Sustainability News September 2025 N.1
3 September 2025
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2025
News from Italy
Slow and sustainable travel between Palermo and Rome on La Dolce Vita Orient Express
The La Dolce Vita Orient Express train offers a slow and luxurious travel experience between Palermo and Rome, using remodelled historic carriages. The initiative, in cooperation with Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane, the Italian state railway company, promotes sustainable tourism through the reinstatement of historic routes and the offer of affordable tickets.
Piedmont: network of bike-friendly tour operators in Piedmont
The Cammino di Oropa, supported by the Bellezza Foundation, has had a 20% increase in bookings thanks to a slow tourism model integrating walking and cycling. The initiative has created a network of bike-friendly operators, promoting a sustainable and authentic travel experience, with routes showcasing the spirituality and nature of the Piedmont region.
Shuttle link to Lake Sirio and environmental quality
The municipality of Ivrea has implemented a free shuttle service linking the city centre to Lake Sirio, promoting a sustainable alternative to cars. The weekend initiative has improved accessibility to the nature area, reduced traffic and improved environmental quality.
Festival combining literature and sustainable cultural tourism in Umbria
The Umbria Green Festival presents La forma dell’acqua (the shape of water), an event involving ten Italian female writers and exploring the topics of feminism, memory and tradition, promoting sustainable cultural tourism in inland areas of Umbria.
Cultural events and slow tourism in Liguria
The first edition of the Maps festival combines music, nature and slow tourism along the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri trail, with open-air concerts inspired by Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. It initiative aims to showcase the Ligurian mountain ridge, promoting cultural experiences and reconnection with nature.
A cultural project promoting slow and mindful tourism in Naples
From 4 September to 5 October 2025, Naples is hosting the second edition of Vespero Napoletano, a festival showcasing the city’s lesser-known locations through slow and mindful tourism. The event involves local communities and promotes accessibility and inclusion, offering a model of replicable and responsible tourism.
News from around the world
The Americas
Colombia
Pijao joins the Cittaslow international network
Pijao, in Colombia’s coffee region, has become the first ‘slow city’ in Latin America, joining the Cittaslow network. This award recognises the community's commitment to promoting sustainable tourism, fostering traditions, the environment and quality of life. Local initiatives have led to restoration, pollution reduction and entrepreneurship, transforming Pijao into a model of resilient and authentic development.
Asia
United Arab Emirates
Phillipa Harrison champions sustainable tourism in the Emirates
Phillipa Harrison has been appointed CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, bringing a strong commitment to sustainability. Her international experience will be pivotal in transforming the emirate into a ‘Destination of the Future’ with ambitious goals for responsible growth.
India
Ecotourism drives exploration of unusual destinations
Indian travellers are choosing lesser-known destinations such as the Seychelles and Vietnam, motivated by ecotourism and easier access. This trend is accompanied by a growth in travel insurance and a preference for authentic and safe experiences.
Indonesia
Denpasar launches electric shuttle service for an ecological transition
The city of Denpasar, Sanur beach, has introduced a permanent electric shuttle service to reduce carbon emissions and improve urban mobility. This project, part of a broader sustainability strategy, also includes the enlargement of pedestrian areas and incentives to use these shuttles, positioning Bali as a model of ecotourism.
Taiwan
Taiwan to host Asia’s largest sustainability expo
SDG Asia 2025, to be held in Taipei, will bring together over 100 exhibitors promoting actions for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the transition to zero emissions. The event will feature themed pavilions, international forums and interactive experiences to raise awareness and train new leaders in the field of sustainability.
Europe
Spain
Astrotourism emerges as a new form of sustainable tourism in Spain
In Spain, astrotourism is booming with a 300% increase in demand. This form of sustainable tourism, promoted by initiatives like UNESCO, offers unique astronomy experiences, made possible by air quality and the absence of light pollution.
Marine biodiversity and responsible tourism in El Hierro
The sighting of the sunray shark in the waters of El Hierro, after six years, underlines the importance of the Canary Islands’ marine biodiversity. Local authorities are promoting sustainable practices to protect vulnerable species, consolidating the archipelago’s image as an eco-tourism destination.
Holapueblo project to combat depopulation of rural areas in Spain
The Holapueblo project, supported by AlmaNatura and partners such as IKEA, aims to counter depopulation of rural areas in Spain through the relocation of families and entrepreneurs. The initiative advocates for local development and the harnessing of natural and cultural resources, with a positive impact on the social and business fabric, also supported by government plans for sustainable tourism.
Denmark
Copenhagen leads sustainable destinations for 2024
Copenhagen has been recognised as the world's most sustainable tourist destination for 2024 thanks to advanced climate policies, renewable energy and cycling. The city, along with other Scandinavian ones such as Stockholm, Oslo and Helsinki, demonstrates how sustainability enriches the tourist experience, combining quality of life with environmental strategies.
Malta
Rising prices and promotion of slow tourism in Malta
Despite a 46% increase in air fares, Malta continues to attract tourists thanks to its promotion of slow tourism and the low season. The Maltese tourist board is focusing on sustainable practices such as emission offsetting and eco-friendly accommodation to address the challenges of post-pandemic tourism.
United Kingdom
Climate change and the growth of domestic tourism
The UK is experiencing a tourism boom thanks to record temperatures, with a growing interest in sustainable tourism. Initiatives include eco-friendly housing and public transport, promoting lasting change by combining economic growth with environmental responsibility.
Switzerland
Deseasonalised eco-tourism in Italy and Switzerland
The SUSTAINEVENTS project, supported by the Interreg VI-A Italy-Switzerland Programme, promotes sustainable and deseasonalised tourism on Lake Maggiore and in Upper Piedmont. Through sporting, cultural and food & wine events, the initiative aims to showcase local traditions and landscapes, positioning the area as a leader in responsible tourism.
Norway
Implementation of regulations to safeguard polar bears and the Arctic ecosystem
In 2025, Svalbard has adopted new standards to protect the Arctic ecosystem, imposing safe distances from polar bears and limiting tourist numbers. The much-welcomed measures aim to reduce the impact of tourism and raise awareness of the importance of environmental conservation.
Estonia
Showcasing local cuisine and promoting sustainable practices
The Tallinn FoodFair 2025 will be held on 24 and 25 September at the Unibet Arena, promoting local cuisine and zero-kilometre organic products. The event, with 200 exhibitors and 5,000 visitors, will feature workshops on sustainable practices, strengthening the bond between the food industry and responsible tourism.
European cities reward responsible behaviour in tourism
Several European cities, including Copenhagen, Berlin and Helsinki, are adopting reward systems to promote sustainable tourism. These initiatives include benefits for people who use public transport, participate in community projects or choose low-emission transport, reinventing tourism as an opportunity for sustainability.
Strategies for managing demand in major European attractions
The ‘Beyond Capacity’ report analyses the pressure of tourism on cities like Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Amsterdam, proposing solutions such as digital ticketing, dynamic pricing and promotion of lesser-known attractions to improve sustainability and the tourist experience.
Eco-friendly initiatives
Increased birdwatching promotes sustainable development worldwide
Birdwatching is emerging as a powerful tool for sustainable development, particularly in tropical countries. Studies indicate that success depends on socio-economic and infrastructural factors as well as biodiversity. Investments in infrastructure and conservation policies are essential to maximising long-term benefits.
Increased female tourism and direct social impact
Female tourism is reshaping the sector, introducing more sustainable and inclusive experiences, with a positive impact on employment and empowerment of women in host countries. Women, who account for a significant part of the tourism workforce, are leading a shift towards a more responsible and transformative tourism.
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