My Bella Vita’s Commitment to Sustainability

Mindful. Respectful. Intentional. Because How We Travel Matters

We’ve built a life—and a business—around sharing Calabria with people who want to experience it. And if we want to keep sharing it for years to come, we need to take care of it.

That’s why sustainability isn’t a buzzword for us. It’s personal.

We live here. We raise our kids here. And we believe that the landscapes, traditions, and communities we love deserve to be protected—not just preserved.

The Choices Behind Our Tours

We’re a small business, but we believe small choices add up. Here’s how we’re making more thoughtful ones.

We protect what’s here

From mountain trails to coastal groves, Calabria’s landscapes are part of what makes this region unforgettable. We work with guides, producers, and hosts who live here and know how to share their home without overwhelming it. We also lean into the places that welcome respectful tourism—not the ones already stretched too thin.

We support locals

You won’t find big-bus tourism here. Everyone you meet—your driver, your heritage specialist, that local nonna in the kitchen—lives in the region. That means your travel dollars stay local, supporting the same communities you’re visiting.

We reduce our footprint

Since 2023, we’ve offset the carbon footprint of every small group tour we run. In 2025, that commitment will include all small group and private tours, custom vacations, and partner trips. We do this through Sustainable Travel International, who invests in reforestation, clean energy, and blue carbon projects.

But offsetting is just one piece. We also design itineraries to avoid long, unnecessary drives and work with drivers who are based near the tour start—so no one’s crossing Italy in an empty van just to begin the trip.

We cut down on waste

We’re phasing out single-use plastics in our welcome kits and snacks. In 2026, we’ll fully transition to reusable or compostable packaging, and we’ll continue partnering with vendors who do the same.

The best kind of travel takes care of the place it comes from.

We’re not perfect—but we’re thoughtful, and we’re committed. And if you’ve read this far, chances are you are, too.

Our Promise to the Planet

As passionate promoters of the rich culture of Calabria, we at My Bella Vita Travel have always believed in the beauty and importance of offering authentic experiences. As tour operators sharing the region’s stories and memories, we understand more than most the critical role of sustainability in preserving the magic for future generations.

Carbon Offsetting: For A Greener Tomorrow

Starting in 2023, all of our small group tours have been carbon offset, and by 2024, we pledge to offset all our private tours, group tours, and custom vacations. Every penny invested in offsetting goes to our trusted partner, Sustainable Travel International. They use these funds to further sustainable initiatives such as forestry, energy, and blue carbon projects, ensuring that with every step our customers take in Calabria, they leave a positive footprint.

Climate Ranger Partnership with Sustainable Travel International

In our pursuit to make travel more sustainable, we have joined hands with Sustainable Travel International. Together as Climate Rangers, our goal is to:

  • Safeguard Nature: By preserving the delicate ecosystems that Calabria offers and that our tourism relies on.
  • Combat Climate Change: By working diligently to reduce the carbon footprint of each tour, ensuring our travels don't add to the challenges our planet faces.
  • Empower Communities: By championing local cultures and traditions and ensuring the economic benefits of tourism uplift local communities.
  • Tackle Waste and Pollution:By working towards minimizing the waste we produce during our tours, especially focusing on reducing single-use plastics.

Beyond Carbon Offsetting:
Our Holistic Approach

Eliminating Single Use Plastics:

We recognize the burden that plastics place on our environment. Hence, we are in the process of phasing out single-use plastics from our tours, making your travel experience even greener.

Choosing Sustainable Accommodations:

We handpick locally-owned hotels and farms, ensuring not only a genuine Calabrian experience for our travelers but also supporting local businesses that prioritize sustainable practices.

Supporting Local Growers:

Our commitment extends to the table. By sourcing ingredients from local growers, we ensure fresh, organic, and sustainable meals while simultaneously uplifting the local economy.

Combatting Food Waste:

Calabria’s love language is food and thus, we struggle with food waste. We’re working on a dedicated program to track and manage uneaten food from our tours, ensuring it reaches those in need rather than contributing to waste.

Keeping Ourselves Accountable: Annual Impact Report

Beginning in 2024, we’ll publish an annual impact report detailing our sustainability efforts and achievements. This report will serve as a testament to our commitment and will keep us accountable to you, our valued travelers.

Why We Do It

We believe in the power of travel to transform lives, but we also understand the impact travel has on our environment. We profit from showcasing the stunning beauty and rich heritage of Calabria, and it’s only right we give back. It’s our way of ensuring the tales of Calabria continue to enchant for generations to come.

Join us in our mission. Explore Calabria with a heart full of wanderlust and a conscience at peace, knowing you’re traveling with a company that values the planet as much as you do.

If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.