Lo Swiss Diamond Boutique Hotel La Romantica in Melide Ticino has joined the network of Affiliate Members of UN Tourism, the United Nations agency dedicated to tourism. This recognition also represents a significant achievement for sustainable tourism in Ticino, strengthening the Canton's role in international initiatives dedicated to enhancing its cultural and environmental heritage.
Joining opens up new opportunities for collaboration with institutions, universities, businesses, and destinations committed to developing sustainable tourism models, fostering the exchange of expertise and best practices on an international scale.
Sustainable tourism in Ticino: a recognition that focuses on the region.
According to Maria Pacolli, co-owner and manager of the Swiss Diamond Boutique Hotel La Romantica, joining the Affiliate Members network represents an opportunity to enhance cultural tourism in the Canton of Ticino and Lake Ceresio, encouraging participation in one of the world's leading networks dedicated to the sector.
Canio Sabia, Cluster General Manager of Swiss Diamond Hotels, also emphasized how this achievement confirms the hotel's commitment to a hospitality model based on quality, respect for the environment, and the valorization of the natural and cultural heritage of Lake Lugano and Monte San Giorgio.
The connection with the Ceresio Heritage Destination
The hotel shares the objectives of the Ceresio Heritage Destination, an initiative promoted by the Municipality of Morcote to encourage tourism development that is attentive to local communities, biodiversity, and the area's historical and environmental heritage.
The affiliation with UN Tourism thus strengthens a network of collaborations that involves the area between Lugano, Mendrisio, Como, and Varese, contributing to the enhancement of the region's cultural identity.
Among the stated objectives is to promote a high-potential tourism model based on the participation of the local population, collaboration with artisans, organizations, and economic operators, and the creation of experiences that highlight the unique characteristics of the area.
Research and innovation for sustainable tourism in Ticino
The institution's activities also develop through a series of academic and scientific initiatives.
These include the national Swisstainable program and the European project SECreTOUR – Sustainable, Engaging and Creative Tourism as a driver for a better future in rural and remote areas, funded under Horizon Europe and dedicated to the development of sustainable cultural tourism in rural areas.
The UNESCO Chair of the University of Italian Switzerland dedicated to information and communication technologies applied to World Heritage sites also operates within the SECreTOUR project, which coordinates the pilot project on Monte San Giorgio entitled The threshold of the sacred mountainThe initiative aims to connect geology, biodiversity, cultural memory, and new ways of sustainable use of the territory.
The Swiss Diamond Boutique Hotel La Romantica also participates in the SECreTOUR Network of Common Interest, a European network that brings together institutions, businesses, and communities committed to the development of cultural tourism.
The botanical garden and the valorization of local species
Among the projects developed by the facility is a seasonal botanical garden created in collaboration with the UNESCO Chair in Anthropology of Health, Biosphere and Healing Systems at the University of Genoa.
The initiative promotes native species and aromatic, medicinal, and edible plants associated with Monte San Giorgio, with educational and environmental awareness purposes.
Essences also find space in the gastronomic offerings through the San Giorgio Menu and the La Romantica Monte San Giorgio Herbal Tea, created with the contribution of Executive Chef Egidio Iadonisi and the Erbe Ticino company, transforming local biodiversity into an experience linked to well-being and knowledge of the territory.
A path shared with institutions and organizations
Joining the UN Tourism network is part of a process developed together with the Swisstainable program, the SECreTOUR project, and the UNESCO Chair at the University of Italian Switzerland, led by Professor Lorenzo Cantoni.
In the press release, the organization also expressed its thanks to Richard Kämpf, Head of Tourism Policy at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Chairman of the Programme and Budget Committee of UN Tourism and Switzerland's representative in the organization, for his support during the candidacy.
Recognition also goes to Ion Vilcu, Director of the Department of Affiliate Members and Public-Private Collaboration at UN Tourism, and to UN Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nowais.
La Romantica also highlights its collaboration with the Municipality of Morcote, Lugano Region, Ticino Turismo, and the Regional Tourism Organization of Mendrisiotto and Basso Ceresio for activities dedicated to promoting the region's cultural and tourist heritage.
Looking ahead to 2027
Joining the Affiliate Members program will allow the facility to intensify its commitment in view of 2027, proclaimed by the United Nations as the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism.
The stated intention is to develop further projects, training activities, and international collaborations capable of promoting growth that combines environmental protection, valorization of local culture, and opportunities for future generations.
Areas of interest also include the cultural itineraries promoted by UN Tourism, including initiatives dedicated to the Silk Road, considered opportunities to strengthen cooperation between territories sharing historical heritage, cultural identity, and sustainable development.
A meeting point for international dialogue
Thanks to its new Affiliate Member status, the Swiss Diamond Boutique Hotel La Romantica intends to make its spaces available for institutional meetings, university programs, round tables, and events dedicated to sustainability, culture, and international cooperation.
Melide's location, along the axis of the Bridge-Dam that historically connects Northern and Southern Europe, is considered a favorable element for fostering dialogue between institutions, businesses, organizations, and local communities.
With this international affiliation, La Romantica aims to consolidate its role in the development of sustainable tourism in Ticino, promoting collaborations between institutions, academia, and industry professionals with the goal of enhancing the region's natural and cultural heritage, including from an international perspective.
