Sustainability News July 2025 N.2
14 July 2025
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2025
News from Italy
Unipol-Ipsos survey: overtourism is a problem for more than half of Italians
A survey by Changes Unipol and Ipsos reveals that 56% of Italians perceive overtourism as a problem, with high sensitivity among young people. Proposed solutions include improvement of infrastructure and mobility, promotion of sustainable tourism and pedestrianisation of historic centres.
Florence introduces electric shuttles for more sustainable tourism
Florence is banning golf carts and rickshaws in the city’s UNESCO historic centre and introducing 24 electric shuttles on specific routes. This initiative aims to reduce traffic and improve road safety, positioning Florence as a pioneer in Italy for sustainable alternative mobility.
Innovative project to counter depopulation in vulnerable areas of Lazio
The ‘IN. Alta Sabina’ project aims to repopulate the upper Sabina area by 5% by 2035, promoting renewable energy, slow tourism and showcasing of the area’s natural and cultural heritage. It is supported by universities and institutions and is receiving 3 million euros from the Green Communities programme.
News from around the world
The Americas
Colombia
The ‘Humanimal Tourism’ campaign enhances Colombian biodiversity
Colombia is making a name for itself in sustainable tourism with its ‘Humanimal Tourism’ campaign, using advanced technology to promote nature trails based on the movements of over 1,200 migratory species. This innovative approach not only protects habitats but also promotes balanced tourism by suspending activities when maximum ecological capacity is reached.
Asia
China
Greater China Hotel Business Sustainability Index drives change
Sustainable tourism is redefining the concept of luxury and responsibility, with a focus on mindful tourist behaviour and eco-friendly hospitality. Professor Lisa Wan is promoting cultural integration and environmental education, highlighting the importance of a solid regulatory framework for sustainable progress.
China’s ecological transition and inclusion of ethnic minorities
China is leading the fight against climate change with sustainability policies impacting ethnic communities. However, the lack of sustainable alternatives and limited inclusion of minorities risk further marginalising these communities. An approach harnessing local knowledge and ensuring economic equity and cultural respect is essential.
Need for a mindful approach for tourists in the Himalayas
Despite the images of waste on Everest, significant progress has been made in waste management through stringent rules and sanctions. Hiking trails remain problematic, however. Initiatives such as use of human waste bags and biogas projects aim to reduce environmental impact and promote more responsible tourism.
India
Kaza is becoming a centre for stargazing
The Spiti Valley in India is opening a new stargazing facility in Kaza, promoting astrotourism. The initiative involves local communities, training astronomy guides and making telescopes available to young people, creating a sustainable ecosystem combining science education and ecotourism.
Installation of electric vehicle charging stations at hotels in Madhya Pradesh
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation has launched a project to install electric vehicle charging stations at 55 hotels, promoting ecotourism and improving tourist infrastructure. The initiative, involving public-private partnerships, aims to enhance the electric vehicle ecosystem and improve the experience of sustainability-conscious visitors.
Indonesia
Initiatives for restoration of the UNESCO ‘green card’ at Lake Toba
The Lake Toba Caldera Geopark in Indonesia is working to regain its UNESCO ‘green card’ status after being downgraded to ‘yellow card’ status. The local authorities, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, are implementing measures to improve management and infrastructure, promoting the site as an educational and cultural resource and aiming at sustainable tourism enhancing biodiversity and showcasing local traditions.
Europe
Greece
Corfu’s strategic shift towards sustainable luxury tourism
Corfu is adopting a repositioning strategy, moving towards luxury tourism to counter mass tourism through investments in high-end facilities and direct links. The aim is to attract wealthy travellers and promote more sustainable and profitable tourism.
France
Improving railway services for more sustainable tourism
In France, travelling by train is often cheaper and more sustainable than by plane, especially on direct routes. The UFC-Que Choisir association proposes the expansion of rail services and the introduction of subsidised fares for families, reducing the environmental impact of transport.
Partnership between Le Havre and Venice to address shared environmental challenges
The cities of Le Havre and Venice are teaming up to promote sustainable tourism and jointly address the challenges of climate change and heritage protection. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen cooperation between the two UNESCO port cities.
Spain and Portugal
Cross-border project for sustainable cycling and walking routes
The EGTC León-Bragança is launching ‘EcoPuentes Culturales’, an initiative to create cycling and walking routes between León and Bragança, promoting sustainable tourism and the local economies through digital technologies and agri-food fairs.
United Kingdom
Discover Europe’s best slow tourism destinations for 2025
Sainsbury’s Bank’s Slow Travel Index 2025 highlights the growing popularity of slow tourism, which promotes authentic and sustainable experiences. Cornwall, the Algarve and Provence are among the top destinations for those seeking mindful travel at a relaxed pace.
Promoting physical and mental well-being through guided activities
In Beachy Head, Sussex, a pilot project has been launched to promote sustainable tourism through free activities such as guided walks, yoga and dance. The initiative aims to showcase the natural landscape while improving visitors’ well-being, drawing inspiration from successful international models.
Eco-Scenarios
Gap between declared values and actual behaviour of Gen Z in sustainable tourism
Despite claiming to be eco-aware, Generation Z has contradictions between ethical values and tourist practices, often opting for trips with a high environmental impact. Experts emphasise the need for greater awareness and consistency in sustainable travel choices.
Global talks on technology, sustainability and human connections in tourism
At Newsweek’s New Destinations Travel & Tourism Summit, industry experts emphasised the importance of evolving towards more authentic and sustainable travel experiences. The need was highlighted for a real commitment to combating greenwashing and greenhushing, promoting careful planning and active public policies for responsible tourism.
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