Sustainability News June 2025 N. 3
16 June 2025
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2025
News from Italy
Training for tourism professionals: “Train the Trainers” programme by Detour is now open
The call is open for tourism professionals, industry associations, public bodies, and local stakeholders to participate in the "Train the Trainers" program. This initiative is promoted within the framework of the European project DETOUR – Development of Resilient Tourism Ecosystems along Mediterranean Routes.
Showcasing Italian villages through cultural events
La Notte Romantica nei Borghi più belli d'Italia (romantic night in Italy’s most beautiful villages) promotes sustainable tourism by showcasing small historic centres through cultural events. The initiative involves more than 200 villages, supporting the local economy and promoting slow tourism mindful of traditions.
‘Solve for Tomorrow’ initiative promotes sustainable ideas among young people
The 2024-2025 edition of ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ in San Marino involved high school students in the developing innovative and sustainable projects. Award-winning ideas included a sports organisation for active tourism, a hi-tech space for gamers and an eco-train to link San Marino with Rimini.
Weekly walks with the mayor for mindful tourism
In Valdobbiadene, the mayor leads weekly walks promoting slow tourism, offering visitors an authentic and sustainable experience. This initiative encourages exploration of the area at walking pace, fostering relationships and a genuine connection with the local community.
Five Apulian resorts awarded the Five Sails for environmental excellence
Apulia is a leader in sustainable tourism with five municipalities honoured in the Il mare più bello 2025 (most beautiful sea 2025) guide by Legambiente and Touring Club Italiano. Nardò, Otranto, Melendugno, Gallipoli and Vieste are recognised for landscape protection and responsible resource management, promoting fair and sustainable tourism.
News from around the world
The Americas
Bahamas
Promoting sustainable sport fishing in the Bahamas
Two events in Italy are promoting sustainable sport fishing in the Bahamas, highlighting practices such as catch-and-release and protection of marine ecosystems. The initiative aims to combine sport, culture and sustainability while supporting the local economy and environmental conservation.
Ecuador
Yunguilla, an example of sustainable community tourism in Ecuador
The community of Yunguilla, near Quito, is a model of sustainable community tourism, certified by TourCert. It offers authentic and engaging experiences, such as dairy production and organic farming, and has recently expanded its infrastructure to promote nature-related recreational and tourist activities.
Mexico
Mexican eco-parks promote responsible firefly watching
The firefly spotting season in the State of Mexico, from mid-June to the end of July 2025, involves more than 30 eco-parks that welcome tourists in a sustainable way. The initiative, supported by the local government, includes guidelines to protect ecosystems and training activities for tour operators, promoting mindful nature tourism.
Costa Rica
Gentrification in Pavones threatens the environmental and social balance
Luxury tourism is threatening the iconic surfing culture and environmental balance of Pavones, Costa Rica. The local community is standing up for sustainable tourism mindful of biodiversity and cultural identity.
Colombia
Urabá is evolving into a sustainable Colombian tourist destination
Urabá, a region historically associated with banana cultivation and conflict, is emerging as a new sustainable tourism destination in the Colombian Caribbean. Thanks to public and private initiatives, tourism now accounts for 15.55% of local businesses, promoting the region's natural and cultural assets and improving its infrastructure and services.
Asia
Singapore
Inauguration of the Sustainable Tourism Academy for hoteliers in Asia
Agoda and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council have launched the Sustainable Tourism Academy, a free platform for training Asian hoteliers on sustainable practices. The initiative aims to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly accommodation and transform the hotel industry through recognised sustainability standards.
Japan
Eco-tours in Hinohara: a new way to explore Tokyo
Hato Bus has initiated eco-tours in the village of Hinohara, working with the local government to promote sustainable tourism. The initiative includes use of environmentally friendly vehicles, and part of the proceeds will go towards promoting local ecotourism.
Vietnam
Phu Quoc prepares to become a centre of high-quality ecotourism
The island of Phu Quoc in Vietnam is becoming a model of sustainable tourism in the run-up to APEC 2027, promoting a green and clean city. With a significant increase in tourism, the island is focusing on becoming a high-quality and globally well-connected centre for tourist services.
India
Ujjain hosts Summit on Spiritual and Sustainable Well-being
Madhya Pradesh aims to become a global leader in spiritual and sustainable tourism, with initiatives such as subsidised land for medical institutions and private partnerships for a wellness ecosystem.
Europe
Denmark
Spring closure in aid of voluntourism in the Faroe Islands
Each year in May, the Faroe Islands close to regular tourists for a few days to enable volunteers to perform sustainable maintenance, improving accessibility and preserving the natural environment.
Spain
Calviá committed to developing sustainable and deseasonalised tourism
Calviá, Mallorca, is investing 20 million euros in modernising tourist areas while promoting sustainable, high-quality tourism. With 15 certified beaches plus renovated accommodation facilities, the municipality aims to deseasonalise tourist flows and balance the needs of residents and visitors.
Discover the lavender bloom in Ademuz and its benefits for sustainable tourism
Every summer, Ademuz in Spain is transformed by the flowering of its lavender fields, boosting sustainable tourism and the local economy. Guided tours and the ‘Lavender Bloom’ gourmet and craft market offer a unique experience, showcasing the local culture and environment.
Barcelona and other Spanish cities mobilise against overtourism
In Spain, cities such as Barcelona as well as the Canary and Balearic Islands are facing protests against overtourism, which is causing housing shortages and job insecurity. The initiatives propose alternatives such as regulation of short-term rentals and improvement of working conditions to promote more sustainable tourism.
Greece
Call for tangible sustainable development projects in Greece
In Greece, overtourism is threatening the sustainability of the Aegean Islands, with inadequate infrastructure putting pressure on local communities. The institutions propose creation of DMMOs and regulations to improve tourism management, but there is an urgent need to allocate fiscal resources to practical projects for sustainable development.
France
Ecological travel impact assessment in France
In France, there is a growing focus on sustainable tourism, with 35% of travellers considering their environmental impact and 64% preferring cleaner means of transport. However, cost remains a significant obstacle for many.
Ireland
‘Ireland Unrushed’ campaign promotes authentic and sustainable experiences
Tourism Ireland's ‘Ireland Unrushed’ campaign is inviting travellers to slow down for more authentic and sustainable experiences, exploring local nature and culture. The initiative promotes responsible and regenerative tourism with engaging videos and a Meaningful Travel Map.
United Kingdom
Airbnb encourages authentic stays away from crowded destinations
Airbnb has selected ten locations in the north of England as ‘hidden treasures’ to promote sustainable, authentic tourism far from the most popular destinations. The initiative aims to showcase the region's cultural and natural heritage, in partnership with Bradford 2025.
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