Sustainability news March n.2
March 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026
News from Italy
Genoa is hosting a mountain bike race among historic fortifications
The Enduro dei Forti event combines sport with showcasing of Genoa's historical heritage, promoting sustainable tourism through exploration of Genoa's fortifications by mountain bike.
Rome’s Trevi Fountain is now a payable attraction, and booming in the first month
The introduction of an entrance ticket to the Trevi Fountain has helped to regulate tourist flows, improve the visitor experience and reduce overcrowding. The proceeds will be reinvested for the maintenance of Rome’s historical heritage and free admission to its Civic Museums, combining protection and sustainability.
The coast-to-coast path connecting the Adriatic and Ionian seas, for enjoying a slow and sustainable journey
The Via dei Due Mari is a 136-km route linking the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, promoting slow and sustainable tourism. Passing through rural landscapes and historic villages, it offers an authentic and mindful experience including an online guidebook.
Slow and sustainable tourism initiatives in the Bologna Apennines
The Bologna Apennine Lakes Route has been upgraded to promote slow and sustainable tourism. This project, part of the CLoSER programme, is improving existing trails and introducing new infrastructure to showcase the area’s natural heritage and landscape, helping develop local communities.
The Terres Monviso Outdoor Festival: the future is mountain-shaped
The Terres Monviso Outdoor Festival, created in 2022, promotes the sustainable showcasing of Piedmont's mountains through local-area cooperation and promotion of outdoor activities. The event, held in Saluzzo, aims to establish a shared narrative attracting new visitors and positioning the area as an international tourist destination.
News from around the world
Africa
Empowering the heart of Africa: how the ‘Colourful Cultures’ initiative is reshaping rural tourism
The 'Colourful Cultures' initiative, developed by UN Tourism and the TUI Care Foundation, promotes sustainable tourism in Africa, integrating cultural heritage and economic development. It involves local communities in Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda and Tanzania, showcasing traditional arts and cultural storytelling.
Tanzania
WWF Tanzania's five-year Strategic Plan prioritises ecotourism growth to promote sustainable development by 2030
WWF Tanzania has launched a five-year strategic plan to promote ecotourism, restore habitats and improve climate resilience. Involving local communities and partners, the plan aims to balance conservation and economic development, positioning Tanzania as a leader in ecotourism.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Identifying ecotourism sites in the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve
A UNESCO mission has identified potential ecotourism sites in the Yangambi Reserve, involving local communities in showcasing biodiversity and cultural heritage. The initiative aims to develop sustainable ecotourism generating benefits for communities.
The Americas
El Salvador
El Salvador’s government issues guidelines for whale-watching
The government of El Salvador has introduced guidelines for responsible whale watching in Los Cóbanos, promoting conservation of migratory routes and reducing human impact. The initiative, part of the National Cetacean Conservation Programme, includes use of licensed guides and scientific monitoring systems.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Government presents the World Bank with a strategic tourism development plan for Cabo Rojo and Enriquillo
The Dominican government, in partnership with the World Bank, has launched a plan to develop sustainable tourism in Cabo Rojo, Pedernales and Enriquillo. The initiative aims to combine ecotourism, economic growth and local community inclusion by harnessing the region's natural and archaeological heritage.
United States of America
Wildlife travel trends in Alaska: visitors seek meaningful and responsible bear watching experiences
Bear watching at Anan Creek, in south-east Alaska, is regulated by responsible tourism practices to safeguard wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Access is limited while guided tours promote eco-friendly behaviour.
Asia
India
Ecotourism project launched to showcase bird habitat in Munderi Kadavu
The Munderi Kadavu ecotourism project, inaugurated by Minister Ramachandran Kadannappally, aims to showcase one of the Kannur district’s main bird habitats. With an initial investment of 29 lakh, the first phase includes redevelopment of the area, creation of a birdwatching tower and other essential services, promoting sustainable nature tourism.
New nature attraction in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is investing in ecotourism by developing the Maheshpur forest, integrating sustainable infrastructure and involving the local community. The initiative aims to showcase the natural environment and promote the local economy through cultural and craft activities.
Women are transforming tourism and hospitality in India
An Airbnb report reveals that women in India are redefining the tourist industry, both as hosts and travellers, contributing to the local economy and promoting authentic and sustainable experiences.
Biodiversity conservation initiative in the wetlands of Uttar Pradesh
The government of Uttar Pradesh is creating the Sarus Circuit, an ecotourism project in the Mainpuri and Etawah wetlands, boosting biodiversity conservation and nature tourism. The initiative aims to protect the habitats of the sarus crane and other species while improving light tourism infrastructure and generating economic opportunities for local communities.
Europe
Spain
Strategic investment for sustainable tourism in Ribagorza
Ribagorza, in the Aragonese Pyrenees, has launched a sustainable tourism strategy investing more than four million euros. The project, financed by Next Generation EU funds, prioritises environmental protection, modernisation, digitisation and improving the tourist experience, involving local communities and institutions.
The new bridge linking Madrid and Lisbon will cut travel by 100 km, passing through a natural park
The new bridge over the Sever river, planned for 2028, will reduce the journey between Madrid and Lisbon by 100 km, blending with the Tagus Natural Park. Designed to minimise environmental impact, the bridge will promote active tourism with pedestrian and cycle paths, improving links and boosting local economies.
Summer eclipse triples bookings in Spain’s rural destinations
The anticipated total solar eclipse of 12 August is attracting tourists to rural areas of Spain, promoting astrotourism and showcasing areas with low light pollution. This phenomenon is opportunity for local economic development and deseasonalisation of tourist flows.
Reside plan: decentralisation and sustainability in Madrid’s tourism
Madrid is developing an urban plan to transform 240 industrial plots into new accommodation facilities, such as aparthotels and flexliving, to decentralise tourist flows and promote more sustainable and year-round tourism in the suburbs.
Ireland
Initiative to protect marine wildlife is ‘vitally important’
In Counties Cork and Kerry, a Code of Conduct has been introduced to protect marine wildlife and promote responsible tourism. The initiative aims to reduce disturbances caused by tourism operations, ensuring protection of marine ecosystems and iconic species such as whales and dolphins.
Eco-Scenarios
Michelin Green Guide promotes an ethical and sustainable travel model
The Michelin Green Guide is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a major editorial shift, removing recommendations for tourist activities involving animal exploitation. This decision aims to champion tourism that is more responsible and respectful of ecosystems and living things.
From doomscrolling to dawn safaris: could slow travel be the antidote to digital overload?
In 2026, slow travel is emerging as the answer to digital overload, promoting slow and immersive trips in nature. Studies show that breaks from social media improve mental well-being, while 91% of travellers seek authentic and sustainable experiences. This approach is no longer a luxury but a necessity for finding balance in life.
Adoption of responsible practices in global nature tourism
Nature tourism is evolving towards a conservation model, promoting low-impact, locally managed experiences to safeguard wildlife and fragile ecosystems. Destinations are strengthening sustainable regulations and models for ensuring responsible tourism.
Positively impacting your holiday destination: what does the future hold for ‘regenerative’ tourism?
Regenerative tourism offers a travel model based on a reciprocal relationship between visitors and local communities, inspired by the Kula system. Initiatives like the Palau Pledge and Tiaki Promise show how tourism can be transformed into a relationship of respect and environmental protection, creating value for host communities.
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