Sustainability news April n.2
April 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026
News from Italy
Bagnoregio joins the European Ways with a new stage in the Via Francigena
Bagnoregio is joining the European Association of Vie Francigene, confirming its role in major international cultural routes. This step promotes slow and sustainable tourism, showcasing local historical and landscape heritage and creating new opportunities for community development and cohesion.
Fumaiolo Sentieri association launches awareness-raising campaign for hikers
The Fumaiolo Sentieri trails association is launching a campaign to make hikers aware of respectful behaviour in the mountains. It aims to spread a culture of respect for the land while promoting slow and sustainable tourism through trail maintenance and partnership with local communities.
Aquileia hosts the Festival dei Cammini, interweaving walking routes, cultures and stories
The Festival dei Cammini in Aquileia celebrates slow and sustainable tourism, transforming the city into a cultural meeting point. The event features workshops, walks and immersive activities promoting wellness, accessibility and the social impact of slow travel, strengthening cultural identity and connection between local communities.
News from around the world
The Americas
Bolivia
The Ministry of Tourism invites you to explore Baroque music in Bolivia, particularly in the Chiquitanía and Tarija regions
The ‘Misiones de Chiquitos’ International Renaissance and Baroque Music Festival in Bolivia shines a spotlight on cultural heritage and promotes sustainable tours, integrating local experiences and development of a creative economy.
Colombia
The lowdown on Colombia’s new UNESCO tool for transforming tourism management in historic centres
Colombia is implementing the UNESCO VMAST tool to improve tourism management in its heritage cities, focusing on a data-driven approach and community involvement. The initiative aims to balance economic development and quality of life, reducing conflicts while showcasing cultural and environmental heritage.
Peru
Peru launches an artificial intelligence-based virtual assistant for travel planning: find out how it works
Peru has launched an artificial intelligence-based virtual assistant to improve travel planning, promoting lesser-known destinations and sustainable experiences. This tool, integrated into the official tourist website, offers personalised and multilingual advice, helping diversify the country's tourist offering.
United States of America
The innovative role of the New York Botanical Garden in urban regeneration
The New York Botanical Garden is using plants and fungi to address the city's environmental challenges, including rising sea levels. The garden promotes natural solutions for a more resilient city through restoration of wetlands and use of native vegetation.
Asia
India
A canopy walk and a glass bridge: plans are afoot to put Bastar on the world tourism map
The Bastar region in Chhattisgarh is working on becoming an international tourist destination thanks to a project combining infrastructural development and natural enhancement. Ecotourism initiatives and training programmes for young people are at the heart of this plan, which aims to transform Bastar into a sustainable global attraction.
Sustainable development in the Kusmhi forest, Uttar Pradesh
A 4.84 Rs. crore project is set to transform the Kusmhi forest into an ecotourism hub featuring eco-friendly infrastructure and community initiatives. The goal is to promote sustainable tourism and generate employment through immersive experiences in nature.
Vietnam
Vietnam asserts itself as South East Asia’s leading eco tourism destination
Vietnam is emerging as a leader in sustainable tourism in South East Asia thanks to a national plan emphasising green tourism and local community participation. With over 30 national parks, the country offers immersive experiences combining environmental protection and economic growth.
Europe
How slow tourism can save cities from inundation by travellers and enrich local areas
The European Slowdown project is promoting slow tourism to reduce over-tourism and share economic benefits with less visited areas. Initiatives in Hungary, Slovakia and Spain are demonstrating how authentic and sustainable experiences can showcase rural and cross-border territories while improving quality of life for local communities.
EU Commission launches 2027 edition of the European Capitals of Tourism award
The European Commission has launched the 2027 edition of the European Capitals of Tourism award honouring the most innovative and sustainable destinations. The competition, open to cities and locations in the European Union, aims to promote tourism practices combining growth, innovation and sustainability.
From ‘townsizing’ to ‘dusking’: travel trend forecast for 2026
Tourism in 2026 is evolving towards more authentic and sustainable experiences, with a focus on solo getaways, outdoor holidays and a return to journeying by rail. Screen-free experiences and ‘dusking’ are also on the rise, promoting a deeper connection with the environment and local communities.
France
A year of filming for a travel journal celebrating Normandy all year round
A Year in Normandy is a documentary promoting sustainable tourism by showcasing the region in all seasons. The initiative aims to distribute tourist flows throughout the year, offering authentic and diverse experiences while reducing summer tourist pressure.
United Kingdom
William Wordsworth, the poet who wrote while walking
The famous English poet William Wordsworth was the original ‘slow traveller’, harnessing walking as a creative method. His journeys on foot show us how the slow movement can be a source of inspiration and connection with nature, promoting a more authentic and reflective travel experience.
The brain drain from rural Wales is not inevitable: we asked Generation Z what would convince them to stay
In rural Wales, Generation Z is offering ideas for sustainable development, such as experiential trails and showcasing of local heritage, to counteract the brain drain. The aim is to create opportunities allowing young people to imagine a future in their local areas.
Scotland’s 'slow travel’ railway line named Europe’s best
The train journey from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh has been ranked the best in Europe for slow tourism, thanks to its breathtaking scenery and the rise sustainable travel. This route reflects a European trend towards rail transport, an eco-friendly and scenic alternative to short flights.
Spain
Malaga to host 7th Ibero-American Sustainable Tourism Forum in May
In May 2026, Malaga is to host the 7th Ibero-American Forum on Sustainable Tourism, an event promoting dialogue between Europe and Latin America. The forum will focus on innovation, inclusiveness and sustainability in tourism, with participation by international experts and discussions on topics like industry resilience and new technologies.
Capture that perfect shot: new ‘selfie trail’ opens in Magaluf
Magaluf, Majorca, has a selfie trail integrating technology and sustainability. Photo booths and intelligent signage enable tourists to take pictures in the most scenic spots, while promoting responsible behaviour and increased awareness of the local area.
Madrid’s iconic locations make the Spanish capital a popular filming destination, and fans are eager to visit the sets
In Madrid, film-related tourism, known as ‘set-jetting’, is proving to be an important economic and cultural driver. From 2021 to 2024, the city hosted numerous film productions, generating significant economic benefits and showcasing its cultural heritage. This phenomenon not only generates employment but also promotes sustainable tourism through tours highlighting local neighbourhoods and activities.
Barcelona: the TRAM as a pillar of sustainable urban mobility
In 2025, Barcelona's TRAM system reached a record 39.2 million validated tickets, thanks to intermodal transport and extension of the network. This sustainable transport system reduces emissions and traffic, promoting territorial cohesion and local tourism through accessible cultural routes.
Eco-Scenarios
Why your dream holiday is best left unplanned: the advantages of ‘slow travel’
Slow tourism promotes a travel approach emphasising quality over quantity while encouraging longer stays and deep immersion in local cultures. This philosophy reduces stress, fosters authentic relationships with communities and adopts sustainable practices such as use of low-impact transport and local accommodation.
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