Sustainability News August 2025 N.1
28 July 2025
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2025
News from Italy
Italy
The challenge of balancing motorised activities and the Alpine Convention in Carnia
In Carnia, in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, a quad bike event on protected forest trails has sparked criticism about the risk of damage to the mountain ecosystem. The controversy underlines the importance of slow and sustainable tourism, in line with the Alpine Convention.
A new slow and sustainable tourism route in Emilia-Romagna
The ‘Path of the Reno Treasures’ is a 95-km circular route promoting slow and sustainable tourism in the Emilia-Romagna region. It passes through historic villages and natural landscapes, offering an immersive experience among art and nature. The trail is accessible to all and supported by signage and geolocation.
A widespread hospitality network for regenerative tourism in Lombardy
‘Oltrebrescia’ is an initiative by the Diocese of Brescia transforming historical and spiritual places into sustainable accommodation facilities. The project is enhancing sites such as Villa Luzzago and the hermitages of Montecastello and Bienno, promoting slow and eco-friendly tourism enriched by cultural and spiritual routes.
Initiative for rediscovering Italy's cultural heritage supported by European funding
The ‘Great Beauty of Europe’ project is involving Italian citizens and schools in an experiential journey of rediscovery of museums and monuments restored thanks to EU Cohesion Funds. Through a digital platform, participants can explore 200 Italian cultural sites, promoting sustainable tourism and active European citizenship.
News from around the world
The Americas
Mexico
National Tourism Summit in San Miguel de Allende: a model for sustainable tourism
San Miguel de Allende is hosting the Fifth National Tourism Summit, focusing on a sustainable tourism model integrated into the local community. The event aims to outline strategies to strengthen tourism as an economic and social lever.
Growing tourism through transformative experiences and cultural identity
Mexico is transforming its tourist industry by focusing on sustainability, inclusiveness and authenticity. Through initiatives such as the ‘Tlaxcala Yes It Exists’ campaign and consolidation of the ‘Pueblos Mágicos’, the country aims to showcase lesser-known regions and promote authentic cultural experiences.
The Caribbean
Guadalupe to host the XI Ibero-American Rural Tourism Meeting in 2026
The event will focus on smart tourism as a strategy for improving the sustainability of rural destinations by promoting governance, innovation, technology, sustainability and accessibility.
Europe
Spain
Diversifying tourist services for responsible tourism
Spain is distinguishing itself in sustainable tourism thanks to a strategy enhancing natural and cultural beauty, diversifying its offering with sporting, rural and authentic tourism. This approach has made it possible to better distribute tourist flows, reducing environmental impact and supporting local communities.
The Naturcyl International Ecotourism Fair: an opportunity for Spanish ecotourism
The Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park will take centre stage at the Naturcyl International Ecotourism Fair, promoting ecotourism and supporting local businesses through sustainable tourism plans.
European Atlantic Islands
Ecotourism and biodiversity: a virtuous model in Europe's Atlantic islands
European Atlantic islands such as Faial and Tenerife are demonstrating how tourism can protect the ocean through ecotourism projects and scientific initiatives. These activities promote environmental awareness and enhancement of natural and cultural heritage, ensuring responsible and sustainable tourism.
France
Innovative measures to preserve cultural and environmental heritage
Radio France is exploring strategies adopted in France to mitigate the impact of mass tourism, such as daily access limits and regulations in vulnerable areas. The aim is to preserve the landscape as well as the well-being of residents while also addressing the ‘disneylandisation’ of urban areas like Montmartre.
Croatia
Dalmatian archipelago leads the fight against plastic
The island of Zlarin has eliminated single-use plastic, emerging as a model of sustainable tourism. Trogir and Dubrovnik are participating in the WWF’s Plastic Smart Cities programme, while the island of Krk has been awarded Zero Waste Europe status thanks to its advanced environmental policies.
Asia
India
Promoting birdwatching for sustainable tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have launched a bird tourism initiative enhancing local biodiversity and promoting responsible travel. This sustainable approach not only protects the ecosystem but also generates economic benefits for local communities.
Renewed tiger conservation efforts in India
International Tiger Day 2025 emphasises the importance of protecting tigers, with India leading the way through conservation projects and global initiatives such as the International Big Cat Alliance. These efforts aim to double the tiger population and involve local communities in conservation.
Development of an ecotourism site for wildlife conservation in Pulicat
In Thonirevu, near Chennai, a birdwatching site is being developed as an ecotourism destination, combining wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism. The project involves local communities in order to promote employment and economic development, with a focus on managing tourist flows to protect natural habitats.
Eco-Scenarios
Next-generation hostels: cultural refuges for slow travel
Tourism is evolving towards a slower and more authentic approach, with Millennials and Gen Z preferring immersive experiences. Modern hostels offer an environment fostering human connection and reflection, taking the form of experiential luxury spaces where time seems to stretch out and community takes on a central role.
Global strategies to combat overtourism through new tariffs
Greece, Italy, Indonesia and Mexico are introducing tariffs for cruise passengers to reduce the environmental impact of mass tourism. These measures aim to protect ecosystems and local communities, balancing economic benefits and environmental protection.
The rise of eco-conscious tourism among young European travellers
Generation Z is revolutionising tourism in Europe by choosing authentic and sustainable experiences. Countries like Portugal, Spain and Slovakia attract these travellers thanks to their breathtaking landscapes and simplified bureaucracy, promoting slow and mindful tourism.
Addressing climate change in coastal tourism
Coastal tourism, particularly in the Mediterranean, is under pressure from climate change to adopt sustainable practices. Environmental certification is often ambiguous, and travellers are encouraged to check the reliability of ecological practices such as use of buoys for anchoring and the adoption of environmentally safe sunscreens.
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