This article forms part of a series of publications under MEDUSA project’s “Mediterranean sub-grant Adventure Tourism Competition” which aims at catalyzing the creation of new innovative adventure tourism products and experiences and upgrading existing products in our partner territories Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, Puglia (Italy) and Catalonia (Spain).

Enjoy reading and hope to welcome you soon at one of the wonderful places you will get to know here.      

The Regione Puglia, MEDUSA project’s partner in Italy, awarded Thalassia Società Cooperativa the MEDUSA Sub-Grant. The Thalassia cooperative was founded in 2001, together with the establishment of the Torre Guaceto Reserve as an activity and service company for the park of Brindisi. Over the years it has grown and evolved to deal with both national and international projects related to the issues of sustainable development, environmental education and active citizenship in its various forms and languages.

For 20 years now, the Thalassia Cooperative has been carrying out, Environmental Education activities in schools, independently or in collaboration with public bodies and regional and national associations (Puglia Region – Rete Infea, Ministries, Federparchi, Provinces, Municipalities, Park Authorities) and Ecotourism activities in the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve (BR), in other protected natural areas and in various destinations in the Puglia region.

The project has many goals which it aims to achieve. Firstly, raising awareness on the issues of environmental sustainability and the protection of the planet, through the implementation of adventure tourism activities focused on encouraging the users to adopt virtuous behaviors and good practices for the preservation of nature and biodiversity. In addition, promoting Torre Guaceto as an eco-tourist destination through the improvement, development and diversification of existing adventure tourism experiences, by involving the local communities for example. Finally, enhancing the little-known destinations of the provincial territory and their natural and cultural attractions with a great focus on creating technical assistance experiences for all, by increasing the involvement of people with disabilities and other vulnerable people.

Noting that the main challenge of adventure tourism is seasonality, Thalassia Cooperative aims to remedy that by focusing on activities that can be carried out throughout the year and promoting campaigns highlighting the "low" season activities. The repercussions on the territory will be wide-ranging, as the network of individuals and companies who collaborate with the cooperative (guides, vehicle rental, sector professionals, associations and partner companies), will all see an increase in activity and revenue. In addition, the activities will also generate indirect benefit to other stakeholders, such as accommodation facilities, beaches, bars, etc., which will see the arrival of new tourist targets.

Photo credit: Consorzio di Gestione di Torre Guaceto - ph Giuseppe Lanotte