Sustainability News December 2025 N.4
December 2025
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2025
News from Italy
Discovering Maranello beyond the Ferrari myth through responsible tourism
The Unexpected Maranello project promotes sustainable tourism by enhancing the local community and its excellence. Through a digital guide, it encourages longer stays and an authentic discovery of the area, with a focus on virtuous practices and inclusion.
2026 Calendars: storytelling and enhancement of Ligurian park heritage
The 2026 calendars of the Ligurian Parks showcase the identity of the territory, bringing together sea, mountains, and biodiversity. The initiative celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of the regional natural parks and the achievement of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, promoting mindful and respectful travel.
Enhancing Sardinia’s territory through a sustainable trail network
Nùrcara is a new network of hiking trails in the municipalities of Villanova, in Sardinia, promoting slow and sustainable tourism. With over 31 km of routes, the project aims to counter depopulation and enhance local natural and cultural heritage, integrating with the regional network and collaborating with institutions such as Forestas and CAI.
Sustainable management of tourist flows in Rome
Rome is considering the introduction of an entry ticket for tourists visiting the Trevi Fountain, with the aim of better managing visitor flows and generating resources to improve tourism services and the management of urban heritage. This measure aligns with a broader European trend toward more sustainable use of tourist attractions.
Exploring Sicily through sustainable walking routes and cycle paths
Sicily promotes slow and sustainable tourism by enhancing walking routes and cycle paths that cross natural and historical landscapes. The Belìce Valley, with its cultural and natural heritage, offers an authentic travel experience that respects local communities.
News from around the world
Africa
Morocco
Tourism data system for sustainable and competitive management
Morocco has launched an advanced tourism data system to improve the sustainable management of tourism. The initiative aims to redistribute tourist flows, enhance lesser known areas, and protect environmental and cultural heritage through the use of big data and artificial intelligence.
The Americas
Chile
Magdalena Island: the penguin sanctuary that turns Chilean Patagonia into a spectacle
Magdalena Island, part of the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, is an example of sustainable tourism in Patagonia. With over 60,000 Magellanic penguins, the island offers regulated routes that protect biodiversity and promote environmental conservation.
A winning strategy for adventure tourism in Chile
Chile has been recognized as the World’s Best Adventure Destination thanks to a national strategy that integrates nature, sustainability, and community involvement. The development model, based on the Sustainable Tourism 2035 strategy, has led to significant growth in international tourism, demonstrating the effectiveness of a long term vision.
Colombia
Revitalizing Zipaquirá’s historic center through heritage restoration
Zipaquirá has launched a project to transform its historic center, combining urban heritage restoration with community engagement and a vision of sustainable tourism development. The initiative stands out for its multidisciplinary approach and the use of scientific methods to protect heritage.
Asia
Indonesia
Extension of strategic programs for sustainable tourism in Indonesia
Indonesia is extending its sustainable tourism programs until 2026, focusing on tourist villages, sustainability certifications, and innovation in tourism offerings. The goal is to ensure benefits for local communities and improve the quality of the visitor experience through initiatives such as the Clean Tourism Movement and the integration of digital solutions.
Vietnam
Vietnam named World’s Leading Heritage Destination
Vietnam has been recognized as the “World’s Leading Heritage Destination” at the 2025 World Travel Awards, thanks to its ability to integrate history, culture, and landscapes into a sustainable enhancement strategy. This recognition highlights the importance of protecting the country’s cultural and natural heritage while promoting high quality tourism that respects the environment and local traditions.
Malaysia
Responsible and eco friendly management of public restrooms in Malaysia
In Malaysia, attention to hygiene, accessibility, and maintenance of public restrooms is crucial to improving the tourist experience and promoting sustainability. Initiatives such as the use of digital apps and sustainable wastewater management position the country as a responsible destination.
Thailand
Promoting eco friendly destinations and community based tourism
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched TravelGreenThailand.com, a platform promoting sustainable travel. The site offers eco friendly itineraries, certified accommodations, and tips to reduce environmental impact, supporting local communities and enhancing cultural heritage.
Middle East
Jordan
Baraka Destinations: a model of sustainable and community based tourism
Muna Haddad, through Baraka Destinations, promotes community based tourism in Jordan that enhances local culture and resources. The model is based on circular economy and inclusion, with 73% of revenues remaining within local communities. Through micro enterprises and training, it fosters slow, low impact tourism that counters overtourism.
Europe
The Green Belt along the former Iron Curtain is Europe’s largest conservation and development initiative
The European Green Belt, spanning 24 countries, is a conservation project that promotes sustainable ecotourism. Transforming a historic separation zone into an ecological corridor, it supports biodiversity and local economies through the involvement of small businesses and traditional knowledge.
Dashboard update for integrated tourism planning
The 2025 update of the EU Tourism Dashboard provides an integrated view of the green, digital, and socio economic transformations of tourism in Europe. With new indicators on environmental sustainability and social inclusion, the platform supports more informed and resilient tourism policies.
Denmark
Planning strategies to reduce environmental impact in tourism
Transport accessibility is crucial for sustainable tourism, as shown by GIS studies analyzing urban infrastructure. Copenhagen is an example of inclusive planning that improves the tourist experience while reducing environmental impact.
France
Cotentin awarded the Green Destinations label for sustainable tourism
Cotentin has received the Green Destinations label, recognizing its commitment to sustainable tourism. The destination achieved a score of 7.4 out of 10 thanks to its environmental, socio economic, and cultural strategies. The label, aligned with GSTC standards, strengthens its long term sustainability efforts.
Germany
German strategy for cultural and sustainable tourism targeting India
Germany has redefined its tourism strategy to attract Indian travelers, focusing on culture and sustainability. The German National Tourist Board emphasizes authentic cultural experiences and multi city itineraries, promoting more conscious and sustainable tourism.
Spain
Promoting camping for off season and sustainable tourism in Castellón
The province of Castellón has launched the #CampInCastelló campaign to promote camping as a form of sustainable tourism, reducing seasonality and enhancing the territory. The initiative, in collaboration with ASHOTUR, involved influencers to showcase camping as a nature friendly travel option, supporting the local economy and attracting environmentally conscious international tourists.
Modernizing hiking routes with QR codes in Zamora
The province of Zamora has launched a project to modernize the Sanabria hiking routes using QR codes and digital tools. Part of the Tourism Sustainability Plan, the initiative aims to improve accessibility and visitor experience, promoting more sustainable and competitive tourism.
Eco Scenarios
Suspected greenwashing vs trust in hotels
Growing attention to sustainability has led to an increase in “green” claims by accommodation providers, making it difficult to distinguish between genuine actions and superficial communication. Travelers’ trust increases with transparency and verifiable data, while suspicion of greenwashing can damage hotel reputations.
The search for cultural authenticity in luxury tourism in 2026
Luxury tourism is evolving toward authentic cultural experiences, but the fragility of local traditions poses a challenge. UNESCO reports a rise in endangered practices, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to preserve intangible cultural heritage. Tourism can become a tool for active protection when it transforms the demand for authenticity into concrete support for living cultures.
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Elaborata da Extreme Srl per Enit SpA