Sustainability news November n. 2
9 November 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026
News from Italy
There’s an Emilia-Romagna made almost entirely of forests: here are the three towns that take the podium
Emilia-Romagna, with its most heavily wooded municipalities, stands out for slow and sustainable tourism. Visit Emilia has obtained GSTC certification, promoting environmental protection and the involvement of local communities.
Brescia, Taste Paves the Way: 2026 Guides
In 2026, Brescia is launching a project to promote sustainable tourism through food and wine guides that explore typical products, wineries and local culture. The initiative aims to create a bond between visitors and local communities, encouraging a slow, distributed discovery of the area.
Santa Barbara Trail: App, Digital Mìnera Card and Street View Arrive
The Santa Barbara Mining Trail in Sardinia is being enriched with digital tools such as an app, the digital Mìnera Card and mapping on Google Street View, promoting slow and sustainable tourism. The initiative, backed by regional investment, aims to improve accessibility and enhance the local mining heritage.
Italy Renews Itself at WTM London, Mazzi Bets on ‘Regenerative Tourism’
At WTM London, Italy presented a regenerative tourism strategy that combines the enhancement of destinations, the well-being of local communities and environmental protection. The initiative aims to strengthen the country’s international appeal through immersive experiences and the promotion of slow tourism.
Terme di Agnano, Days Dedicated to Health
The Terme di Agnano in Naples are relaunching thermal tourism as a strategic resource for sustainable tourism, through free days dedicated to health and well-being. The initiative aims to enhance local heritage and create connections between the wellness businesses of the Phlegraean Fields and the Vesuvian areas.
Sustainable Tourism in Molise’s Inland Areas: The Systour Project
The Systour project, coordinated by the Politecnico di Torino, aims to promote sustainable tourism in rural areas of Molise through a digital map that showcases local itineraries and attractions. The initiative involves local communities to strengthen the visibility of lesser-known destinations.
Agrigento Aims to Become a City Powered 100% by Renewable Energy by 2045
Agrigento aims to become a city fully powered by renewable energy by 2045, thanks to a pilot project with the Greening the Islands Foundation. The initiative involves citizens and businesses in clean energy production, promoting sustainability as a lever for tourism appeal and economic resilience.
News from around the world
Americas
Colombia
Cartagena City Hall and The Ocean Cleanup Sign an Agreement to Protect Waterways and Bodies of Water
In Cartagena, the city administration has formed an alliance with The Ocean Cleanup to reduce plastic pollution in waterways. The initiative involves installing Interceptor systems to intercept waste, protecting biodiversity and supporting local ecotourism.
Want to Study Rural Tourism? 250 Scholarships Are Available in Five Departments
In Colombia, a scholarship programme aims to strengthen the skills of rural communities, turning natural and cultural resources into opportunities for sustainable economic development. The initiative involves five departments and focuses on tourism experiences tied to local traditions.
Popayán Will Bring Together Over 400 Sustainable Tourism Leaders
From 25 to 27 November, Popayán will host the Acotur Sustainable Tourism Meeting, bringing together over 400 professionals to discuss sustainable and regenerative tourism. The event aims to promote Colombia’s lesser-known destinations, encouraging responsible tourism practices and links with the European market.
Asia
India
Indravati Tiger Reserve Opens Its Doors to Organised Wildlife Tourism
Indravati Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh, India, is reopening to sustainable tourism after 40 years, with safari routes and the involvement of local communities. The initiative promotes ecotourism and biodiversity protection, offering economic opportunities through local guides and family-run accommodation.
Europe
The EU Launches Destination Europe: A European Super-Brand to Compete in Global Tourism
The European Commission has launched the ‘Destination Europe’ initiative to promote the continent as a sustainable and integrated tourist destination. The aim is to attract travellers from distant markets, showcase lesser-known destinations and develop transnational itineraries, contributing to a more balanced distribution of tourist flows.
Luxembourg
Wellbeing, Landscapes and Slow Tourism: The Luxembourg Model
Luxembourg promotes sustainable tourism through free public transport, facilitating car-free mobility and integrating urban and nature experiences. The country offers wellness tourism and slow travel, enhancing nature, culture and authenticity.
Spain
Toni Pérez, After the EU Green Award: “For Decades Benidorm Was the Target of Criticism for Its Tourism Model”
Benidorm has received the European Green Leaf 2028 award for its sustainable urban planning. The city has preserved 61% of its territory from new construction, improved water efficiency and cut CO₂ emissions by 18%. These initiatives show how urban density and quality of life can coexist.
Spain Reaffirms Its Commitment to Sustainable and Accessible Tourism at World Travel Market
At the World Travel Market in London, Spain presented a strategy for sustainable and accessible tourism, with a focus on inclusiveness and the well-being of local communities. The initiative includes a pilot agreement with British travel agencies and a campaign for accessible tourism, “A Country for All”, which aims to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
Sweden
From Food Waste to “Peer Courage”: How Stockholm’s Royal Djurgården Turned Collaboration into a Culture of Change
Stockholm’s Royal Djurgården has turned the fight against food waste into a model of collaboration among 23 restaurants, cutting waste by 36% thanks to tools and training. This project, supported by EU funds, has created a culture of sustainability based on trust and sharing.
United Kingdom
Beavers Return to Loch Ness for the First Time in 500 Years: They Will Be Reintroduced to Help Restore Wetlands and Tackle the Climate Crisis
After 500 years, beavers are returning to Loch Ness thanks to a reintroduction project that aims to restore wetlands and counter climate change. The initiative, promoted by Trees for Life and Beaver Trust, involves releasing family groups to improve biodiversity and water resource management, contributing to the region’s climate resilience.
New E-Bike Hubs Will Improve Links Between Ferry Ports
In Suffolk and Essex, a new e-bike network improves connections between railway stations, ports and local destinations, promoting sustainable mobility. The initiative, funded by Greater Anglia, aims to reduce environmental impact and enhance local attractions.
The Future of Travel Is Changing: Here Are 5 Trends That Could Transform How You Plan, Book and Experience Your Next Trip
At the World’s Best Summit in London, industry experts discussed five trends that are transforming tourism, with a focus on personalisation, the use of artificial intelligence and the importance of authentic and mindful experiences. Attention is shifting towards less conventional destinations and an approach that values the quality of experiences and relationships.
Scotland Wants Visitors to Stay Longer, Encouraging Them to Slow Down and Experience Authentic Hospitality
Scotland aims for more sustainable tourism by 2027, promoting longer stays and authentic experiences that enrich visitors and local communities. Initiatives such as immersive activities and the discovery of emerging destinations like Dumfries and Galloway are central to this strategy.
Ocania
Australia
From Threat to Protection: How Shark-Focused Tourism Could Help Safeguard Them
A University of Sydney study shows that ecotourism based on shark watching can contribute to their conservation. Immersive experiences, combined with environmental education, increase participants’ commitment to protecting marine ecosystems.
Eco-Scenarios
Inclusive Strategies for LGBT+ Tourism
LGBT+ tourism is growing strongly, with an estimated value of $521 billion by 2031. Destinations are developing strategies based on inclusion and safety to attract this segment, as shown by the efforts of Miami and Chile. Inclusion and operator training are crucial for competitiveness.
Promoting Sustainable Rural Tourism in Spain
Sustainable rural tourism in Spain is gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional tourism, especially in autumn. To ensure sustainable experiences, it is crucial to choose destinations reachable by public transport, stay in eco-conscious accommodation and support local economies. Respecting ecosystems and choosing less crowded periods helps reduce environmental impact.
Exploring Eco-Urban Tourism as an Exclusive and Sustainable Experience.
Eco-urban tourism is turning sustainable cities into luxury destinations, blending nature and technology for authentic experiences. Projects such as Vinhomes Green Paradise in Vietnam show how sustainability can redefine the concept of luxury, improving quality of life and promoting inclusive economic development.
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