These guidelines are part of an homonymous project which was implemented from 2014 to 2020, and aimed to experiment a different and common business plan. The “soft tourism” approach promoted by the project enabled a more sustainable enjoyment by creating the right balance between use and protection of the habitats within the pilot areas. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide governments with guidance and a framework for the development of policies that promote more sustainable tourism. It also offers a toolbox of instruments that can be utilized to implement these policies effectively. The intended audience for these guidelines primarily consists of national and local governments, NGOs, and the private sector, all of whom are impacted by tourism policy and can influence its implementation. The sustainability of tourism is a crucial issue for both developed and developing countries, and this guide is designed to address the needs of both. Tourism has some enormous implications at play for the near future: While by 2030 projections indicate substantial growth in the industry by 2030, effective management will be crucial to mitigate potential threats to the environment and to local communities; climate change still is a pressing global concern with far reaching implications for the tourism sector. The guide explores approaches through which not only governments but also other stakeholders can formulate strategies, policies, and methodologies to optimize the positive outcomes of the tourism industry while minimizing its adverse effects. The primary audience for this guide includes governments at both national and local levels, NGOs, and the private sector, all of whom are influenced by and have the ability to impact tourism policies and their implementation. The purpose of this guide is to provide governments with guidance and a framework for the development of policies that promote more sustainable tourism. It also offers a toolbox of instruments that can be utilized to implement these policies effectively. The guide addresses specific aspects related to sustainable tourism related to: Structures and strategies for sustainable tourism, focusing on establishing structures through which governments can collaborate with each other in order to promote sustainable tourism. Instruments for more sustainable tourism, providing a detailed explanation of a set of tools, how to use and how to implement them These tools encompass sustainability indicators, planning techniques, infrastructure provision, legislation and regulations, as well as a range of voluntary and facilitating instruments. Tourism and sustainability examines the meaning of the term “sustainability” for tourism, introduces key principles, and presents a set of 12 Aims for a more sustainable tourism. Policy implications of a sustainable tourism agenda discusses each of the 12 aims for more sustainable tourism and identifies policy areas relevant to each of them. Shaping sustainable tourism, focusing on the process of developing a sustainable tourism strategy, outlining key strategic choices that need to be made. It discusses product and market selection and introduces tools that can be used to influence tourism development, the operation of tourism enterprises, and visitor behavior. The Futourist Policy guidelines, part of the homonymous project, identified eight pilot areas, with four located in Italy and four in Austria. Within each pilot area, a total of 40 thematic routes, encompassing cultural and natural attractions, were carefully chosen and improved through project initiatives. Furthermore, minor actions were undertaken in each pilot area to encourage the utilization of the 40 selected itineraries. Additionally, eight information packages were developed to promote these itineraries effectively. The promotion efforts focused on utilizing contemporary, up-to-date, and tailored tools to cater to various types of users.
