Sustainability news May n. 3
May 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026
News from Italy
Beer there, done that! Barley and hops tour of the Marche: 40 craft breweries in the region
The Marche region has established itself as a key destination for craft beer tourism, with over 40 companies promoting slow and sustainable tourism. Thanks to tours integrating culture, nature and local traditions, visitors can enjoy authentic experiences and explore this area responsibly.
Five historic paths, one destination: exploring Italy on foot
The Antichi Cammini d'Italia project, promoted by ENIT and the Ministry of Tourism, aims to encourage slow tourism through five historic routes converging in Rome. This EU-funded initiative aims to showcase Italy's cultural and natural heritage by promoting a sustainable and authentic travel model.
Tuscany launches an app guiding the exploration of 14 Medici villas and gardens
Tuscany has launched a digital application shining a spotlight on 14 Medici villas and gardens, UNESCO heritage sites. The app offers interactive maps, themed tours and information on sustainable transport, promoting slow and mindful tourism. The project was developed with the University of Florence and funded by the Italian Ministry of Culture.
Southern Basilicata joins the World Religious Tourism Network
The southern part of Italy’s Basilicata region is preparing to join the World Religious Tourism Network, promoting sustainable tourism by showcasing local spiritual and cultural heritage. The initiative aims to develop new religious routes and promote cultural events, generating economic benefits and highlighting local traditions.
Quality of life, slow tourism and art: Umbria emerges as a place to be experienced
Umbria is launching a communication plan to promote the region as a place to be experienced, focusing on slow tourism, culture and sustainability. Investments in bicycle and e-bike networks and trails aim to showcase the area, while the anniversary of the death of Francis of Assisi, Italy’s patron saint, enhances spiritual tourism. The goal is to attract new target audiences such as digital nomads by integrating sport, food & wine and culture.
Slow tourism. King Arduino and Salassi paths open thanks to the Canavese valley tourist operators consortium
The Consortium of Canavese valley tourist operators has inaugurated two new trails: the Cammino di Re Arduino and the Cammino dei Salassi. These routes promote slow and sustainable tourism, integrating history, nature and local culture, positioning the Canavese area as an ideal destination for outdoor experiences.
257 municipalities awarded Blue Flags 2026: boom in Calabria and new entries for Rimini, Lipari and Monte Argentario
In 2026, the Blue Flag programme is awarding 257 Italian municipalities for their commitment to sustainable seaside tourism. With 14 new entries including Rimini and Lipari and a focus on environmental criteria and climate strategies, Italy is confirming its leadership in sustainable tourism.
Sirente Velino Park redesigns the visitor experience by connecting 22 villages and 300 km of cycle paths
The Sirente Velino Regional Natural Park in Abruzzo is promoting slow and sustainable tourism with 300 km of cycle paths connecting 22 villages. This model celebrates biodiversity and cultural heritage, involving certified tourist operators and offering authentic experiences immersed in nature.
News from around the world
THE AMERICAS
Brazil
Nature parks boost the economy and environmental conservation in Brazil
Brazil's nature parks are becoming essential to economic development and environmental conservation, generating significant economic impacts and promoting sustainable tourism. Ecotourism and community tourism initiatives in protected areas provide new economic opportunities for local communities, reducing dependence on environmentally harmful activities.
Chile
Yaghan ancestral tourism and biocultural conservation at the end of the world
The Estancia Santa Rosa on Navarino Island promotes biocultural tourism blending environmental conservation with the ancestral knowledge of the Yaghan people. This initiative offers immersive experiences showcasing sub-Antarctic life and local traditions, contributing to the sustainable development of Puerto Williams.
Colombia
8 out of 10 Colombian travellers think tourism companies should offer more sustainable option
Booking.com's 2026 Travel & Sustainability Report reveals that 80% of Colombian travellers believe it is essential for tourism companies to offer more sustainable options. This reflects a shift towards travel experiences that celebrate local communities and reduce environmental impact.
Costa Rica
Wellness tourism in Costa Rica promotes a new strategy based on connecting with nature
Costa Rica is implementing a wellness tourism strategy based on biophilia, promoting immersive experiences in nature for enhanced physical and emotional well-being. Through activities such as yoga and meditation, the country aims to become a leading destination for sustainable and mindful tourism.
Costa Rica documents a case of peaceful coexistence between local communities, pumas and tapirs
The Living with Pumas and Tapirs documentary shows how the community of Rincón de San Josecito, Costa Rica, has transformed survival hunting into ecotourism, promoting peaceful coexistence with pumas and tapirs. Environmental education and tourism training programmes have made biodiversity an economic and cultural resource.
Mexico
Chiapas expropriates archaeological sites and promotes its sustainable tourism strategy
The Chiapas government has expropriated nine hectares of the Toniná archaeological area to promote sustainable tourism showcasing Mayan heritage and involving the local communities. The initiative aims to combine environmental protection, economic growth and social benefits, transforming Chiapas into a nature and community tourism destination.
Mayan heritage: Yucatan to protect a region larger than Aguascalientes
The Herencia Maya programme in Yucatan aims to protect vast natural areas, promoting environmental conservation and sustainable development. Supported by organisations like the WWF, the project combines biodiversity protection with traditional Mayan community activities such as ecotourism and local agriculture.
United States
The rise of slow travel: why more and more Americans are scrapping packed itineraries
Slow tourism is emerging as a key trend for 2026, promoting longer and more sustainable trips. Travellers are choosing authentic experiences, reducing travel and environmental impact, while supporting local economies.
Asia
Jordan
The village of Kurkuma in Jordan, model of sustainable tourism
The ancient village of Kurkuma, in the Ajloun governorate, is an example of historical and cultural heritage conservation, with great potential for the development of sustainable tourism projects. The local authorities aim to include the village in regional tourist routes, promoting public-private partnerships to showcase the site in a sustainable manner.
Indonesia
Indonesia promotes sustainable tourism to cut carbon emissions
Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry is promoting a sustainable tourism model combining economic growth and environmental protection. The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions through integrated national park management, enabling conservation and local development.
Europe
France
French mountains, a new summer paradise for responsible tourists
French mountains, such as the Pyrenees, are becoming increasingly popular summer destinations thanks to the sustainable experiences they offer. Mountain resorts promote responsible tourism through educational and awareness-raising campaigns to protect alpine ecosystems and ensure visitor safety.
Germany
Swabian Plateau seeks new UNESCO recognition
The Swabian Plateau Biosphere Reserve in Germany has expanded its protected area by 42% and embarked on the procedure for new UNESCO designation. The initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism and the showcasing of local heritage, with a focus on balancing ecological, economic and social needs.
Greece
Greece unveils a regulatory framework to curb overtourism, increase investments and protect special areas
Greece has launched a strategic plan to reduce tourist overcrowding and protect fragile areas. The plan envisages more precise regulation of tourism development, with restrictions in congested areas and incentives for sustainable development in less frequented areas. Key measures include bed number restrictions on islands, and protection of the coastlines.
United Kingdom
London buses and trams free (or nearly free) at weekends this summer
London is introducing the Weekend Hopper Fare, with unlimited bus and tram travel at weekends for the cost of a single ride. This initiative aims to encourage use of public transport, support purchasing power and better distribute tourist flows, promoting more sustainable urban mobility.
Spain
‘Flavours and Landscapes’ opens this Wednesday in Miajadas: what it is and which municipalities are featured
The Diputación de Cáceres has launched the Sabores y Paisajes project, funded by Next Generation EU, to promote sustainable tourism in rural areas through local cuisine and cultural heritage. The initiative involves local communities and visitors in activities promoting slow and mindful tourism, supporting local economies and showcasing Extremadura's natural and cultural heritage.
Valencia joins the UN International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories
Valencia is joining the United Nations Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories, demonstrating its commitment to balanced and resilient tourism. The city uses technological tools to monitor the impact of tourism, promoting sustainable practices that benefit both residents and visitors.
Switzerland
TRA-ME transforms the Via Francisca into a tourist bridge between Italy and Switzerland
The TRA-ME project, funded by the Interreg programme, aims to transform the historic Via Francisca Novarese pilgrimage path into a slow tourism route between Italy and Switzerland. The initiative promotes sustainable mobility and the showcasing of cultural and natural heritage, involving schools and local communities.
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