Sustainability News October 2025 N.1
6 October 2025
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2025
News from Italy
Sustainable tourism initiatives in Bari: city tourism continues to break records
Bari is celebrating a record 2 million overnight stays, and is committed to promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism. The city council is launching free tours to showcase lesser-known neighbourhoods and iconic spots, supporting local economies. An increase in taxi licences also aims to improve sustainable mobility.
From cotton to ideas: Crespi d’Adda is back with the ‘Produzioni Ininterrotte’ festival
The village of Crespi d’Adda, a UNESCO site, is home to the ‘Produzioni Ininterrotte’ (non-stop production) festival, reinventing an old cotton mill as a cultural production centre. The event, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the village’s UNESCO status, promotes sustainable tourism through cultural events and community projects, breathing new life into Italy’s industrial heritage.
San Cataldo, a great ‘open-air museum’ featuring old sulphur mines and works of art. Gabara focuses on slow tourism
The Gabara project in San Cataldo, Sicily, is transforming an abandoned mining area into an open-air museum integrating art, nature and history. Thanks to collaboration between institutions and local communities, the site is becoming an academic laboratory and an important sustainable tourism destination, enriched by artistic installations and themed paths.
News from around the world
Africa
Tunisia
Tunis: green light for EU DUT partnership on sustainable cities
Tunisia is participating in the European DUT call for proposals to fund sustainable city research projects, with a focus on circular urban economies and sustainable tourism. The initiative aims to strengthen green supply chains and align the nation with European sustainability policies.
Tunisia, the ‘Bitter Orange’ ecotourism route in Nabeul
The ‘Bitter Orange Route’ in Nabeul is an ecotourism route that showcases orange blossom distillation, promoting cultural heritage and local products. Supported by the PAMPAT programme and Switzerland, the project aims to strengthen the bond between community, tourism and economic development, offering a model that is replicable in other areas of Tunisia.
The Americas
Canada
La Route des Plumes: an itinerary for exploring the birds and region of Montmagny
The Route des Plumes is a circuit through 15 ornithological sites near Québec City, created by Rosalie Daigle, combining scientific research and sustainable tourism. Using the eBird Québec database, the project highlights the top birdwatching spots, promoting ecotourism without compromising ecological balance.
Chile
Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve wins the Oscar for Best Responsible Tourism in South America
The Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve in Chile has won Best Responsible Tourism prize at the World Travel Awards 2025 in recognition of its commitment to conservation and sustainable local development. This achievement highlights the importance of tourism as a tool for protecting natural and cultural heritage.
Colombia
Sustainable Destinations Programme in San Luis de Palenque
Thanks to the Corficolombiana Foundation programme, San Luis de Palenque has become a sustainable destination supporting the local community and biodiversity. The initiative has led to the creation of rural accommodation, nature trails and cultural activities, involving the community and fostering female leadership.
Meliponiculture in the Amazon: a model to combat poverty and safeguard the forest
Meliponiculture in the Amazon offers a sustainable model combining environmental protection with social development, promoting biodiversity and creating economic opportunities for local communities. Initiatives like the ‘Bee Hospital’ are proof of how breeding native bees can contribute to the regeneration of the forest and the welfare of families.
Asia
India
Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department wins the Global Tourism Award 2025
The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department has received the Global Tourism Award 2025 for its success in combining tourism development with eco-sustainability. The initiative promotes cultural and spiritual circuits, community projects and the use of smart technology, boosting the state’s image as a global tourist destination.
Spiti Valley becomes India’s first Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve
The Spiti Valley, recognised by UNESCO as the first cold desert biosphere reserve in India, celebrates its unique biodiversity and the role of local communities. This honour promotes responsible tourism and environmental conservation, supporting local communities and biodiversity.
Kazakhstan
Empowering women: Kazakhstan joins UN Centre Stage tourism initiative
Kazakhstan is joining UN Tourism’s Centre Stage initiative advocating for female empowerment in Almaty’s tourist industry. The goal is to strengthen women’s businesses and ensure equal opportunities through training programmes and financial incentives, transforming tourism into a driver for sustainability and inclusion.
Europe
Finland
Helsinki: how this European city became the world’s most sustainable tourist destination
Helsinki has been recognised as the world’s most sustainable city in tourism thanks to practical initiatives like carbon footprint measurement and an environmental roadmap involving businesses and residents. The city has achieved Green Destinations certification, proof that sustainability is a key criterion for travellers.
Austria-Italy
Brenner Base Tunnel, the new Austria-Italy rail link, set to boost tourism across the Alps in 2026
The 64-kilometre Brenner Base Tunnel will revolutionise mobility between Italy and Austria, cutting travel times and shifting traffic from road to rail. The project will improve connectivity while also helping reduce pollution and promote more sustainable and responsible tourism.
France
Green Destination status for the Thau archipelago
The Thau Archipelago has been designated Green Destination status, confirming its commitment to responsible tourism promoting local identity. This status offers new opportunities for European funding and positions the destination within a global network of good practices.
Ireland
‘Great Lighthouses of Ireland’ initiative as a resource for small businesses and coastal areas
The Great Lighthouses of Ireland initiative has transformed lighthouses into sustainable tourist attractions, generating 33 million euros and supporting 696 local jobs. Communities and tour operators have worked together to make lighthouses a resource for small businesses and coastal areas, preserving Ireland’s maritime heritage.
Spain
Barcelona to host the Global Ecotourism Forum, focusing on climate, inclusion and innovative tourism
The Global Ecotourism Forum 2025, to be held in Sant Fruitós de Bages, near Barcelona, will bring together international experts to discuss regenerative tourism, climate change and inclusion. The event aims to shape ecotourism strategies used to enhance ecosystems and local communities.
Eco-Scenarios
Diving, an underwater treasure: 20 billion a year and 250,000 jobs, yet the industry is sinking in Italy
Generating a total value of $20 billion and 250,000 jobs, diving is a key resource for sustainable ecotourism. Despite the challenges in Italy, the industry offers economic opportunities and supports scientific research, promoting mindful diving practices and the protection of marine areas.
Dr Jane Goodall’s sustainable and responsible approach to wildlife tourism is a win-win
Jane Goodall promoted sustainable nature tourism combining wildlife conservation, the wellbeing of local communities and personal enrichment for travellers. Her ethical approach helps the funding of nature reserves and selection of certified operators, making tourism a genuine contributor to nature conservation.
Integrating sustainability into global sports tourism
In collaboration with FIA, the UN Tourism Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism honour best practices in sustainable sports tourism. Categories include sustainable sporting events, community impact, innovation and public-private partnerships, promoting responsible and inclusive sports tourism.
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