Sustainability news March n.4
March 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026
News from Italy
‘Noi Camminiamo in Sardegna’, an extensive new calendar featuring 26 weekends
The fifth edition of Noi Camminiamo in Sardegna offers 26 weekends of slow tourism with 16 walking routes and a cycling trail, promoting deseasonalisation and accessibility. The initiative aims to showcase local villages and communities, contributing to a sustainable and inclusive tourism model.
Great success in Palermo for Italia Nomad Fest, the festival for digital nomads
Italia Nomad Fest transformed Palermo into a centre for remote working and medium/long-stay tourism, promoting a sustainable tourism model that integrates visitors into local life and contributes to the city’s economy and social fabric.
A bookshop in a village of 23 inhabitants: ‘An alternative way to save the mountains’
In the village of Pentema, Liguria, the Libreria dell'Appennino has been created to counter depopulation and promote mountain culture. This project, supported by grants and crowdfunding, offers a multifunctional space including a café and accommodation for tourists, helping to showcase the area as a place of culture and inclusion.
Italian vineyards and green tourism: sustainable excellence with global appeal
Wine tourism in Italy is booming, with a focus on sustainability through organic and biodynamic practices. Initiatives like Vinitaly and new tours are encouraging the exploration of lesser-known areas, supporting rural economies and strengthening Italy’s position in international food and wine tourism.
Trees tell the story of Genoa: introducing the ‘Green Monuments’ route
In Genoa, the ‘Green Monuments’ initiative showcases the city's tree heritage thanks to an itinerary that combines nature, history and sustainable tourism. The project aims to raise awareness among citizens and tourists of the importance of urban greenery, combating ‘plant blindness’ and fostering greater eco-mindfulness.
The great Abruzzo walks feature in Milan’s slow and sustainable tourism fair
At the Fai la cosa giusta (‘do the right thing’) fair in Milan, Abruzzo presented its great walks as an example of sustainable tourism far from the beaten tracks of the masses. The initiative highlighted the importance of tourism integrating nature, culture and social inclusion, with routes such as the Cammino dei Briganti and Cammino della Pace.
‘Alto Adige guest pass’ is a sustainable mobility project honoured by the European Commission
The South Tyrol Guest Pass project, which has received an award from the European Commission, allows tourists to use public transport freely during their stays, thus reducing car use and improving air quality. This innovative model generates significant revenues which are reinvested in local public transport.
Europe’s leading springtime destinations for sport: Italy wins fifth place
Sports tourism in Europe is growing rapidly, with Italy ranking fifth among the top destinations. The nation offers over 15,000 trails and a growing interest in cycling tourism, promoting a tourism model that integrates sport, nature and well-being in a sustainable way.
Disability and everyday life: what is the ‘accessibility chain’ (and why is it important for all of us)?
This article explores the concept of the so-called accessibility chain, emphasising the importance of an integrated approach to ensure an inclusive tourism experience. Inclusion must go beyond individual elements, embracing the entire journey of life and experience, from mobility to infrastructure and staff training.
News from around the world
The Americas
The Caribbean
Urgent climate appeal: Caribbean leaders at ITB Berlin highlight tourism risks and recovery solutions
During ITB Berlin 2026, Caribbean tourism leaders stressed the urgency of funding adaptation projects to protect tourism infrastructure from climate change. A lack of investment is seen as the main obstacle, despite the availability of data and strategies. Increased international collaboration and public-private partnerships are called for to strengthen the industry’s resilience.
Colombia
Risaralda, the new heart of Colombian trekking with cutting-edge mountain events
Risaralda is establishing itself as the centre of hiking in Colombia thanks to a strategy integrating events, training and institutional partnerships. The aim is to promote sustainable mountain tourism by enhancing guide skills and protecting local ecosystems.
El Salvador
El Salvador experiments with pioneering climate insurance to protect its waves and its surfing economy
El Salvador has launched parametric insurance to protect surfing tourism from the consequences of climate change. This financial tool, based on meteorological indicators, offers automatic payments in the event of extreme events, supporting the local economy and restoration of coastal ecosystems.
Asia
Thailand
A new look for Asian travel: Thailand leads the sustainable revolution
In 2026, Thailand is making its mark as a leader in sustainable tourism in Asia, with a growing number of travellers favouring eco-friendly experiences and supporting local communities. The Agoda report highlights a regional trend towards responsible travel, with a strong demand for certified facilities and low-impact mobility.
Europe
Responsible tourist awards: European cities are innovators for sustainable tourism
European cities are adopting reward systems to boost sustainable tourism, such as Copenhagen's CopenPay programme which rewards use of public transport and soft mobility. Other cities, like Bremen, Berlin and Helsinki, are developing similar initiatives to encourage responsible and sustainable behaviour.
More than two million travellers prefer home exchanges to hotels
In Spain, home exchanges are emerging as a sustainable alternative to traditional tourism, involving million of travellers and reducing environmental impact. In Spain, this model helps redistribute tourist flows, relieving pressure on congested destinations and showcasing lesser-known areas. The growth of this phenomenon demands clearer regulation, however.
France
Marseille reinvents sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean with robotic seabed cleaning
Marseille is making waves in sustainable tourism by participating in the SeaClear2.0 project, which uses robots to remove waste from the seabed. This initiative, one of the EU's environmental strategies, is improving water quality and promoting eco-friendly tourism experiences, transforming the city into a green tourism hub.
Germany
Renaturation of the River Murg promotes sustainable tourism in Germany
The River Murg, named River Landscape of the Year 2026/27, models integration of environmental protection and sustainable tourism. Renaturation measures have improved the river’s water quality and encouraged the return of species including salmon. Infrastructure such as cycle paths and hiking trails enhance the enjoyment of nature, making the Murg an accessible and sustainable destination.
Romania
The secret of the Transylvanian Way, an unknown 1400-km hiking trail
The Transylvanian Way is a 1400-km hiking trail through Romania, promoted by the NGO Tăşuleasa Social to showcase rural areas and counter depopulation. This unique route, which can be travelled on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, combines nature, culture and community, for a slow, sustainable tourism experience.
Spain
Sustainable tourism forum in Santiago: citizens and professionals take centre stage
The Municipality of Santiago has launched a sustainable tourism forum to promote dialogue between institutions, citizens and industry operators. The forum will have an advisory and tourist tax monitoring role, and will enjpy a diverse composition in the interest of inclusive governance.
Seville focuses on cultural and business tourism: 'The greatest ally of heritage is often tourism'
Seville is making its mark as a sustainable urban destination, combining historical heritage and conference tourism. The city is focusing on responsible tourism that enhances its economic and cultural impact, avoiding overcrowding through better flow distribution and new experiences in less congested areas.
Eco-Scenarios
10 educational travel activities to plan for your teen this summer
Summer trips for teenagers are transformed into personal growth experiences through activities such as volunteering, coming into contact with nature and learning new skills. These experiences promote slower and more mindful tourism, away from crowded destinations, encouraging young people to experience places like the locals do, reducing screen use and documenting travel in an authentic way.
Revolution in world tourism data: UN Tourism introduces new global standard for measuring the impact of tourism
The United Nations has developed a system for measuring tourism that integrates economic, environmental and social elements, going beyond traditional indicators. This approach, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, provides more accurate tools for policy and investment planning, promoting more responsible tourism.
Many tourist hotspots are switching to ‘de-marketing’, with mixed results. We analyse the smartest methods to do so
Tourist destinations are adopting de-marketing strategies to manage overcrowding and reduce negative impacts on communities and the environment. The winning approach combines strict measures, such as limits and regulations, with educational actions and supply diversification, involving communities and operators.
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