Sustainability news March n.1
March 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026
News from Italy
From strolls through olive groves to guided tasting sessions, olive oil tourism is up 37% in Italy
Olive oil tourism in Italy is growing by 37%, promoting sustainable and year-round tourism. Experiences like tastings and walks among the olive trees showcase Italy’s cultural and landscape heritage while combating depopulation of inland areas.
Pollino Park receives national award for environmental sustainability
Pollino National Park has received the Eco Move Prize 2026 for its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible tourism. This award highlights cooperation between institutions and local communities to promote soft mobility and enhancement of green infrastructure.
News from around the world
Africa
Nature tourism promotes the protection of wild dogs on African safaris
African wild dogs, some of the most endangered mammals, are rising stars of African safaris, outshining the traditional ‘big five’. Nature tourism supports their conservation by funding research and protection projects through partnerships between lodges, NGOs and scientists. Environmental restoration initiatives and cross-border projects ensure safe ecological corridors.
Botswana
The Okavango Delta, Botswana: eco friendly safaris are paving the way for sustainable tourism in Africa's most pristine wilderness
The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a beacon of sustainable tourism, blending environmental protection with local community involvement. This low-volume, high-value tourism model promotes eco-friendly experiences and supports social projects and conservation efforts.
South Africa
Comparison platform to define sustainable tourism in Africa
WTM Africa 2026 in Cape Town is focusing on responsible tourism as a driver for economic development and environmental conservation. The event will tackle topics like greenwashing, credible certification and rural tourism, promoting sustainability in tourism strategies.
The Americas
Caribbean - Aruba
Aruba’s Eagle Beach awarded for its commitment to responsible tourism
Eagle Beach in Aruba has been named the best beach in the Caribbean in the Travelers' Choice Awards 2026 due to its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible tourism. With a quarter of its terrain protected and a tourism offering that shines a spotlight on nature, Aruba is a leading sustainable beach destination.
Colombia
Astronomy Festival paves the way for astrotourism in Colombia
The Villa de Leyva Astronomy Festival 2026 promotes sustainable astrotourism, combining stargazing and local development. The event, with Spain as guest, features seminars, workshops and observation sessions, showcasing rural areas and cultural heritage.
Asia
India
Kaziranga National Park promotes biodiversity conservation through the Panbari Birding Circuit
Kaziranga National Park has launched the Panbari Birding Circuit, diversifying ecotourism, protecting biodiversity and involving local communities. This initiative aims to reduce pressure on the park’s central areas by promoting more sustainable and observational tourism.
Pacific Ocean
Floreana Island welcomes back giant tortoises after 180 years thanks to donations from travellers: what you need to know
After 180 years, giant tortoises are returning to Floreana, Galápagos, thanks to the Floreana Ecological Restoration Project and donations from travellers. The project aims to restore the local ecosystem, demonstrating the potential of responsible tourism in environmental conservation.
Europe
The new era of European travel: borderless, simple and unstoppable - the EU ‘Single Market’ is here
The 'One Europe, One Market' initiative aims to simplify and integrate the European tourism industry, removing regulatory hurdles and promoting sustainability. Investment in digitisation and public transport, alongside green tourism incentives, are the core of this strategy for a smoother and more sustainable travel experience.
Finland
Finnish Lakeland, a dive into Scandinavian myths, shamans and slow travel
Lakeland, the Finnish lake district, is notable for its commitment to sustainable tourism, offering authentic and rejuvenating experiences in harmony with nature. With more than 180,000 lakes and a rich cultural heritage, the region promotes slow travel and outdoor activities like canoeing, kayaking and hiking, showcasing local traditions and connection with the environment.
France
New Brest tram line sets a gold standard for eco tourism in Brittany - a game-changer for travellers
Brest has inaugurated Line B, a new tram line linking the city’s key landmarks, improving accessibility and reducing emissions. This project is part of a broader strategy to position Brest as a sustainable tourism destination.
Ireland
Whetting the appetite for sustainability with local food festivals
Limerick is launching the SLOWTOUR project, funded by Interreg North-West Europe, promoting sustainable tourism through food festivals highlighting local producers and culinary traditions. The initiative aims to create immersive and sustainable tourism experiences, strengthening local identity and the economy.
Malta
A new smart and sustainable tourism plan for Malta
The Malta Tourism Authority has launched a strategy to transform tourism in a sustainable way, focusing on quality and diversification. Midway through the strategy’s planned lifetime, Malta recorded growth in off-season tourism and a high-end accommodation offering, aiming to balance visitor satisfaction with resident well-being.
Holland
Why Schiermonnikoog is the car-free island every eco tourist is talking about - the unrivaled natural wonder of 2026!
The island of Schiermonnikoog in the Wadden Sea is a model of sustainable tourism thanks to its no-car policy. Visitors get around on foot or by bicycle, reducing emissions and preserving the natural environment, a choice that attracts eco-tourists and promotes an authentic, nature-friendly experience.
Spain
TEDER aims to improve active tourism in Tierra Estella
TEDER, the Rural Development Consortium of Tierra Estella, is improving active tourism with more than 40 new walking and cycling routes. The project, supported by Next Generation funds, includes standardisation of signage and introduction of audiovisual content for a more comprehensive and sustainable tourist experience.
Dénia, the Spanish city most favoured by nesting turtles, teams up with Costa Rica, the world sanctuary for these animals
Dénia, in Spain, has formed an alliance with Costa Rica to protect sea turtles, promoting regenerative tourism and research on marine ecosystems. The initiative aims to involve visitors and local communities in protecting the environment and reducing pollution.
Murals and street art along the Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago walking route is enriched with murals and street art that interface with tradition, transforming the path into an open-air gallery. Projects like the Ruta de los Murales and the Camino de las Estrellas contribute to showcasing the area through urban art.
Eco-Scenarios
Record temperatures threaten global coral reefs
Record sea temperatures are causing severe coral bleaching, drastically reducing coral reefs like the ones in Martinique. This phenomenon, linked to global warming, raises the paradox of 'farewell tourism', which threatens to accelerate the degradation of fragile ecosystems.
Challenges and solutions for sustainable tourism in the age of mass tourism
This article explores how we can travel sustainably despite mass tourism, suggesting strategies such as travelling in low season, choosing less crowded destinations and reducing air travel. It highlights the importance of responsible tourism respectful of local communities and the environment.
Global trend in trekking and sustainable tourism
Hiking is booming thanks to the demand for authentic and sustainable experiences. New trails, like the Pohorje-Kozjak Trail in Slovenia and the Rocky-Nordegg Rail Trail in Canada, promote contact with nature and local cultures, supporting slow and respectful tourism.
Gen Z chooses authentic experiences and a slower pace in 2026
In 2026, Generation Z is moving away from FOMO and embracing JOMO, favouring travel fostering mental well-being and authenticity. This shift reflects a preference for peaceful destinations and extended stays, valuing quality time and personal experience.
UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages initiative boosts rural economies, promoting new sustainable tourism, local businesses and cultural exchange globally
The United Nations Best Tourism Villages programme is transforming global rural tourism by supporting sustainable development of rural areas and helping protect cultural and environmental heritage. The initiative promotes creation of small businesses and jobs, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.
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