The Valley of Peace and Authenticity: Valchiavenna Joins the UN Tourism Network

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The Valley of Peace and Authenticity: Valchiavenna Joins the UN Tourism Network

A milestone towards a global and sustainable tourism future

Valchiavenna, in northern Lombardy, has reached a historic milestone in its long-standing commitment to authentic, responsible tourism: the Consorzio per la Promozione Turistica della Valchiavenna has officially become the first Italian organization to join UN Tourism, the United Nations agency dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism development worldwide.

A recognition that values a local model

The affiliation was formalized during the UN Tourism General Assembly held on 8 November 2025 in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).The agency’s director, Ion Vilcu, presented the official certificate of membership to Filippo Pighetti, Director of the Valchiavenna Tourism Board, in the presence of Italy’s Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanchè.

This achievement is far more than a symbolic endorsement — it represents international recognition of a model territory, and grants Valchiavenna access to a global network of over 500 members including governments, public agencies, universities, and private sector organizations. It opens new opportunities for cooperation, training, research, and sustainable destination management.

A 25-year journey of vision and commitment

This recognition crowns over 25 years of coordinated effort to build a tourism model based on quality, authenticity, sustainability, and collaboration among local stakeholders.As Director Pighetti explained:

“This is the culmination of a journey that has allowed Valchiavenna to establish itself internationally for its coherence, professionalism, and vision. For a small Alpine valley like ours, joining UN Tourism means engaging with the global challenges of the future — sustainability, accessibility, and social responsibility in tourism.”

Minister Santanchè added that “even Italy’s smaller and more remote areas can become international benchmarks for sustainable tourism when guided by shared vision and professional management.”

Opportunities and perspectives for the territory

Through its affiliation, Valchiavenna will now be able to:

• take part in international cooperation projects and destination management networks;

• access training programs and knowledge-sharing platforms on responsible tourism;

• strengthen its territorial brand within a global context, promoting local culture, nature, and community values.

As Pighetti highlighted, “this affiliation is not just a certificate of quality, but a working tool that will allow our territory to grow responsibly within a broader international framework.”

Why this matters to the Cittaslow network

Within the Cittaslow philosophy — which promotes quality of life, environmental respect, hospitality, and local sustainable development — Valchiavenna’s achievement stands as an inspiring example.It demonstrates how a mountain community can:

• enhance its natural and cultural heritage through an integrated tourism model;

• preserve authenticity while engaging with international networks;

• translate sustainability into a real driver for local innovation.

This path offers valuable insight for other Cittaslow towns aiming to strengthen their own sustainable tourism strategies and foster international partnerships.

Looking ahead

In the coming weeks, the Consorzio and the Italian Ministry of Tourism will present new project guidelines focused on international cooperation, operator training, and cultural and environmental promotion.For the Cittaslow network, this case provides a concrete opportunity to explore shared initiatives and synergies around sustainable tourism and community development.

Valchiavenna’s affiliation with UN Tourism is a story of perseverance, vision, and collaboration — proof that even small territories, rooted in their traditions, can achieve international recognition while remaining faithful to their identity.

Cittaslow Italy congratulates the entire Valchiavenna community for this outstanding result and looks forward to new collaborations inspired by their success.

Source: “La Valchiavenna entra in UN Tourism, un riconoscimento mondiale”, Valtellina Notizie, 13 November 2025.

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