Sustainability news August n. 5

Trentino, a cool summer retreat: managing the new influx of tourists

Trentino is emerging as a summer holiday destination, calling for sustainable management of tourist numbers. Digital technology is essential for improving accessibility and distributing visitors evenly to avoid putting excessive pressure on mountain destinations.

In the heart of Umbria, a trail runs through quiet (and resilient) villages

The Cammino dei Borghi Silenti in Umbria is a 90-kilometre route fostering sustainable tourism and the revitalisation of small rural villages. Passing through thirteen villages, the route celebrates tranquillity and nature while boosting the economic and social development of local communities.

Hotels, fibre broadband and co-working spaces: the challenge of attracting digital nomads and young travellers to Italy’s inland regions

Italian inland regions are transforming hotels into spaces welcoming remote working to attract digital nomads and young travellers. Thanks to the Ultra-Broadband Plan, fibre-optic cables are being rolled out in many areas, improving connectivity, and hotels are reinventing themselves as local hubs, promoting ‘blended travel’ to distribute tourism more evenly throughout the year and support the local economy.

Siddi, the ‘workshop village’ transforming community resources into economic and social opportunities

The Siddi-borgo laboratorio project aims to transform this Sardinian village into a regional innovation centre, harnessing local resources and promoting sustainable tourism. The initiative involves the regeneration of historic buildings and creation of a multifunctional hub for cultural and business activities, engaging the local community and attracting investment.

Sardinia welcomes back raw earth, using mud bricks to beat the heat

In Sardinia, a return to ladiri – air-dried bricks made from raw earth, straw and water – offers a sustainable solution for tackling high temperatures. This traditional technique, harnessing the thermal inertia and breathability of clay, is employed in cultural and tourism initiatives, promoting local identity together with climate adaptation.

Pontboset in the Aosta Valley, population 180, named Italy’s most virtuous village 2025

Pontboset, in the Aosta Valley, has been recognised as Italy’s most exemplary municipality for 2025 thanks to its commitment to sustainability. The village has adopted practices such as zero land consumption, energy efficiency and sustainable transport, combining slow, nature-based tourism with trails through history and nature.

Walking routes: the Southern Via Francigena is a model of accessibility

The Southern Via Francigena in Apulia is an outstanding example of slow and accessible tourism thanks to a project designed to make the route accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities and special needs. The initiative involves mapping, maintenance and innovative technologies to showcase villages and promote sustainable tourism.

Africa

Egypt

Animal welfare: new ban on camel and horse rides among the pyramids

The Egyptian authorities have banned camel and horse rides in the Giza Pyramid area to improve animal welfare and promote more sustainable tourism. Introduction of electric buses and cars aims to reduce environmental impact and modernise the tourist experience.

South Africa

Long-stay holidays and local experiences benefit SMEs and local economies

South Africa is experiencing a tourism shift towards longer stays with a focus on local experiences. This trend benefits small businesses and local economies, with a positive impact on sustainability and environmental conservation.

The Americas

Costa Rica

Monteverde, a model of tropical cloud forest conservation

Monteverde in Costa Rica is a success story in conservation of tropical cloud forests. Since 1972, scientists and environmentalists having been making this area a research centre and a model of sustainable tourism, combining environmental protection, education and local community engagement.

Mexico

From hunters to guardians: this village has recruited 300 crocodiles as allies of tourism

The community of La Ventanilla, in Mexico, has turned crocodile conservation into an economic opportunity through ecotourism. Since 2000, the local co-operative has protected over 300 crocodiles, combining biodiversity conservation with sustainable tourism. Activities include rowing boat trips and assistance with sea turtle conservation, generating income for the community and promoting protection of local ecosystems.

Asia

India

State of Kerala launches ‘Be a Malayali for a Day’ experiential tourism initiative

Kerala has launched the ‘Be a Malayali for a Day’ initiative, transforming tourists into active participants in local culture. Its aim is to preserve cultural heritage, support artists and promote sustainable economic growth through authentic and engaging experiences.

Kaas Plateau reopens with new facilities to protect the ecosystem

The Kaas Plateau in India is reopening with new facilities designed to enhance the visitor experience and protect its fragile ecosystem. The initiative aims to better manage tourist numbers and reduce waste by encouraging use of earthenware cups instead of plastic ones.

Thailand

‘The Year of Transformation’ campaign redefines tourism in Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched ‘The Year of Transformation’ strategy for 2027, oriented towards sustainable, high-quality tourism. This initiative aims to enhance the tourist experience, promote emerging destinations and showcase the country’s cultural and natural heritage.

Vietnam

New ecotourism opportunities on the summit of Mount Kim Phung

Mount Kim Phung in Hue, Vietnam, is becoming an ecotourism hub thanks to a 28.5 billion VND project improving accessibility while preserving the natural landscape. The initiative aims to combine nature, history and culture while promoting sustainability without altering the original environment.

In search of stories: new definition of a meaningful journey

Tourism in Vietnam is evolving towards more authentic and slower-paced experiences focusing on stays with local families and cultural activities. Travellers wish to immerse themselves in culture and everyday life, choosing meaningful experiences over traditional tourist attractions.

Europe

France

Street art and cultural tourism along the Charentonne Greenway

In Normandy, the Intercom Bernay Terres de Normandie is promoting a street art project along the Charentonne greenway, combining sustainable transport with cultural tourism. This initiative aims to transform cycling and walking trails into cultural spaces, raising awareness of the landscape and environment through projects actively involving residents and visitors.

From spurned city to Insta sensation: Marseille is France’s new capital of overtourism

Once-overlooked Marseille is now a leading French tourist destination, but overtourism has brought significant challenges. Local authorities are implementing sustainable tourism measures, such as restrictions on Airbnb rentals and daily visitor quotas, to balance economic benefits with residents’ quality of life and ecosystem protection.

Portugal and Spain

Digital twins, sensors and 3D models: technology in the service of protecting our historical heritage

The HEPRESTONE project is using advanced digital technologies, like digital twins and 3D models, to preventively conserve historical heritage while promoting sustainable tourism. These technologies enable monitoring and prevention of monument damage while also improving tourist flow management.

Scotland

Sustainable makeover for Strathclyde Watersports Centre

The Strathclyde Watersports Centre in Scotland is to be transformed into a modern, sustainable facility thanks to a £15.5 million project. The initiative involves installation of a heat pump system and solar panels to reduce emissions by 90%, promoting sustainable tourism and benefiting the local community.

Spain

Four islands, one goal: how the Balearics are reinventing tourism with an eco-friendly approach

The Balearic Islands are transforming their tourism model with a focus on sustainability. Sustainable Tourism Levies are being used to fund projects tackling water scarcity and climate change while protecting natural resources such as Posidonia oceanica seagrass beds. Initiatives include modernisation of desalination plants and reuse of treated water, demonstrating how tourism and environmental protection can go hand in hand.

Las Palmas to host active tourism and ecotourism conference

On 25 September, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is hosting the National Congress on Active Tourism and Ecotourism, an event that will bring together experts and industry professionals to discuss transformation of the tourism model, regulation of outdoor activities and adaptation to climate change. The event aims to promote more sustainable and coordinated tourism in the Canary Islands.

Eco-scenarios

#nogeotag, the new trend among influencers saying no to geotagging to prevent overtourism

In Switzerland, the #nogeotag campaign is encouraging people not to share natural sites’ exact locations on social media to combat tourist overcrowding. The initiative aims to protect fragile and lesser-known destinations by promoting more responsible and sustainable tourism. Switzerland Tourism is also activating social media rangers to manage tourist flows and promote alternative destinations.

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