Sustainability news March n.5
March 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026
News from Italy
Mountain workshops: a key role for tourism and social development
The 'Smart Orobie' project is transforming mountain workshops into local centres promoting sustainable tourism and social development in the Brembana Valley. By training 22 local organisations, these workshops are becoming reference points for welcoming and sharing the local area, helping form a network of sustainable services and relationships
Pisa approves the Cammino d'Etruria, a walking trail from Pisa to Volterra via 14 municipalities
The municipality of Pisa has approved the Pisa-Volterra Cammino d'Etruria project, a tour that promotes slow tourism and showcases the area through collaboration between 14 municipalities. The route, inspired by Etruscan history, aims to develop a sustainable, shared tourist offering with the goal of extending as far as Chiusi.
UNCEM Calabria presents a draft regional law on the mountains
UNCEM Calabria, part of the national union of mountain municipalities, communities, and entities, has presented a draft regional law intended to protect and develop Calabria's mountain areas. The proposal includes creation of an observatory, a regional fund and an annual programme of actions to improve quality of life, combat depopulation and promote sustainable tourism. The initiative encourages innovative models such as green communities and energy communities.
Bike Experience comes to Turin: the festival combining cycling, walking and wellness
The Bike Experience festival, dedicated to cycle tourism and slow travel, will be held in Turin on 18 and 19 April 2026. The event promotes sustainability through group rides, workshops and activities for all ages, showcasing the area and the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Ciclotour Abruzzo Experience: six events launched in Abruzzo
The 'Ciclotour Abruzzo Experience 2026' project aims to promote sustainable tourism with six cycling events amidst the natural landscapes and villages of Abruzzo. The initiative, involving local communities, aims to combine sport, meet ups and local area development.
Franciscan paths in the heart of the Sibillini Mountains
The Cammino Francescano della Marca and Via di Francesco per Gerusalemme offer slow, sustainable tourism experiences, passing through natural parks and historic villages. These routes promote widespread tourism that supports the local economy and showcases the natural and cultural heritage of inland areas.
News from around the world
The Americas
Argentina
How weaving, glamping and kayak tours are helping tackle deforestation in Argentina’s Gran Chaco
In Argentina’s Gran Chaco, sustainable tourism initiatives like glamping, kayaking and traditional handicrafts are helping combat deforestation. These activities, supported by organisations such as Rewilding Argentina, offer local communities economic alternatives promoting environmental conservation and the restoration of cultural traditions.
Mexico
Community Tourism declared a state priority by presidential decree
Mexico has declared community tourism a state priority, focusing on sustainable land management and protection of its biocultural heritage. A new national coordination body, led by Fonatur, will promote policies and actions to develop sustainable tourism in local communities, ensuring responsible use of resources and preservation of local identity.
Mexico City launches Xoli, the axolotl chatbot revolutionising tourism navigation: all you need to know
Mexico City has launched Xoli, an axolotl-inspired chatbot on WhatsApp, to improve the tourist experience and promote sustainability. Developed to help distribute tourist flows and support local economies, Xoli raises awareness of ecosystem protection and encourages responsible tourism practices.
Peru
Moyobamba chooses one of Peru's most beautiful birds as its emblematic bird: the Rufous-crested coquette appeals to tourists
Moyobamba in Peru has chosen the Rufous-crested coquette hummingbird as its symbol to promote sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. The initiative aims to encourage birdwatching while protecting the natural habitat and involving the local community.
The ‘walking’ palm tree and the woman who turned into a bird: a journey into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon
Josep Maria Palau's book explores the Manu National Park, revealing indigenous knowledge and the challenges of sustainable tourism in the Amazon. The author calls for responsible tourism respectful of local cultures and nature, highlighting threats such as deforestation and gold mining.
Asia
Japan
Japan changes its tourism policy with ambitious plans to tackle overtourism, transform regional travel and ensure sustainable tourism growth
Japan has laid out a five-year roadmap to promote sustainable tourism, reducing overcrowding and improving tourist flow management. The plan includes measures such as supporting local authorities, combating illegal accommodation and increasing subsidies to finance infrastructure and tourism management projects.
India
Rural tourism in India expanding with new initiatives creating authentic village travel experiences
In India, rural tourism is gaining momentum thanks to government initiatives promoting authentic and sustainable experiences. Local communities, and particularly young people and women, are involved in programmes showcasing culture and nature, offering travellers a deep dive into local traditions and contributing to the economic development of rural areas.
Rural tourism in India expanding thanks to new initiatives bringing authentic village travel experiences to life
Gen Z is revolutionising tourism in India with a focus on authenticity, sustainability and technology. These young travellers favour lesser-known destinations and ecotourism experiences, supporting local economies and steering the industry towards more sustainable models.
Europe
Exploring Europe’s growing adventure travel market: insights from the ATTA study, everything you need to know
The adventure tourism market in Europe, valued at 464 billion USD, is showing an increasing focus on sustainability. Italians, in particular, seek transformative and responsible experiences amid a general trend towards experiences combining adventure and cultural immersion.
European coolcations: why more and more people are choosing Norway, Finland and Iceland for summer 2026
Coolcations in Europe are gaining popularity fuelled by a desire to escape the heat and crowds and enjoy authentic and sustainable experiences. Countries such as Norway, Finland and Iceland are adopting sustainable management strategies to protect fragile ecosystems and local communities.
The European Travel Commission launches 2026 Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards, recognising new regenerative, smart and resilient tourism strategies across Europe
The European Travel Commission has launched the 2026 Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards, promoting strategies that help develop regenerative and resilient destinations. The initiative aims to balance conservation and growth, showcasing local traditions and involving communities through digitalisation.
France
Shift to sustainability with France’s green tourism mandates from March 2026 and the unified European regulatory framework
From March 2026, France is adopting a unified European regulatory framework for sustainable tourism, introducing mandatory energy certifications, elimination of single-use plastics and digital incentives for sustainable travel choices. This model aims to reduce the environmental impact of mass tourism and promote greater environmental awareness among travellers.
Spain
FGC promotes the Turistren passport for exploring Catalonia by rail
Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya has launched the ‘Passaport Turistren’, a project aiding sustainable tourism by means of iconic tourist trains. This initiative encourages slow mobility and cultural exploration, showcasing Catalonia’s natural landscapes and local identity.
The new experience promoting sustainable tourism in Tabarca for 50 euros: ‘A heritage immersion’
In Tabarca, the Mediterranean Environmental Experience Centre has been transformed into an experiential hostel to promote sustainable tourism. It offers a deep dive into the island’s cultural and environmental heritage through educational and environmental awareness activities, showcasing resource management and marine conservation.
Poland
Record tourism growth for Poland in 2026: why this emerging European destination is fast becoming a global hotspot for culture, nature and budget-friendly holidays
Poland is emerging as a fast-growing tourist destination thanks to sustainability-oriented public policies. Improvements in infrastructure and promotion of cultural and natural experiences are helping to balance the distribution of tourist flows, showcasing local areas and ensuring widespread benefits.
Portugal
Portugal's free electricity for tourists: experience a sustainable travel dream that's changing the future!
Portugal has launched a sustainable tourism initiative using surplus renewable energy to offer free electricity to tourists. This policy reduces environmental impact and promotes ecotourism, also benefiting local businesses by cutting energy costs.
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