Sustainability news August n. 4
August 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026

News from Italy

On Capri, art travels by bus: a transport company-museum agreement

On the island of Capri, an agreement between Azienda Trasporti Campana and local museums is aiming to improve historic site accessibility and tourist flow management. New electronic travel cards promote cultural heritage by encouraging public transport use and more sustainable tourism.

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Confcommercio launches the ‘Trasimeno Autentico per Natura’ campaign

The Trasimeno Autentico per Natura campaign, launched by the Confcommercio Trasimeno confederation and the Umbria region, seeks to promote Lake Trasimeno through slow tourism and local authenticity. The initiative involves local businesses as ambassadors for the region, focusing on a collective narrative that showcases the area’s landscapes, traditions and authentic flavours.

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The Archeotreno is back on track, heading for Pietrarsa, Caserta Royal Palace and the Pompeii and Paestum sites

Campania is reviving sustainable tourism through the Archeotreno, offering over 30 journeys on historic trains to showcase the region’s cultural and natural heritage. The initiative promotes slow and local tourism, linking towns and villages through integrated transport.

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Design: Alchimie lights up the second edition of Salerno Design Week

Salerno Design Week 2026 is a hub for innovation and sustainability, promoting design as a tool for economic development and urban regeneration. The event features exhibitions and talks on sustainable tourism, involving local designers and businesses to highlight the Campania region’s cultural and manufacturing heritage.

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From agriculture to social welfare: quality of life in the Marche region as a competitive and attractive edge

The Marche Region is implementing a regional model combining organic farming, the revival of villages and promotion of local produce to attract tourists and investors. The initiative aims to promote slow tourism, improve quality of life and make the area more competitive and attractive.

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News from around the world

Africa

Nigeria

The Federal Government launches ‘Ember to Remember’, a 100-day national season to boost tourism

Nigeria is launching the ‘Ember to Remember 2026’ initiative to coordinate cultural and tourism events as part of a national calendar, promoting more sustainable, organised tourism. Its aim is to promote local cultural identities and generate economic benefits for communities.

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The Americas

Canada

Canadians’ show growing interest in Indigenous-led tourism (although participation remains low)

In Canada, interest in tourism led by Indigenous peoples is on the rise, but actual participation remains low. Intrepid Travel is working to bridge this gap by expanding partnerships with local businesses and incorporating cultural experiences into its tours, such as the ‘We Are the Land’ initiative in Whistler. The goal is to make these experiences more accessible and recognisable while promoting local culture and traditions.

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Peru

The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism announces new visitor capacity study to ensure sustainable tourism at Machu Picchu

Peru is launching a study into Machu Picchu’s visitor capacity to improve sustainable management of the site. The initiative aims to strike a balance between tourist numbers and the conservation of cultural and natural heritage, in line with the 2026–2031 Local Development Plan.

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United States

Savannah, Georgia, is considering new restrictions on evening tours in the historic centre to protect residents’ quality of life

In Savannah, the Savannah Association of Local Tours (SALT) is working to strike a balance between tourism and residents’ quality of life. Restriction of night-time tour operating hours is being discussed to minimise impact on residential neighbourhoods and find a model of sustainable tourism that can conserve the historic centre and jobs.

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Asia

China

Green energy powers China’s ‘summer retreat’ amid international tourism boom

China is positioning itself as an alternative summer destination, using renewable energy to attract tourists seeking milder climates. Facilities such as the Shanghai L+SNOW Indoor Skiing Theme Resort are using advanced energy-efficiency technologies to reduce CO₂ emissions. The expansion of renewable energy and modern infrastructure supports this new form of sustainable tourism.

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India

Asia’s first desert-themed night safari is coming to Gujarat

Gujarat is set to host Asia’s first desert-themed night-time safari, an initiative designed to promote ecotourism in the region. The plan, which will cover 103 hectares, includes a zoological park and drive-through trails, offering a unique experience featuring 2,700 animals from 83 species.

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Nashik: the Nandur Madhameshwar Shrine focuses on ecotourism, with a spotlight on conservation and local job creation

The Nandur Madhameshwar Shrine in Nashik, Maharashtra, is poised to become a model of ecotourism, combining biodiversity conservation with local development. The project involves habitat improvements, birdwatching facilities and low-impact activities, involving local communities in its management and allocating 30% of revenues to their development.

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Introducing India’s first ‘dark sky village’, a tribal hamlet in Nashik

The village of Udhamal, in Maharashtra, is set to become India’s first Dark Sky Community, thanks to a project designed to reduce light pollution. This initiative protects the environment while also promoting astrotourism, showcasing the local area through stargazing.

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Malaysia

Wildlife: Malaysia needs sustainable tourism to protect its marine environment

The MareCet organisation in Malaysia promotes sustainable tourism practices to protect vulnerable marine species such as dolphins and porpoises. The initiative includes the creation of a code of conduct for tourist boats plus educational programmes to raise awareness of the importance of marine conservation among tourists and local communities.

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Vietnam

Phu Yen Geopark takes inspiration from the Dong Van karst plateau to become a UNESCO Global Geopark

The Phu Yen Geopark in Vietnam is aiming to achieve UNESCO status as a Global Geopark, drawing inspiration from the Dong Van model. The initiative promotes geological and cultural heritage conservation, the development of geotourism and experiential tourism and use of advanced technologies to support local communities.

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Europe

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Italy promotes sustainable tourism in Bosnia via the Waterfall Route

The Via delle Cascate project, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, promotes sustainable tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The initiative aims to promote natural and cultural heritage through route regeneration and footpath development, generating economic opportunities for local communities.

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France

In the run-up to its 70th birthday, the Narbonne-Plage marina prepares for refurbishment with a spotlight on sustainability

The Narbonne-Plage marina is set to be refurbished with a focus on sustainability, with new water-saving systems and a bid for Clean Ports certification. These initiatives aim to improve environmental management and promote more responsible tourism.

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The Ardèche, modelling local and sustainable holidays

The Ardèche, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is distinguished by its sustainable tourism approach featuring initiatives that promote sustainable transport and cultural heritage protection. The famous Ardèche Gorges and Chauvet Cave form the heart of a responsible tourism initiative showcasing nature and local culture.

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Germany

DERTOUR Report: the new way of travelling, combining slow travel, digital detoxes and solo trips

The DERTOUR report reveals a growing interest in slow travel and digital detoxes among European travellers. 53.2% of responders prefer to travel at a leisurely pace, while 48.9% are seeking to unplug from digital devices. These trends highlight a form of tourism focused on time quality and personal well-being.

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Ireland

UNESCO Together launches Ireland-wide cultural heritage network

UNESCO Together is a two-year initiative across Ireland’s UNESCO sites promoting cross-border cooperation and sustainable tourism. The project aims to combine culture with environmental protection, engaging local communities through events and educational activities.

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Norway

Can the cool North cope with rising climate tourism?

As temperatures rise, travellers are increasingly drawn to cooler destinations such as Norway. However, the influx of tourists risks damaging fragile ecosystems. Initiatives like tourist tax and voluntary contributions are used to try to protect these areas, ensuring sustainable tourism.

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Spain

La Vuelta cuts plastic bottle use by 95%

The Vuelta a España has cut plastic bottle use by 95%, planted 1,000 trees and introduced hybrid vehicles for transport. The event promotes cycling as a means of exploring and showcasing the country in a sustainable way.

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Eco-scenarios

What makes you a ‘touron’ (idiot tourist)? Travel experts share 11 national park errors to avoid

The article highlights the importance of behaving responsibly in national parks to prevent damage to ecosystems. Actions such as staying on the paths, keeping your distance from animals and not leaving rubbish behind are essential for preserving nature and minimising human impact.

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Mad about foreign supermarkets, the new travel destination for people wishing to immerse themselves in local life

The growing trend for visiting supermarkets and food shops while travelling offers an authentic and sustainable experience, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the daily life of local communities. This approach promotes a slower, more mindful form of tourism, off the beaten tourist tracks.

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Tourist taxes and levies should be tailored to individual destinations and goals

Tourist taxes serve to combat overtourism and fund public and environmental services. Each destination must, however, tailor these taxes to its own needs to ensure transparency and sustainability.

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