Sustainability news April n.1
April 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026
News from Italy
The Ciclovia dei Parchi della Calabria is a winner with the international public at the Padua Cycle Tourism Fair
With its 545 km through national and regional parks, the Ciclovia dei Parchi della Calabria [Calabria Parks Cycle Network] is an example of sustainable tourism that promotes deseasonalisation and local economic development. Its inclusion in the EuroVelo 7 circuit has increased its international profile, attracting cyclists interested in discovering local villages and traditions.
Easter 2026, train travel driving tourism: figures from the Trainline Observatory
During Easter 2026, train travel increased by 195%, highlighting a shift towards more sustainable transport solutions. Nature and lake destinations have seen significant growth, while the strengthened North-South connections are promoting more widespread and sustainable tourism.
Waste, Legambiente: ‘58% separate waste collection in nature areas. Slow growth'
The Legambiente report shows that separate waste collection in Italy's protected natural areas is below the national average, at 58%. The organisation proposes a 'Net Zero' Action Plan to improve waste management, integrating sustainable tourism policies and promoting waste-free facilities.
The Aeolian Islands, where you can start living peacefully again
The Aeolian Islands were presented as an example of sustainable tourism during the 'Aeolian Islands, UNESCO World Heritage' event. The initiative emphasised the importance of an experiential tourism that can enhance culture, local traditions, and food and wine, promoting a lifestyle based on authenticity and well-being. The focus is on a deseasonalised, sustainable tourism that creates a deep bond between visitors and the local area.
In cammino nell’Ecomuseo delle Piane Viscontee: gentle tourism walking around the villages is being planned at Materia
The project 'In cammino nell'Ecomuseo delle Piane e dei Luoghi Viscontei' promotes slow, sustainable tourism in the Varese area, cycling and walking routes to make the most of natural landscapes and relics from the past. The initiative aims to boost the local economy and encourage conscious local tourism.
Bologna Cycle Sundays 2026: routes, dates and Bike Park for children
Bologna’s Cycle Sundays are making their return in 2026 to promote sustainable mobility. The initiative offers cycling routes on roads closed to traffic, free cycling courses and a bike park for children, promoting cycling and making the most of the local landscape.
The ring of Ascoli Villages, a scenic journey around castles, hermitages and waterfalls
The Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani is an itinerary some one hundred kilometres long, around castles, hermitages and waterfalls, designed to promote slow tourism in the areas affected by the earthquake of 2016. This route offers an experience that combines nature, history, and local culture, promoting sustainability and making the most of the Marche region.
A journey of solidarity between the four pilgrimage routes in the Apennines
The Connect 4 Long Way project combines sport, nature and culture in an 815 km route through the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. The initiative promotes slow, supportive tourism, capitalising on local landscapes and traditions, while raising funds for research into CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD).
News from around the world
Africa
Eswatini
Community-led co-creation promoting sustainable tourism in the cultural landscape of Matsanjeni, Eswatini
In Eswatini, local communities are leading the development of sustainable tourism in the cultural landscape of Matsanjeni. Through a collaboration with UNESCO, practical steps have been set out to improve governance and develop heritage-based tourist itineraries. The aim of the initiative is community inclusion and empowerment, ensuring that the local population benefits directly from tourism.
The Americas
Colombia
Tasajera’s inhabitants lead bird spotting and ecological restoration in the Salamanca Island Road Park
The community of Tasajera, in the Salamanca Island National Park, is leading a sustainable tourism initiative that combines birdwatching and ecological restoration. With the support of local and international partners, residents protect mangroves and biodiversity, promoting environmental education and community involvement. This project not only preserves natural habitats, but also improves local living conditions.
Peru
Government approves the Roadmap for Circular Economy in Tourism to 2030
The Peruvian government has approved a roadmap for a circular economy in tourism through to 2030, aimed at transforming the sector according to criteria of sustainability and efficient use of resources. The plan includes concrete actions such as reducing plastic, recycling waste, and promoting local products, involving both the public and private sectors in a participatory approach.
United States of America
Explore the new indigenous guide to Route 66: main cultural highlights, local experiences, and authentic travel in 2026
The new Indigenous Guide to Route 66, developed by the American Indigenous Tourism Association, turns the famous route into a cultural and educational journey. Involving 24 tribal nations, the initiative offers authentic, sustainable experiences, promoting the cultural and environmental heritage of native communities.
Asia
India
Imagine walking through a bird park on a highway - Nagpur is building it
Development is under way on a biodiversity park at the Jamtha highway interchange in Nagpur, India. This project, a collaboration between the National Highway Authority and the Maharashtra Forestry Department, aims to promote ecotourism and the protection of local wildlife. With a significant investment, the initiative includes the creation of a bird park with advanced animal care facilities and sustainable visitor services.
Indonesia
The attraction of fine dining: Indonesia develops gastronomic tourism as far as Japan
Indonesia is collaborating with Japan to develop sustainable gastronomic tourism, integrating cuisine, agriculture and cultural traditions. The initiative aims to strengthen the identity of national tourism and promote the country's image abroad, creating an innovative, sustainable tourism ecosystem.
Thailand
Thailand adjusts its tourism strategy amid the energy crisis
Thailand is adapting its tourism strategy to address the energy crisis, promoting domestic and sustainable tourism. The focus is on travel experiences close to home, making the most of community-based tourism and emerging destinations to distribute economic benefits fairly and reduce costs for travellers.
Vietnam
Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) launches the Global Giving initiative
Flight Centre Travel Group, working with The Intrepid Foundation, has launched the FCTG Gives initiative to support local communities and promote responsible tourism. The initiative involves over fifty non-profit organisations in more than forty countries, offering employees volunteering and fund-raising opportunities, such as the Blue Dragon Marathon Walk in Vietnam.
Oceania
Australia
New app to protect whales and boost marine research
In Western Australia, the 'Marine Fauna Sightings' app has been updated to involve citizens and maritime operators in the collection of crucial data for humpback whale protection and marine research. The initiative promotes citizen science and aims to improve sustainable fisheries management and marine wildlife conservation.
Europe
France
In Orne, a bicycle unlike any other: what is the Watticyclette?
In Normandy, the Watticyclette is turning pedal power into electricity, promoting sustainable tourism and raising awareness of energy consumption. It involves young people and craftsmen in an educational community project.
Germany
Hiking in the Ore Mountains: the region is becoming a popular destination for hikers
The Ore Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are hosting the 123rd German Hiking Day, an event that showcases the area through hiking and cultural initiatives. The event emphasises the importance of hiking as a sustainable economic driver, promoting the discovery of nature and local culture.
Spain
Catalonia is allocating more than 240 million to cycle routes: 260 new kilometres and parking spaces in stations
Catalonia has launched a cycling plan 2026-2030, investing more than 240 million euros into creating a safe and efficient cycling network. The initiative aims to promote the daily use of bicycles, with 260 km of new tracks and safe parking at stations, in support of sustainable tourism and active mobility.
Blue tourism brings a wide range of valuable resources to the green economy
In the Canary Islands, blue tourism is integrated with the green economy through a programme supported by the regional government and scientific collaborations. With an investment of over four million euros, the initiative aims to develop a sustainable tourism model, promoting climate neutrality and smart tourism management.
Green routes: nature, sport and sustainable tourism promoting rural development
Greenways in Spain transform old railways into walking and cycling routes, promoting soft mobility and rural development. Since 1993, the Greenways Programme has reclaimed more than 3,600 km of tracks, redeveloping railway stations into tourist and cultural facilities, and contributing to the local economy and public health.
Eco-Scenarios
How sustainable heritage tourism and remote village initiatives are transforming global travel
Sustainable cultural tourism is transforming the global landscape, pushing travellers towards authentic experiences and local communities. UNESCO-supported initiatives and low-impact practices promote heritage conservation and inter-cultural dialogue, contributing to the goals of Agenda 2030.
Home or away? Because planning a sustainable holiday means more than just replacing a plane with a train
This article explores how planning a sustainable holiday requires more than just a change of transport, highlighting the need to reduce the demand for flights, especially long haul, and to promote slow and local tourism. It emphasises the importance of structural measures to encourage the use of trains and deeper reflection on the meaning of travel.
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