Sustainability news February n.3
February 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026
News from Italy
Visiting Liguria’s Aveto Regional Nature Park, the other face of the Riviera
The Aveto Regional Nature Park in Liguria is a model of slow, mindful tourism, showcasing the territory through excursions, wildlife observation and cultural activities. Agricultural micro-entrepreneurship and widespread hospitality promote rural development while countering depopulation.
EY Future Travel Behaviours Observatory reveals new trends in European tourism
Gen Z is driving a shift in European tourism towards hybrid models combining work and pleasure, with a strong focus on sustainability. AI and social media are influencing travel choices, promoting less crowded destinations and more mindful tourism.
Record rail tourism with historic trains and slow travel
The spring of 2026 marks a new record for rail tourism in Italy, with historic trains criss-crossing the country and promoting slow, sustainable tourism. Initiatives such as the Train of Remembrance and the Parks Railway offer cultural and immersive experiences, showcasing local landscapes and traditions.
Balancing environmental protection and sustainable development in the Veneto region parks
National and regional parks in the Veneto region, like the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park and the Euganean Hills Regional Park, exemplify environmental conservation coexisting with sustainable development. These areas, also recognised by UNESCO, promote responsible tourism through environmental education and targeted policies.
News from around the world
Africa
The ecological transition as a strategic response to the climate crisis in Africa
Africa, although vulnerable to climate change, has an opportunity to lead the green transition because of its renewable resources. Sustainability is becoming an economic necessity, with resilient agriculture and climate infrastructure playing a key role. Through stronger governance, this continent can attract climate investment and become a leader in global climate solutions.
The Americas
Canada
Promoting winter tourism on Anticosti Island
Anticosti Island is developing sustainable winter tourism through initiatives such as snowmobile tours and partnerships with Sépaq. A $900,000 investment aims to double the island’s accommodation capacity, demonstrating its tourism potential also during the winter.
Peru
Children filming to save their forest: a community documentary to combat wildlife trafficking in Peru
In the community of Corosha, children and women have created a documentary to raise awareness of the illegal trade in wild animals. The initiative, part of a community conservation project, uses participatory film-making to promote biodiversity protection as well as empowerment through ecotourism and sustainable crafts.
First scientific expedition for satellite monitoring of humpback whales launches in Peru
In Peru, the first scientific expedition for the satellite monitoring of humpback whales marks a step forward in conservation of these cetaceans. The initiative, led by Cetalab, MarEcoTel and WWF Peru, aims to collect accurate data on whale movements, supporting conservation strategies and promoting sustainable tourism including whale watching.
Kuélap to modernise its Visitors Centre and enhance heritage conservation of the Malcapampa monument
The archaeological site of Kuélap, in Peru, is launching a project to modernise the Visitor Centre and preserve the Malcapampa gateway. The initiative, in partnership with the World Monuments Fund, aims to improve accessibility to and protection of this heritage by promoting sustainable and engaging tourism.
Asia
India
Delhi to roll out double-decker tourist buses from 20 February: routes, fares and key details
From 20 February 2026, Delhi will be introducing double-decker tourist buses, powered by electricity and natural gas, to promote more sustainable tourism. The initiative aims to improve tourism infrastructure and reduce pollution by offering an eco-friendly alternative to private transport.
Kerala's Responsible Tourism wins global recognition for women's empowerment and rural development
Kerala has received international recognition for its responsible tourism model promoting women's empowerment and rural development. With 50% of the budget allocated to female-led initiatives, the project supports 150,000 families and enhances local communities through farm holidays and culinary tourism.
Palampur tulip garden opens to visitors, growing ecological and scientific tourism in Himachal Pradesh
The new tulip garden in Palampur, in Himachal Pradesh, integrates scientific research and sustainability, promoting ecotourism and new economic opportunities for local farmers.
Vietnam
UNESCO heritage meets innovation: how Hoi An Ancient Town in Vietnam is revolutionising travel with GenAI
Hoi An, a UNESCO heritage town, is revolutionising tourism by introducing multilingual audio guides based on generative artificial intelligence. This project aims to personalise the tourist experience while preserving cultural heritage and improving visitor flow management.
The impact of tourism on plastic pollution in Vietnam
A UNDP report reveals that tourists in Vietnam generate up to twice as much plastic waste as local residents, with a significant impact on the environment and the economy. The Vietnamese authorities are stressing the importance of reducing plastic waste to achieve sustainable tourism.
Europe
France
Innovation in transport to revitalise rural areas of France
France is introducing electric ‘ferromobiles’, vehicles that run on both road and railway tracks, to revitalise tourism in rural areas. This low-emission solution uses abandoned railway lines, offering a sustainable and immersive travel experience in line with green tourism goals and the France 2030 programme.
Launch of the Tour de Haute-Garonne cycleway, for slow and sustainable tourism
The Tour de Haute-Garonne is a 665 km cycle route in 13 stages, promoting low-impact tourism through Haute Garonne. The initiative showcases areas such as Revel and Saint-Ferréol, encouraging slow and sustainable exploration of the area.
Greece
The Great Greek Odyssey: Meteora and Ithaca unveil historic twinning for sustainable tourism
The municipalities of Meteora and Ithaca have twinned to promote sustainable tourism through cultural exchanges and community projects. The initiative aims to enhance natural and cultural heritage by involving local communities and young people in educational and environmental activities.
Spain
Project Remar2 revolutionises fishing management using AI
The Balearic Islands are implementing the Remar2 project, using artificial intelligence and cameras to improve fishing management. The project, funded by the Sustainable Tourism Tax, aims to collect accurate data on fished species, reducing bycatch and improving sustainability of the industry.
Promoting respectful tourism in Andalusia with Saúl Craviotto
The famous Olympic athlete Saúl Craviotto is supporting the Andalusia Regional Government's campaign to promote sustainable tourism respectful of local traditions. Craviotto, who has a deep connection with this land, emphasises the importance of preserving the region's cultural and natural identity, inviting visitors to explore Andalusian beauty and hospitality.
Spain shifts towards a low-impact ecotourism model
Spain, facing a record 96.8 million tourists in 2025, is redirecting its tourism policies with a view to sustainability. The government’s aim is to better distribute tourist flows, promoting lesser-known destinations and tourism respectful of local communities and the environment. Initiatives include regulations on short-term rentals, incentives for green facilities and investments in public infrastructure.
Eco-Scenarios
Sustainable tourism outlook 2033: how eco conscious travel is reshaping the global marketplace
Sustainable tourism is becoming a strategic priority, with projected growth from $3.23 trillion in 2024 to $11.5 trillion by 2033. Millennials and Gen Z are driving this transformation, choosing regenerative and authentic travel. Challenges lie in initial costs and a lack of global standards, but public-private partnerships and government incentives are facilitating the transition.
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