Sustainability News May 2025 N. 2
12 May 2025
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2025
News from Italy
Promoting sustainable tourism in Italy’s inland areas
Ruralis, an Italian start-up, has received 1.8 million euros in funding to promote sustainable tourism in Italian villages. The initiative aims to enhance our cultural and natural heritage through integration of advanced technologies and host training.
Promotion of mindful tourism through Lazio's food and wine industry
The Assaggi 2025 event aims to create a strong local identity attractive to mindful tourism, harnessing local resources and consolidating the community's sense of belonging. Through tasting and workshops, it promotes sustainable development, integrating both innovation and tradition.
News from around the world
Africa
Uganda
Exploring Uganda's ecotourism potential via critical issues and innovative initiatives
Uganda, with its breathtaking landscapes, faces sustainable tourism challenges, such as a lack of certification and limited local community involvement. However, initiatives such as adapted certifications, support from businesses and international projects offer opportunities for more responsible tourism.
The Americas
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Introduction of scooters and e-bikes for eco-responsible tourism.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has introduced 108 scooters and electric bicycles to promote sustainable mobility. The initiative aims to reduce fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions by offering tourists eco-friendly and personalised transport solutions. This approach supports the local economy and the country's environmental ambitions.
Peru
Partnership between IDB Invest and Inkaterra to promote sustainable tourism
IDB Invest has signed an agreement with Inkaterra for 17 million USD in funding to expand sustainable tourism in Peru. The initiative aims to develop new ecotourism facilities and strengthen local SMEs, promoting employment and export of tourist services.
Asia
China
Exhibition of Indonesian super-priority destinations in Macau
During the Macau International Tourism Expo 2025, Indonesia presented ten super-priority tourist destinations, highlighting the country's sustainable offering. The initiative included B2B and B2C activities to promote wellness, boating and food and wine, aiming to boost international tourism.
India
Introducing homestays to enhance local communities
The Andhra Pradesh government has identified over 500 homestays in tribal, historical and urban areas to promote inclusive and sustainable tourism. The initiative aims to enhance local communities and their cultural identity, with the support of platforms such as AirBnB and OYO Homes.
Cuddalore is committed to sustainable coastal tourism
Cuddalore's Silver Beach is the focus of a redevelopment project to achieve Blue Flag certification, a symbol of environmental sustainability. The initiative includes creation of eco-friendly facilities and environmental management systems to promote sustainable tourism and environmental awareness.
Contemplative and sustainable pilgrimages in India
The 'shrinecation' trend combines spirituality and relaxation, offering young travellers a sustainable tourism experience. This approach promotes environmental and cultural awareness, combining pilgrimages with wellness and self-reflection activities.
Innovation in India’s wellness tourism
Offbeat Oasis combines Indian healing traditions and artificial intelligence to offer personalised retreats, promoting sustainability and social impact. The initiative enhances local communities and reduces pressure on overcrowded tourist destinations, redefining wellness tourism in India.
Middle East
United Arab Emirates
Dubai focuses on sustainability and technology in tourism
The Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai highlighted the importance of sustainability and technology in tourism. Discussions on regenerative tourism, waste management and circular economy took centre stage, with initiatives such as the Green Planet and deseasonalisation for more responsible tourism.
Europe
United Kingdom
British operators support protests against overtourism in Spain
British tour operators, in cooperation with the Spanish authorities, are working to address local discontent with mass tourism. The aim is to promote a more sustainable tourism model by extending the tourist season and regulating short rentals to protect local communities and improve the visitor experience.
Spain
Blue Flags and sustainable management for Spanish beaches
In 2025, Spain will receive 749 Blue Flags, with 642 awarded to beaches, consolidating its world-leading status. This recognition rewards environmental quality and sustainable management, despite some criticism of this approach to tourism. The initiative promotes accessibility and safety, with a high percentage of urban beaches adapted.
Responsible tourism initiative in Baix Llobregat
The Ruta del Tram, promoted by Tram and Baix Llobregat’s Consorci de Turisme, is returning in 2025 with a focus on sustainable tourism and mobility by tram. The initiative offers accessible cultural and food and wine experiences, promoting use of public transport and harnessing local resources.
Eco-settings
Bleisure trends and the international tourism transformation
Bleisure, combining business and leisure travel, is expanding in 2025 through remote working. This trend is aligned with sustainability, with travellers choosing destinations mindful of the environment and local economies.
Promoting regenerative tourism to achieve sustainable development goals
Regenerative tourism aims to restore locations and sustain local ecosystems, cultures and communities, reinventing the tourist experience as a positive impact opportunity. This systemic approach involves tourists, businesses and policy makers, promoting sustainable practices and engaging narratives.
‘Coolcations’ trend as a response to extreme weather events
‘Coolcations’ (holidays in mild-climate destinations) are gaining popularity as a sustainable alternative to traditional destinations affected by extreme weather events. Countries such as Canada, Finland and Iceland offer responsible tourism experiences, with green infrastructure and a strong connection to nature.
Integrated cruises and sustainable destinations
Mega cruise ships, while offering exclusive experiences, raise environmental and social concerns. The industry needs to address rising emissions and overcrowding in ports, seeking more sustainable solutions such as biomethanol and e-methanol to reduce environmental and social impacts.
Eight ski resorts unite to tackle the climate crisis
The Global Sustainability Ski Alliance is a new international coalition that aims to promote sustainable ski tourism. Involving eight ski areas in Europe and New Zealand, the alliance is committed to reducing CO2 emissions and developing low-emission technologies, responding to the challenges of global warming.
Younger generations are driving the trend towards sustainable and authentic travel
2024 marks a boom in group travel, with a growing focus on sustainable and authentic experiences. The new generations, Millennials and Gen Z, are looking for travel that is environmentally friendly, respects local cultures and involves communities. This trend is supported by an increasingly digitised and sustainability-conscious market.
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