Sustainability News October 2025 N.3
20 October 2025
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2025
News from Italy
Exploring Alpine culture through Reinhold Messner’s sustainable museums
The Messner Mountain Museums and the new Reinhold Messner Haus in the Dolomites are a model of sustainable tourism combining Alpine culture and eco-friendliness. These museums, the idea of mountaineer Reinhold Messner, foster responsible tourism by using pre-existing materials and harnessing local resources, transforming the Dolomites into an ethical tourism workshop.
Enhancing biodiversity and promoting a circular economy in Italy
The ‘Cammina Natura’ initiative, promoted by the Italian Association of Nature and Walking Guides, offers over 160 guided hikes all over Italy, promoting responsible and sustainable tourism. Participants can explore authentic landscapes, using routes that range from the Sibillini Mountains to the Vendicari Reserve, and support the circular economy and legality.
The Apennine Festival promotes cultural and sustainable regeneration
Over 30,000 people attended the 16th edition of the Apennine Festival, making it a model of cultural and sustainable regeneration for inland Italy. The event brought villages and communities together with its programme of music, theatre and slow tourism, promoting culture- and participation-based development.
News from around the world
The Americas
Chile
Discover Chile through authentic, sustainable tours
Chile is making a name for itself as a slow travel destination, promoting tours that favour slow, eco-friendly exploration. Routes such as the Carretera Austral and the Parks Route offer experiences that intertwine nature and culture, supporting local communities and deseasonalising tourist flows.
Mexico
Mycotourism: responsible tourism for Cozumel
In Cozumel, mycotourism is being promoted as a sustainable alternative, blending scientific knowledge and local culture. This initiative aims to enhance the island’s biodiversity and promote environmental education through mushroom-related experiences.
United States
Inclusive rebranding for the Indigenous Tourism Association
The American Indigenous Tourism Association has adopted a new name to promote more inclusive and sustainable indigenous tourism in the US. This symbolic shift aims to showcase native cultures, fostering economic models that respect traditions and generate significant economic benefits.
Europe
Discover slow travel along Europe’s first certified cycle route
The Rhine cycle route (EV15) offers a 1450-kilometre, sustainable tourism experience through the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. Being 87% car-free, the route is ideal for cyclists of all levels, fostering gentle mobility and ecological exploration of the continent.
Austria
A sustainable vision for Alpine tourism in Salzburg
The Salzburg Tourism Strategy 2030 aims to achieve sustainable tourism that combines economic growth, social welfare and environmental protection. With a focus on culture, health, sports and MICE tourism, the region is striving to become a model of ethical, eco-friendly tourism.
Croatia
Revival of medieval castles in Istria as sustainable cultural hubs
The KulTERRA project has transformed Morosini-Grimani castle and Petrapilosa castle into centres of sustainable culture and tourism, thanks to EU funding. These historic sites have been restored to promote events and activities that are respectful of the environment and local traditions, showcasing the successful use of heritage conservation in stimulating sustainable economic growth.
France
Armagnac and d'Artagnan Tourist Office awarded for responsible tourism
The Armagnac and d’Artagnan Tourist Office has received a bronze medal in the Green Destinations 2025 awards for its commitment to sustainable tourism. Supported by the Occitan Regional Committee and AFDAS, initiatives have been developed to showcase local heritage and encourage sustainable management practices, while safeguarding the agricultural production and traditions of the Gers area.
An off-season tourism strategy for Corsica
Corsica is investing 8 million euros to promote deseasonalised and sustainable tourism by purchasing 250,000 plane tickets. The initiative aims to distribute tourist flows throughout the year, boosting the local economy during the winter months.
Greece
Discover the ‘coolcation’ trend in Greece moving towards deseasonalised tourism
Greece is establishing itself as a model of sustainable tourism thanks to ‘coolcations’, autumn holidays that respond to climate change and help reduce overtourism. Strategies include extending the tourist season and promoting authentic, cultural and environmental experiences.
Spain
A network of authentic villages for sustainable tourism in Spain
The ‘Magical Towns of Spain’ project brings together over 150 authentic villages, promoting sustainable and participatory tourism. Travellers are invited to explore rural Spain through themed tours and the ‘Magic Passport’, showcasing local culture and a balance between people and nature.
Valencia embraces mobile holidays for sustainable development
Mobile tourism in Valencia fosters a sustainable development model, integrating motorhomes and campsites with advanced technologies. This trend supports the revitalisation of small communities and cohesion between coastal and inland areas, offering smart infrastructure that can meet the needs of digital nomads.
Increasing sustainable identity in Lloret de Mar
Lloret de Mar is launching the ‘Lloret Sostenible’ campaign to promote responsible tourism and economic growth. The initiative includes healthy coastal tours, smoke-free beaches and a network of inclusive restaurants. The town council is also supporting the digital transformation of tourism through EU-funded training courses.
Switzerland
Valendas wins a leading sustainable resort award
The village of Valendas, in the Grisons canton, has been recognised by UN Tourism for its commitment to sustainable tourism, preserving natural and cultural heritage. This accolade allows the village to become part of an international exchange and training network.
Asia
Jordan
Jordan, a symbol of responsible and sustainable tourism
Jordan is positioning itself as a sustainable tourism model thanks to its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. The Ajloun and Yarmouk areas, together with Dana and Mujib, form a mosaic of ecosystems that promote ecotourism and environmental conservation, actively involving local communities.
Thailand
Initiative to protect Thailand’s Similan Islands
The Similan Islands National Park has launched the ‘Save the Similans’ campaign to promote eco-friendly tourism. The initiative involves the local communities and tourism operators in environmental protection activities, such as releasing sea turtles and educational activities, to preserve these islands’ natural beauty.
Oceania
French Polynesia
Strategies for responsible tourism and community involvement in Tahiti
Tahiti has adopted a sustainable approach to tourism, focusing on the local community and Polynesian culture. Since 2022, membership of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council has given rise to practical initiatives such as waste management and tour operator training, actively involving residents and visitors.
Eco-scenarios
Travel forecast 2026: trends and impacts on sustainability
The Booking.com report for 2026 highlights trends favouring a tourism that is more sustainable. These include slow, mindful tourism, buying locally-made souvenirs and carpooling, helping reduce environmental impact and supporting local economies.
Individual exploration and authenticity in 2026 tourism
The Skyscanner Travel Trends Report 2026 predicts a growing trend for customised and identity-based tourism. Travel is set to become a form of self-expression, focusing on authentic experiences and cultural connections. Mountains and literary tourism are emerging as key trends, while multi-generational travel is strengthening family bonds.
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