America is preparing to increase its negative impact on climate change in 2017. The spotlight now turns to Europe to take more control in saving our planet.

ROME, IT: UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) ranks Italy as the 5th most popular tourist destination on Earth. Yet local Governments have been hanging the red tape for Italy Travel Agencies to go green.

UNWTO, who specialize in the promotion of sustainability, record 607.2million arrivals in Europe in 2015. Of these arrivals, 50.7million of them were to Italy, making Italy the 5th most popular tourist destination in the World, and third in Europe.

These figures demonstrate the positive impact tourism has on Europe's economic growth, while at the same time also demonstrating the negative impact tourism has on Climate Change.

Sean P Finelli, Co-Owner of leading Italy travel expert The Roman Guy, has been petitioning Rome's local government for 3 years to allow his travel company to use electric golf-carts instead of cars. He estimates 500kg of carbon emissions can be saved per car every year this way. Sean comments:

“We're looking at a chance for positive change here in Italy, and local governments need to start reacting. Tourism currently plays a significant role in the development of European countries, but sustainable tourism will play a significant role in the sustainable development of Europe as a whole. Now is the time for change”

Historical attractions in Rome have just undergone a clean up. If the government continues to turn its back and tourism remains a catalyst to Climate Change, should we be expecting another clean up soon?

For more information, please contact: lorna@theromanguy.com.