Sustainability news February n.2
February 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026
News from Italy
Basilicata by bike, and a new route (308 km) to discover it
Basilicata inaugurates its Ciclovia Meridiana, a 308 km cycling route promoting slow, sustainable tourism. The route crosses natural and cultural landscapes, linking villages, parks and archaeological sites, and highlighting local traditions. This project is a significant step towards a more responsible tourism, off the beaten track.
It looks like an enchanted ice kingdom, but it’s just a stone's throw from Rome
Monte Livata, in the Simbruini Mountains, promotes slow, sustainable and eco-friendly tourism. Accessible routes and conscious choices make the most of centuries-old beech forests and mountain landscapes, turning hikes into authentic, regenerating experiences.
Mushrooms bring a new model of sustainable tourism in Cevo (Valcamonica)
In Cevo, the MeetFungi project turns mushroom picking into an opportunity for sustainable tourism, promoting knowledge and environmental protection. Involving partners such as Federparchi and Ispra, the initiative offers educational and research activities that make the most of local biodiversity.
News from around the world
Africa
Cultural tourism: from southern Africa to Benin, heritage as a lever for development
UNESCO, with the support of the EU, has launched a three-year programme to promote sustainable cultural tourism in Southern Africa, making the most of historical sites and involving local communities. Benin, with its tourism strategy based on history and cultural identity, aims to turn heritage into a lever for inclusive growth.
The Americas
Costa Rica
Costa Rica organises the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism
Costa Rica is preparing to lead the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027, promoting concrete actions for responsible tourism. The aim is to turn global consensus into measurable results by linking tourism to the development and well-being of local communities.
Peru
Ayllu Verde, UNESCO Peru and KOICA plan to promote sustainable tourism in Cusco
The Ayllu Verde project, supported by UNESCO Peru and Koica, aims to make tourism more sustainable in Cusco, protecting the local natural and cultural heritage through waste management and the circular economy.
Asia
Japan
Smaller than a human hand, the Shima-enaga bird, a symbol of ecotourism in Japan
The Shima-enaga, known as the 'Snow Fairy', is a symbol of ecotourism in Japan. This tiny bird attracts birdwatchers, promoting sustainable tourism that respects biodiversity and promotes the Hokkaido area.
Overtourism: Fujiyoshida suspends hanami to protect the environment
The cancellation of Fujiyoshida’s cherry blossom festival highlights the limits of mass tourism. The decision aims to protect the environment and the local community, showing a sustainable approach that could influence other global destinations.
India
2026 budget: new investments for temple tourism and India's sacred cities
India's Union Budget 2026 sets out significant investments to improve the infrastructure of temple cities, promoting tourism that integrates spirituality and sustainable development. This approach aims at transforming sacred cities into active economic ecosystems, improving connectivity and hospitality for visitors.
Uttar Pradesh celebrates World Wetlands Day with a nature and birdwatching festival
Uttar Pradesh celebrated World Wetlands Day with events dedicated to nature and biodiversity, including a festival in Deogarh. The initiative reiterated the importance of wetlands for sustainable development, promoting Bundelkhand as an ecotourism destination.
Neeli Jheel could soon become Delhi's first Ramsar site as efforts continue to protect the iconic wetland
Delhi is committed to obtaining Ramsar recognition for Neeli Jheel, stressing the importance of wetlands for biodiversity and environmental protection. This international recognition aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of these crucial ecosystems.
Maldives
Maldives launches the Tech4Nature Project to save whale sharks
The Maldives have initiated the Tech4Nature project to protect whale sharks in the South Ari Marine Protected Area, using digital technologies to improve the management and safety of the area. The initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism practices and support local communities.
Malaysia
How a royal tiger reserve is protecting Malaysia's last big cats
The Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve in Malaysia, established in 2023, expands Taman Negara by more than 30%, creating a natural corridor for tigers and other species. Monitored by photo traps and rangers, the reserve is an example of biodiversity protection supported by local communities and international funding.
Vietnam
The city of Quy Nhon receives the Clean Tourist City Award 2026
Quy Nhon, a coastal city in Vietnam, has won the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award for the third time, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to environmental protection and sustainable tourism development. This award strengthens its reputation and promotes a model of sustainable tourism in the province of Gia Lai.
Europe
France
Alternative travel: why rail is the main choice for 2026
In 2026, trains emerge as the main choice for travel in Europe, due to environmental and cultural factors. European policies support this transition with investments in railways and night trains, making the system competitive and sustainable.
1-euro train tickets for sustainable travel in Occitania
The Region of Occitania relaunches 1-euro train tickets to promote accessible, sustainable travel. The first weekend of every month, from February to December, travellers can explore the region in a cheap, environmentally friendly way, rediscovering historic villages and natural destinations.
Wales
Welsh island offers free accommodation in exchange for puffin protection
The island of Skomer is offering free accommodation in exchange for volunteering for environmental conservation. Volunteers participate in the puffin census, helping to protect a vulnerable species.
Germany
Successful recertification for all 20 fairytale trails in the Knüll Nature Park
The 20 theme trails of the Knüll Nature Park, Germany have once again been awarded the quality seal of the German Hiking Institute, confirming their commitment to sustainable hiking tourism. Recertification emphasises the importance of the naturalness, varied landscapes, and continuous maintenance, thanks to the joint effort of local administrations and volunteers.
Spain
Positive trend for non-hotel accommodation in Spain
In 2025, non-hotel accommodation in Spain, such as tourist apartments, camp-sites and rural houses, recorded a significant increase in overnight stays. This trend was encouraged by high hotel prices and the Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2030, which promotes a fairer distribution of tourist flows and reduces pressure on the most congested destinations.
Over 2 million travellers prefer house swaps to hotels
In Spain, house swaps are emerging as a sustainable alternative to traditional tourism, promoting authentic stays and reducing environmental impact. This model boosts the distribution of tourist flows and supports the local economy, contributing to a more balanced, community-friendly tourism.
Eco-scenarios
Slow tourism for two: the trends for Valentine's Day 2026 redefine romance
In 2026, Valentine's Day is evolving with slow travel, an approach that emphasises shared time and sustainability. Couples choose extended stays in one destination, for authentic experiences and reduced environmental impact. This trend promotes a deeper connection and more responsible tourism.
UN Tourism defines the new global strategy 2027 for sustainable tourism
The UN Tourism strategic roadmap for 2027 aims to integrate sustainability and resilience into global tourism, involving governments and businesses. The aim is to promote climate policies and destination protection, adapting business models for greener hospitality.
The content linked in this press review is the property of the respective authors and/or publishers. The links are shared for informational purposes only.
Processed by Extreme Srl for Enit SpA