Sustainability News May 2025 N. 1
5 May 2025
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2025
News from Italy
De-seasonalisation and widespread hospitality for sustainable mountain tourism in Italy
Off-season mountain tourism in Italy is growing as an eco-friendly alternative, with an increase in mid- and low-season bookings. This approach reduces environmental pressure and supports local economies by promoting lesser-known destinations and extending the tourist season.
Re-opening of the rafting centre at the Marmore Falls in Umbria
The Marmore Rafting Centre in Umbria has reopened for the 2025 summer season, offering outdoor activities such as rafting and canyoning under the Marmore Falls. With a focus on environmental sustainability and safety, the centre promotes responsible tourism, enabling visitors to connect with nature in an authentic setting.News from around the world
America
Mexico
Promoting community tourism
UNESCO and Mexico's Ministry of Tourism are working together for sustainable tourism, enhancing local communities by promoting social inclusion and respect for the environment. The initiative aims to create public policies that showcase cultural and territorial identity while ensuring fair benefits for residents.
Uruguay
Uruguay, an increasingly popular destination for sustainable tourism
Uruguay is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Peruvian visitors thanks to its offering of ecotourism as well as sustainable cultural and food & wine tours. The country promotes authentic and eco-friendly experiences, such as the Cheese Route and nature reserves, making it ideal for visits full of cultural content.
Middle East
Oman
Oman’s sustainable tourism strategy with a focus on India
Oman aims to increase its sustainable tourism by 2040 by attracting Indian visitors. Through initiatives such as the Oman Botanic Garden, the country aims to responsibly enhance its natural and cultural resources by strengthening its historical ties with India.
Egypt
Transforming the Giza Plateau into a model of sustainable tourism
The Egyptian government is implementing a plan to transform the Giza Plateau into a model of sustainable tourism by addressing overcrowding and improving the visitor experience. Initiatives include the introduction of electric buses and online ticketing systems, as well as the restoration of historic buildings.
Asia
South Korea
Promoting the Jeju Olle Trail hiking experience
The ‘Jeju Olle: Alone on the Trail, I Meet My Soul’ exhibition celebrates the Jeju Olle Trail, a network of paths across Jeju Island, promoting sustainable tourism and connection with nature and local culture. The works by Hyun Yunae showcase the bond between landscape and identity, in tune with the Jeju Olle Hiking Festival.
Malaysia
Seabed restoration campaign
From 10 to 12 May, Pulau Perhentian Kecil is hosting an eco-volunteering campaign to clean up the seabed and beaches while promoting environmental education and ecotourism. The initiative, part of the Dive Against Debris programme, involves divers, students and environmentalists seeking to harness environmental protection as a tourist attraction.
India
The Durgawati Reservoir reinvented as an innovative eco-tourism centre
The Durgawati Reservoir in Bihar is emerging as an important centre for eco-tourism, thanks to initiatives promoting sustainable activities such as balloon flights, river safaris and cycling. The local authorities are investing in infrastructure to raise the area’s profile as a tourist destination, with plans for a boat house and an eco-tourism centre.
Europe
Great Britain
Royal Foundation funding for rangers on the Isles of Mull and Iona
Prince William and Princess Catherine are funding new ranger positions on the Isles of Mull and Iona, emphasising the importance of this role in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable tourism. This initiative is part of United for Wildlife’s Nature Protectors programme, which aims to empower guardians of biodiversity.
Romania
Responsible bear watching in the Carpathian mountains
Romania, with its large population of brown bears, is promoting responsible tourism supporting conservation of natural habitats. Initiatives such as the Libearty Bear Sanctuary and guided forest hikes are bringing economic development and environmental awareness to rural areas.
Spain
Promoting responsible tourism on the south coast of Barcelona
The Association of Municipalities of Barcelona and the Province of Barcelona is to invest two million euros in enhancing the Baix Llobregat and Llobregat Delta coastline. The project includes ecological restoration of the dunes, removal of invasive vegetation and planting of native species together with adaptation of non-motorised routes for sustainable mobility.
Eco-Settings
Cruises: the route to sustainable economic growth
The cruise industry is expanding but faces significant environmental challenges. Companies are adopting innovative technologies to reduce emissions and achieve sustainability by 2050. However, regulatory and infrastructural constraints complicate the journey to more responsible cruise tourism.
Day of symbolic actions to raise awareness of overtourism
On 15 June 2025, activists from all over southern Europe will be organising coordinated protests against mass tourism. The event, promoted by the Southern Europe Network Against Touristification, aims to raise awareness among travellers and promote tourism that is more sustainable and respectful of local communities.
The transition to a sustainable economy requires new professional figures
The sustainable economy is transforming the global job market, creating increasing demand for professionals bringing a combination of technical skills and environmental awareness. Innovative training programmes, such as the ESSEC Business School’s Bachelor Act, are preparing students to work in diverse contexts, responding to the growing demand for ‘green’ and ‘greening’ figures.
A new perspective on the concept of overtourism
Michael O’Regan criticises use of the term ‘overtourism’ and is proposing an approach empowering institutions rather than tourists. He stresses the importance of sustainable strategies, such as the regulation of short-term rentals and reinvestment in communities, to support more responsible tourism.
Balancing mass tourism with urban quality of life
This article discusses the impact of overtourism on cities such as Barcelona and Venice, highlighting the need for sustainable policies in order to manage visitor influx. It proposes regulation of platforms like Airbnb and introduction of daily visitor fees in order to safeguard local quality of life and cultural identity.
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