Animal Travel Award, honorable mention to the Municipality of Cremona – Anmvi Oggi

With the patronage of the ANMVI, the 1st edition of the GIST Animal Travel Award took place. Honorable mention for the Municipality of Cremona, an Animal Friendly city, attentive to responsible ownership.

During the QuattroZampeInFiera event, on April 13th in Naples, the Italian Tourist Press Group (GIST) organized the first one Animal Travel Award dedicated to Pet Tourism, “six-legged” travel and culture projects, with pets in tow. The event took place under the patronage of ANMVI (National Association of Italian Veterinary Doctors) and the participation of the Vice President Raimondo Colangeli in the Scientific Committee of the Animal Travel Award, which rewards destinations, operators and accommodation facilities.

Honorable mention for Cremona – The GIST Animal Travel Award was awarded to ten entities for as many award categories. For the “Honorable Mention” category, the Italian tourist press chose the Municipality of Cremona with the following motivation: “Cremona, a pet friendly city, receptive and welcoming for those traveling with their pet. The Administration has distinguished itself in recent years for educational actions of citizens and virtuous prevention of animal abandonment. Cremona is a city where coexistence with dogs and cats has become a “culture” of responsible relationships and respect for animal otherness”.

Cremona: hospitality, education and new projects– The Councilor for Sustainable Mobility, Environment and Civil Protection of the Municipality of Cremona, Simona Pasquali thanks, on behalf of himself and the Mayor Gianluca Galimberti and fellow councilors, for their commitment to protecting animal welfare in the city. Cremona – declares “stands out for its welcome of four-legged friends, with suitable policies and structures. Currently, significant projects are underway such as the creation of a feline oasis and a health kennel, together with the promotion of citizen training and of animal owners”. The awarding of the GIST Animal travel Award 2024 “It is a recognition of the hard work of the administration and the collaboration of the community”. The Councilor also expresses gratitude to the National Association of Italian Veterinary Doctors (ANMVI) for its constant support in promoting animal welfare in the city. In Cremona, training courses on responsible ownership, the so-called “Dog Owner’s License”, have been held regularly for several years through the educational platform. Pet Academy.

Why reward Pet Tourism– “We tourism journalists also have the role of promoters of correct information and enjoyment of tourism“- he declares Sabrina Talarico president of GIST Italian Tourist Press Group. The Animal Travel Award was created with the aim of enhancing Pet Friendly facilities and encouraging holidays with pets, “because we believe – says Talarico – that the tourism system must pay attention to an issue that involves almost 40% of Italian families. We are talking about almost 14 million dogs and cats, which 80% of owners take with them on holiday“.

Still a niche offer– “Tourism for families with pets still benefits from a very limited and niche offer compared to the enormous potential of this sector– he declares Isabella Goldmann, president of the GIST Animal Travel Award. The intent of the award is “expand the traveling public with pets in tow“. We aim, adds Goldmann ad “encourage travelers who do not plan to bring their pets with them, introducing them to realities that are still unknown to them, very willing to welcome them and let them experience a fully satisfying holiday without having to leave their four-legged friends at home, or worse, abandon them legs.”

The President of the Animal Travel Award Isabella Goldmann, together with Alessandra Aspesi – communications and marketing manager of Quattrozampeinfiera e Federica De Simoni – editorial director of QuattroZampe magazine, awarded the awards to the winners of five different categories (Italy and World) voted by a panel of 6 jurors, colleagues and Gist members: Ornella D’Alessio, Maria Paola Gianni, Franca Iannicigeneral secretary of the award, Enzo Radunanza, Massimo Terracina And Sonja Vietto. The scientific consultants collaborated in the creation of the award Raimondo Colangelivice president of the ANMVI and veterinary doctor, e Gabriella Lombardo Giassetti journalist.

The winners by Category

1. Best Pet Friendly accommodation facilities in holiday locations: Horse Country Resort
2. Pet Friendly Business Hotel – Hotel Chains in the world: Best Western Hotels & Resorts
3. Centers specialized in Pet Therapy/Sports with animals in Italy: Italian Treibball Association
4. Centers specialized in Pet Therapy/Sports with animals abroad: Thaibutterflies.com
5. Naturalistic oases – Italy: Oasi Zegna
6. Nature oases – Abroad: Hay-Bar Yotvata Nature Reserve
7. Tour Operators, Guides and Pet Friendly Travel Agencies: TripForDog
8. Pet Friendly Carriers – Italy: Italo
9. Honorable Mention: Municipality of Cremona
10. Destination quote: Meet Boston (USA)

In the photo: Isabella Goldmann, with Federica De Simoni (Editorial Director of QuattroZampe magazine) reads the honorable mention for the Municipality of Cremona