The TUI Care Foundation has begun a landmark sea turtle conservation programme in the waters around Italy.
The loggerhead sea turtle, considered ‘vulnerable’ globally by the IUCN list, is classified as ‘least concern’ in the Mediterranean.
But even here, it is still exposed to significant human and environmental pressures and faces increasing threats. Rising sea temperatures and climate change are driving this species to expand its nesting range northward, including to Apulia’s beaches – areas that have not historically hosted turtle nests.
Coastal zones of Italy, such as Salento and Gargano, are amongst the country’s popular summer destinations, creating both risks and opportunities for conservation. Unregulated tourism can threaten nesting success through habitat disturbance and light pollution, but tourism also offers a powerful platform for education and sustainable development.
TUI Turtle Aid Italy is responding to this challenge by integrating sea turtle conservation with responsible tourism practices. In collaboration with Italian NGO Legambiente, the project will protect over 3,500 hatchlings and rescue around 300 injured turtles, through structured beach monitoring, nest protection, and rehabilitation efforts during its 3-year implementation. Conservation teams and trained volunteers will monitor beaches, detect and safeguard nests, and collect vital data to inform long-term protection strategies. Injured turtles affected by bycatch, boat strikes, or pollution are treated at the Sea Turtle Recovery Center in Manfredonia before returning to the sea.
To align tourism with conservation, the initiative introduces a voluntary “Turtle-friendly Tourism Certification” for beachfront businesses. TUI Turtle Aid has developed a unique guideline and certification scheme with 40 criteria designed to minimise the impact of hotel operations on turtle nesting. Mandatory measures include removing obstacles from beaches at night, reducing light pollution, and raising guest awareness. At least 60 hotels and beach clubs will be engaged through assessments, training, and implementation of eco-friendly practices.
Education and awareness are central to the project: more than 4,000 community members and tourists will be educated through awareness campaigns and events, whilst snorkelers will participate in tailor-made programmes. Seasonal activities such as turtle releases, eco-tours, and ‘Turtle Days’ will foster local involvement and create memorable experiences that will connect visitors with marine conservation.
The initiative is part of the global TUI Turtle Aid programme which protects endangered and vulnerable sea turtles around nesting beaches and includes projects in destinations including Kenya, Cabo Verde, Türkiye and Greece.
