Destination Italia Group is committed to promoting sustainable, ethical, and responsible tourism. We kindly ask you to read this information before and during your trip: just a few minutes can make a significant difference.

🛑 Child Protection and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation

The sexual exploitation of children exists in different forms in every country in the world — including those perceived as “safe.” It is not an issue that concerns only law enforcement agencies or NGOs: every traveller has a role to play in preventing it.

What we ask you to do:

• Immediately report any suspicious behaviour involving minors (e.g. adults offering money, gifts, or work to children in exchange for favours; situations where a child is isolated with an adult who is not a family member).
• Do not photograph children without the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
• Do not support organised begging or “orphanage tourism.”
• Report any concerns to Destination Italia by email at customerservice@destinationitalia.com or by phone at +39 06 62287876, or directly to the local authorities by calling 112.

Reference resources:

• ECPAT International – www.ecpat.org
• The Code (thecode.org) – Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children in Travel and Tourism
• ChildSafe Movement – www.thinkchildsafe.org
• UNICEF – www.unicef.org

Destination Italia Group has adopted the Code of Conduct [The Code / internal policy] and provides training to its staff and suppliers on the prevention of the sexual and commercial exploitation of children.

🚫 Illegal Souvenirs: What Not to Buy

In Italy, current legislation prohibits or strictly regulates the purchase, sale, import, and export of certain products. We strongly advise you to avoid purchasing the following:

1. Cultural, Archaeological, and Religious Objects

• Archaeological artefacts, including pottery fragments, ancient coins, pieces of amphorae, and mosaics, originating from sites such as Pompeii, Herculaneum, Etruscan areas, or Magna Graecia sites. Even simply collecting such items is a criminal offence, in addition to their unlawful export (Italian Cultural Heritage Code, Legislative Decree No. 42/2004).
• Works of art, sculptures, religious icons, or objects of historical or artistic interest that are more than 70 years old: their export from Italy may require a certificate of free circulation issued by the Italian Ministry of Culture.
• Architectural elements removed from historic buildings, churches, or monuments, such as column fragments or antique tiles.
  
  

2. Protected Flora and Fauna
(CITES and National Regulations)

• Mediterranean red coral (*Corallium rubrum*) and uncertified products made from it, such as jewellery or decorative objects. Its harvesting and trade are regulated.
• Products derived from protected marine species, such as shells from rare species or large starfish collected from marine protected areas.
• Protected wild plants taken from national parks or nature reserves, such as edelweiss and certain species of wild orchids.
• Any product derived from species listed under CITES that is imported or exported without the required certificate, including ivory and exotic reptile skins. These rules may also apply to products purchased elsewhere and merely transported through Italy.
  
  

3. Sand, Pebbles, and Shells

In several Italian regions, including Sardinia, regional legislation prohibits the removal of sand, pebbles, and shells from beaches. Fines may reach up to €3,000, and the material may be confiscated.

4. Food Products and Controlled Substances

• Uncertified products of animal origin, such as raw-milk cheeses and cured meats, which may be subject to restrictions when exported outside the European Union.
• Controlled plant substances or non-pharmaceutical derivatives.
  
  

A Responsible Souvenir Is One That:

✅ Supports local artisans and communities
✅ Does not contain parts of protected animals or plants
✅ Is not an original historical or religious artefact

If you are unsure, please ask your tour leader or guide before making a purchase.

Destination Italia Group regularly updates this information in cooperation with Travelife and shares it with customers, staff, and suppliers through websites, vouchers, travel manuals, and staff training.