Sustainability news May n.1
May 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026
News from Italy
Aosta Valley Green Community Plan for responsible tourism
The Grand-Paradis region has implemented a Green Community Plan benefiting 13 municipalities with an investment of 2 million euros from NRRP funds. The project promotes sustainability through natural resource management, renewable energy and energy efficiency, boosting sustainable tourism and local businesses.
Rome backs inter-municipal tourism: the ‘village to village’ project
The Metropolitan City of Rome is launching the Di Borgo in Borgo (village to village) project to promote slow and experiential tourism in the villages of Lazio. The initiative aims to build local area networks linking villages, distributing tourist flows and showcasing natural and cultural heritage through a sustainable and integrated approach.
Spring on Lake Garda, from Sirmione to the Vittoriale estate: the surprising 'slow 2026’ guide
Spring 2026 on Lake Garda is the perfect time for slow tourism thanks to mild temperatures and flowering landscapes. Away from the summer crowds, visitors can enjoy scenic tours, cultural activities and relaxation in lakeside villages, for an authentic and sustainable experience.
Children walk in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims: the Via Francigena goes child-friendly
The ‘In cammino, insieme, sulla Via Francigena’ project is making a major religious and slow tourism trail accessible to children. The initiative, involving the municipalities of Pavia, Belgioioso and Linarolo, offers short tours and educational activities for schools and families, promoting sustainable and collaborative tourism showcasing local heritage.
Learning on the go: five educational experiences in the Friulian Dolomites
The LEARN-OUT project in the Friulian Dolomites promotes educational tourism actively involving visitors in the local area and communities. Through hands-on activities such as archaeology and environmental science, participants learn the importance of protecting natural resources and local knowledge, demonstrating tourism as a tool for personal growth and showcasing of cultural and environmental heritage.
News from around the world
The Americas
Bahamas
2027 Global Sustainable Tourism Council Conference in the Bahamas
The Bahamas will be hosting the 2027 Global Sustainable Tourism Council Conference, becoming the first Caribbean destination to do so. The event will highlight initiatives such as ecosystem restoration, protection of coral reefs and involvement of local communities, emphasising the country's commitment to sustainable and resilient tourism.
Colombia
Bogotá featured in one of the world's leading sustainable tourism guides
Bogotá has received recognition in the Good Travel Experience Guide-Americas 2026 for its authentic and sustainable tourism experiences. Through partnership with Green Destinations, the city promotes tourism that values community, nature and local identity, offering activities ranging from beekeeping to hiking in the eastern hills.
Las Lagunas Botanical Park, a jewel of sustainable tourism in Montería
The Las Lagunas Botanical Park in Montería is a model of sustainable tourism, transforming 30 hectares of former oxidation lagoons into a nature reserve. With footpaths, cycle paths and an Environmental Interpretation Centre, the project aims to improve quality of life and prevent flooding by promoting eco-tourism.
New ecotourism attraction in Huila: a commitment to biodiversity and environmental education
A butterfly garden has been opened In Pitalito, in the department of Huila, to promote biodiversity and environmental education. The initiative aims to encourage butterfly reproduction and raise awareness among visitors of the importance of environmental conservation, contributing to sustainable tourism in the region.
Peru
Margaritas Beach is a beacon of outstanding environmental management
Margaritas beach in Arequipa has been awarded for its sustainable management, including public space organisation, waste management and environmental education. This recognition underlines the importance of practices conserving marine ecosystems and promoting responsible tourism.
The Middle East
Saudi Arabia
More than 60,000 trees planted to promote environmental sustainability in Islam’s holiest sites
Makkah is transforming its landscape by planting 60,000 trees, part of an initiative integrating environmental sustainability and improving the pilgrim experience. The Al-Mughmas Valley Park is emerging as a new landmark in ecotourism, promoting biodiversity and more responsible tourism.
Asia
China
Art lights up industrial memory: recycled lighters spark a new city image
The artist Li Zhongwei has transformed used plastic lighters into a light installation in the Mount Huangshi Sculpture Park in Wenzhou. The work, part of the China International Garden Expo, promotes ecotourism and community participation, showcasing local history and making art part of the landscape.
South Korea
Gyeonggi Tourism launches an eco-campaign at Peace Nuri camp site
The Gyeonggi Tourist Board has launched two ESG campaigns to promote sustainable mobility in outdoor tourism. These initiatives encourage the use of zero-emission vehicles and encourage use of public transport, offering real benefits for visitors who choose eco-friendly options.
India
Chhattisgarh emerges as a growing tourist destination rooted in culture and nature
Chhattisgarh is emerging as an up-and-coming destination in India, blending tribal culture and unspoilt nature. Community tourism initiatives and infrastructural investments are promoting sustainable growth, positioning tourism as an economic driver for the State.
100-mile trekking route coming soon near Araku
The Visakhapatnam Forestry Department is developing a 160-km trekking route near Araku, part of the Mardhaguda ecotourism project. The initiative aims to combine tourism, environmental protection and enhancement of local communities, offering immersive and sustainable experiences with tours passing through coffee plantations and tribal villages.
Europe
Five travel trends fuelling Scandinavia’s tourism boom
Hiking tourism is booming in Scandinavia thanks to the demand for authentic and sustainable experiences. Climate tourism and the northern lights are turning this region into a year-round destination focusing on nature and a slow pace.
Europe: top destinations and routes for cycling holidays in 2026
Cycling tourism is set to promote a sustainable model in Europe in 2026 with routes accessible to all cyclists. Investment in safe cycling infrastructure and flexible routes in France and Northern Europe support slow tourism showcasing scenery and culture.
European Parliament calls for alleviation of excessive tourist pressure by promoting less crowded destinations and regulating rentals
The European Parliament has passed a resolution to reduce tourist pressure in congested areas by promoting remote destinations and regulating short-term tourist rentals. The aim is to diversify tourist flows and support the transition to more sustainable tourism.
France
The Scandola reserve in Corsica prepares to introduce stricter measures to combat overfishing
The Scandola Nature Reserve in Corsica is implementing new rules to manage nautical tourism and safeguard the environment. The measures, designed to ensure sustainable and controlled access, include licences, access fees and QR codes for monitoring visitors. The initiative aims to preserve the universal value of the site, recognised by UNESCO, and rethink the island’s tourism model.
Greece
Greece bans sunbeds and parasols on 251 beaches in a green tourism revolution
Greece has decided to protect 251 beaches by banning sunbeds and parasols to preserve the coastline’s natural balance. This initiative is a response to the pressure of overtourism, aiming to safeguard fragile ecosystems and promote a sustainable tourism model that could inspire other Mediterranean countries.
Ireland
Dublin launches ‘Dublin by Dusk’ to boost the night-time economy and attract residents and tourists sustainably
Dublin City Council has launched ‘Dublin by Dusk’, a programme extending the opening hours of cultural and commercial venues to promote sustainable evening tourism. The initiative aims to diversify the tourist experience and reduce pressure on daytime tourism, supporting the local economy.
Spain
Four decades of rafting on the Noguera Pallaresa confirm Lleida as the capital of active tourism
Lleida is emerging as the European capital of active tourism thanks to rafting on the Noguera Pallaresa river, now a model of sustainable and regenerative tourism. Integration with local communities and the harnessing of natural resources have made it possible to move beyond seasonal tourism, attracting visitors all year round and balancing development of this sector with protection of ecosystems.
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