Sustainability News August N.2
1 August 2025
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2025
News from Italy
Mount Cammarata: an example of slow, sustainable tourism in Sicily
Mount Cammarata, inland from Agrigento, is experiencing a renaissance thanks to slow, sustainable tourism. Hikers and walkers are attracted by the unspoilt beauty and authentic relationships with the local community, as the postman Giuseppe Migliore demonstrates. This model of tourism makes the most of the landscape and local traditions, promoting a journey in harmony with nature.
The rebirth of L'Aquila thanks to culture and sustainability
L'Aquila has become established as an example of post-earthquake urban and cultural rebirth, with a significant increase in international tourism. The city has focused on redevelopment and on the improvement of the area, promoting sustainable and seasonally adjusted tourism. This initiative has led to a growth in nature-related accommodation, confirming the commitment to quality and sustainability.
Authentic, sustainable holidays away from mass tourism
Altroconsumo is offering a handbook for slow, sustainable tourism, suggesting alternatives such as cycling trips, visits to small villages, walking tours, exploration of natural parks, and river tourism. The initiative promotes authentic, environmentally friendly experiences and also encourages volunteering and farm holidays.
Promoting slow tourism through the Via Francigena in Bari
The new Via Francigena signage has been completed in Bari, strengthening the city’s role in this prestigious European itinerary. The initiative aims to promote slow, sustainable tourism, capitalising on the Apulian walking routes and contributing to the diversification of the area’s tourist offer.
The Trapani Film Festival promotes slow, cultural tourism in Sicily
The Trapani Film Festival, being held in summer 2025, is an example of sustainable, cultural tourism in Sicily. The event doesn’t just offer film screenings, but also collective experiences that engage the audience on issues of culture and identity. With its focus on independent films and directorial debuts, the festival aims to encourage cultural entrepreneurship and generate a positive economic and social impact on the region.
News from around the world
The Americas
Peru
Ollantaytambo is granted Hierarchy 4 status for participatory tourism
Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca city, has been awarded Peru's highest tourism award, Hierarchy 4 status, thanks to an agreement with UN Tourism. This achievement underlines the commitment to sustainable, participatory tourism, with direct benefits for local communities and indigenous peoples.
Colombia
Growth of birdwatching tourism and ecosystem protection in Colombia
Colombia has established itself as a world leader in birdwatching, thanks to its unique biodiversity, with over 1,900 species of birds. Sustainable birdwatching tourism is on the rise, supported by ecotourism facilities run by local communities, promoting environmental conservation and rural development.
Mexico
‘Maya Sanctuary' campaign and involvement of local communities
The new Yucatán 'Maya Sanctuary' tourism campaign aims to promote sustainable tourism through the involvement of local communities and the highlighting of Mayan cultural heritage. The initiative aims to create a positive economic impact for local families while respecting the identity and traditions of the Mayan people.
The Bahamas
A pioneering initiative for environmental resilience in the Bahamas
The Bahamas has launched the National Sustainable Island Challenge, an initiative to promote sustainable, inclusive tourism. The aim is to turn climate vulnerability into opportunities, lending value to local communities and protecting marine ecosystems. Grand Bahama becomes an Innovation Hub for repeatable projects, with technical support and an international profile for local entrepreneurs.
Asia
China
Campaign for slow and cultural tourism in Alishan
The campaign, promoted by the Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area, transforms Alishan into a destination for slow tourism, placing the spotlight on the culture of the Tsou people. The initiative invites people to discover nature and tradition through culinary and cultural experiences, fostering authentic contact with the territory.
Kazakhstan
The contrast between the development of tourism and environmental conservation in Katon Karagay
The Katon Karagay region of Kazakhstan faces a dilemma between economic development through tourism and the conservation of its unspoilt environment. While the government promotes sustainable tourism, the inhabitants adapt by offering hospitality and local products, trying to maintain a balance between growth and respect for the environment.
Japan
Tourism reforms in Japan: balancing hospitality and environmental protection
Japan is implementing new policies in tourism to counter overtourism and protect its cultural and environmental heritage. Measures include the introduction of a tax refund system for tax-free shopping, differentiated entrance fees for tourists and residents, and a daily limit for visitors to Mount Fuji. These initiatives aim to make tourism fairer and more sustainable.
Europe
France
Réseau des Grands Sites de France: a guide to responsible photography
The Grands Sites de France Network has developed a guide for influencers in order to advocate for sustainable photography, avoiding misleading images and artificial saturation. The initiative encourages conscious use of geolocation and respect for environmental rules, turning photos into tools for education and responsibility.
Environmental education and green tourism initiatives in Eure
The programme 'Discover Nature in Eure' in the Eure department in France promotes sustainable tourism through activities such as kayaking and botanical walks. Funded by the departmental council, it involves local associations to educate people on biodiversity and the use of wild plants.
Spain
SmartTourFlow initiative to monitor tourist flows in Valencia
Valencia has launched the SmartTourFlow competition to develop technological solutions that monitor and predict tourist flows, improving the visitor experience and quality of life for residents. The goal of this initiative is to achieve sustainable, responsible tourism by integrating advanced technologies such as big data and AI.
Switzerland
Initiatives to curb tourist flows in the Swiss Alps
The Swiss Alps are tackling overtourism through sustainable strategies such as access fees, reservation systems, and taxes for day visitors. These measures aim to protect the environment and foster a more responsible type of tourism.
North Africa
Marocco
Spotlight on Mount Gurugu to promote eco- and rural tourism
Morocco is working to transform Mount Gurugu into a major destination for ecotourism, capitalising on its rich natural and cultural heritage. Although the tourism infrastructure is somewhat lacking, the aim is for the area to become a consolidated destination for ecotourism, contributing to local economic development.
Eco-Scenarios
Collaborative model vs. extractive approach in tourism
New tourism taxes, such as the 'Green Fee' in Hawaii and the 'Climate Crisis Resilience Fee' in Greece, fund projects to safeguard the environment and infrastructure. These measures foster transparency and participation, turning tourism into a collaborative model that actively involves travellers in safeguarding destinations.
Paolo Corvo analyses overtourism and its consequences for cities
Paolo Corvo, expert in the sociology of tourism, warns of the risks of overtourism that is threatening the identity of cities and the environment. He offers solutions such as the relocation of attractions and the use of artificial intelligence to manage tourist flows, emphasising the importance of travel education and forward-looking policies for sustainable tourism.
Adoption of a lottery system to limit tourist access
The article explores the idea of a lottery system to manage tourist access to overcrowded destinations, such as Venice and Dubrovnik, fostering fairer and more sustainable tourism. This approach aims to balance the right to travel with the protection of local communities and cultural heritage.
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