the largest group of waste found along our coasts and in our seas. Mass tourism is one of the most significant sources of waste in marine and coastal areas.
Statistics indicate that around 200 million tourists visit the Mediterranean each year, leading to an average increase of 40% in single-use plastic consumption. In this region, plastic accounts for 95% of the waste found in open waters, on the seabed, and along beaches. It is estimated that each year, between 150,000 and 500,000 tons of macroplastics (equivalent to 66,000 truckloads of waste) and between 70,000 and 130,000 tons of microplastics end up in European seas.
In light of these figures, Venice Lagoon Plastic Free and Trafalgar – one of the largest tour operators globally who specialize in responsible travel experiences and having a positive impact on the communities they visit – have partnered to offer a “Plastic Free Venice” experience.
This aims to change visitors’ approach in Venice towards reducing single-use plastics through a hands-on experience of learning, awareness, and adopting best practices.
During their stay in Venice, Trafalgar tour groups have the opportunity to meet with Venice Lagoon Plastic Free volunteers, who introduce them to the issue of marine waste, single-use plastic pollution in Venice, and actions to mitigate this impact. Alongside raising awareness, these meetings encourage tourists to engage in refilling practices by using glass bottles provided as a sustainable alternative to disposable plastic bottles.
In collaboration with the Venetian association Tap Water, tourists receive an online map of 141 Venetian fountains and information about the excellent quality of drinking water, which is often unknown by passing tourists. This refilling practice can significantly help reduce the purchase of plastic-bottled water or beverages widely consumed in Venice. At the end of the meeting, participants are gifted a glass bottle, which they are likely to refill at Venice’s fountains throughout their stay.
In 2023, Venice saw around 21 million visitors. With an average daily consumption of 2 plastic bottles per visitor, this results in an astounding 42 million plastic bottles consumed! Given the proximity of land and water in Venice, a considerable portion of these bottles inevitably end up in the lagoon.
The cooperation between Venice Lagoon Plastic Free and Trafalgar marks a significant step towards responsible tourism in one of the most fragile and visited cities in the world, making a tangible contribution to reducing the plastic footprint of mass tourism.