Sustainability News May 2025 N. 3
19 May 2025
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2025
News from Italy
Italy
The Foundation for Environmental Education is rewarding Italian beaches
In 2025, Italy will see an increase in Blue Flags, with 246 municipalities and 84 tourist ports awarded for their water quality and commitment to sustainability. Liguria remains the leading region, while Calabria is surpassing Apulia.
MiTur initiative for sustainability in major Italian cities
The Italian Ministry of Tourism has launched a project to promote sustainability in the cities of Florence, Milan, Naples, Rome and Venice. With an investment of 6 million euros, the initiative aims to improve tourist flow management and promote behaviour respectful of the environment and local communities.
Via Raetia trail inaugurated in Val Camonica
The recently-opened Via Raetia trail in the Camonica valley is a 95 km route offering a blend of history, rock art and breathtaking landscapes. Promoted by AssoLaTo and Zero to Wild, the project encourages slow and mindful tourism intended to bring together nature, history and spirituality.
News from around the world
The Americas
Colombia
Bill to incentivise sustainable tourism
A new draft law in Colombia aims to reintroduce the Día de la Familia, offering public workers a compensatory day off. The initiative intends to strengthen family ties and promote domestic tourism, with a focus on ecotourism, cultural tourism and agritourism, contributing to enhancement of cultural heritage and diversification of the country’s tourism offering.
Selection of best resorts 2025
Eight Colombian municipalities have been chosen for the UN’s ‘Best Tourist Villages 2025’ thanks to their commitment to sustainable development and protection of cultural and natural heritage. These resorts are distinguished by their blend of nature and tradition, promoting both authentic and regenerative tourism.
Argentina
The UN honours Caspalá for its sustainable tourism
Caspalá, a village in the province of Jujuy, Argentina, has been recognised by the United Nations as one of the world's finest rural destinations due to its commitment to preserving the natural landscape and local traditions. Despite the opening of new roads, the village maintains its authenticity, promoting mindful and sustainable tourism that values family hospitality and local production.
The Middle East
United Arab Emirates
Focus on sustainability and technology at the Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai
Dubai’s Arabian Travel Market 2025 highlighted the importance of sustainability and technological innovation in tourism. Industry leaders discussed strategies for climate resilience and use of data to customise travel experiences, with a focus on regenerative tourism and ecotourism.
Europe
Spain
Ecotourism Programme 2025: enhancing local areas and involving communities
The 2025 Ecotourism Programme for Mojados aims to transform this municipality into a benchmark for sustainable tourism through activities showcasing nature and local heritage. The programme, involving citizens and associations, offers excursions, birdwatching and food and wine tours, promoting active participation and sustainability.
The Green Spain Ecotourism Reserve, a model of sustainable tourism
Asturias, together with Galicia, Cantabria and Euskadi, have created Europe’s largest ecotourism corridor. Through 38 ecotourism experiences, the region is promoting tourism mindful of the environment and local communities, supported by European funds and involving more than 300 businesses.
Professionals and institutions awarded for commitment to sustainability in Malaga
At the VI Ibero-American Forum on Sustainable Tourism in Malaga, more than 50 professionals and institutions were honoured for their commitment to sustainable tourism. The event highlighted the importance of innovation and artificial intelligence in the industry, addressing challenges such as tourismphobia and plastic pollution.
Supply Report 2024 underlines key role of ecotourism in sustainability and local development
Ecotourism in Spain is emerging as a driver for sustainability and local development by increasing off-season arrivals and significantly contributing to biodiversity conservation. The accommodation sector is the most active, with many companies participating in scientific ecotourism projects.
France
South beach of Lacanau excels in sustainability and environmental quality
The southern beach of Lacanau, near Bordeaux, is an example of sustainable tourism thanks to initiatives such as biological water filtration, advanced hygiene infrastructure and awareness-raising campaigns. These initiatives have enabled the beach to obtain 'La Belle Plage' status for water quality, becoming a model of balance between tourism and environmental protection.
Denmark
CopenPay campaign relaunched to promote sustainable tourism in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is relaunching CopenPay, an initiative rewarding visitors for sustainable behaviour with benefits such as museum admissions and guided tours. The project, involving 90 attractions, aims to promote awareness of the impact of tourism, already seeing a 29% increase in bike hire.
Greece
The Posidonia Maritime Tourism Forum: focus on cruise sustainability
Greece is introducing a cruise tax to improve port infrastructure and reduce overcrowding on the most visited islands. At the Posidonia Maritime Tourism Forum, experts discussed strategies for sustainable cruise tourism, highlighting the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
Asia
India
Promoting diversified tourism experiences in Goa
Goa recorded a 10.5% increase in tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2025 thanks to a strategy focusing on sustainability. Ecotourism, cultural tourism and wellness retreats are at the core of initiatives aimed at preserving the environment and local cultures, strengthening the economy without compromising the environmental balance.
Eco-settings
Safeguarding the marine acoustic environment as a vital resource
An Australian study shows that listening to whale song can inspire tourists to behave more responsibly towards the environment, promoting recycling and waste reduction. Audio experiences, more than visual ones, activate pro-environmental emotions, emphasising the importance of safeguarding the marine acoustic environment.
Iberia is promoting a sustainable and equitable transition into air tourism
Juan Cierco of Iberia warns that sustainable tourism risks becoming elitist if measures are not taken to keep it accessible. He stresses the importance of an equitable transition so that aviation remains affordable, highlighting the crucial role of air connectivity in Latin America.
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