Sustainability news September n. 2

Italy's Slow Tourism Strategy: Sardinia Focuses on Extending the Tourist Season and Promoting Inland Areas

Slow tourism is proving to be a strategic tool for Sardinia to extend the tourist season and increase visitor flows to inland areas. The "Noi Camminiamo in Sardegna" initiative brings together more than 500 participants and promotes certified walking trails and villages, strengthening the region's position as a sustainable destination.

Taranto: New Themed Historical and Natural Park to Open in the Lama District

A new 11-hectare historical and nature park will be created in the Lama district of Taranto, dedicated to sustainable tourism and cultural enhancement. The project includes environmental protection measures, organic farming and accessible spaces, promoting the area's local identity.

Explore the Apple Route in Piedmont with Welcome Tours

In the Pinerolo area, September offers an opportunity to explore the region by bicycle through Welcome Tours along the Apple Route. The initiative promotes slow tourism and sustainable mobility, combining nature, culture and local products. Supported by the Metropolitan City of Turin, the tours include guided routes with cultural stops and tastings, showcasing the area's heritage.

Vespero Napoletano Returns: The Slow Tourism Festival

Vespero Napoletano, the Slow Tourism Festival, returns to Naples, promoting experiential and sustainable tourism. Organised by the Municipality of Naples, the event aims to showcase the city's cultural and natural heritage through storytelling walks, workshops and performances, involving local communities and encouraging a deeper and more participatory understanding of the area.

Genoa Named a Finalist for the 2027 European Capitals of Tourism

Genoa is the only Italian city to have reached the final stage of the European Capitals of Tourism 2027 competition, thanks to a tourism model that combines cultural heritage, innovation and sustainability. Initiatives such as the City Pass and the accessible beach at Capo Marina highlight the city's commitment to inclusive and responsible tourism.

Between Myth, History and Magic: Exploring Campania Aboard Historic Trains

From September to December, Campania is offering 35 journeys aboard restored historic trains, promoting slow and sustainable tourism. The initiative connects cultural and archaeological sites with lesser-known villages and landscapes, while integrating bus services and free bicycle transport for a comprehensive and environmentally friendly travel experience.

Showcasing Sicily's Inland Heritage Along the Camino di San Giacomo

The Camino di San Giacomo in Sicily is at the centre of a pilot project aimed at promoting slow tourism and rural development. Crossing ten municipalities, the 130-kilometre route offers a unique experience combining landscapes, spirituality and local culture, supported by a network of "trail guardians".

AMERICAS

Costa Rica

Sea Turtle Conservation Programme in Playa Tres

Turtle Love offers a volunteer programme in Playa Tres, Costa Rica, focused on sea turtle conservation. Participants monitor and protect nests, helping to reduce poaching and contributing to the survival of thousands of hatchlings. The initiative combines environmental conservation with local economic development.

United States

Cape Cod: A Hotspot for Great White Shark Watching

The presence of great white sharks in Cape Cod is transforming local tourism into an opportunity for ecotourism. Despite concerns among some visitors, specialised tours are being developed to allow people to observe these animals while contributing to scientific research and promoting sustainable and responsible tourism.

Panama

Exploring Panama's Western Highlands Through Local Experiences

Panama's Chiriquí province is emerging as an ecotourism hub thanks to initiatives that promote authentic and sustainable local experiences. From coffee tourism to hiking and birdwatching, the region offers immersive stays that showcase biodiversity and support local economies. The Panama Tourism Authority is backing these initiatives through cooperation agreements designed to strengthen local productive capacity.

ASIA

China

New Travel Trends: Growing Interest in Rural Areas

International travellers in China are showing growing interest in rural and less commercialised areas, seeking authentic experiences and meaningful contact with local communities. This trend is driving the development of new tourism offerings centred on more interactive and sustainable travel experiences.

India

New Wildlife Safari Centre to Support Conservation and Animal Care in Assam

The Assam government has announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art safari centre in Dibrugarh district, dedicated to wildlife conservation and rescue. Covering 235 hectares, the project will promote ecotourism and create new employment opportunities, contributing to the growth of nature-based tourism in the region.

Promoting the Ecotourism Potential of Bodh Gaya's Spiritual Heritage

Bodh Gaya, home to the Mahabodhi Temple, is expanding its tourism offering through ecotourism initiatives. The Department of Environment is developing areas such as Maya Sarovar for sustainable activities including trekking and birdwatching, involving local communities and supporting environmental conservation.

EUROPE

Estonia

Tallinn and Other Estonian Cities Emerge as Hubs for Nature Tourism

Estonia is emerging as a leading destination for nature tourism in Europe, with cities such as Tallinn serving as gateways to national parks and wildlife-rich habitats. The initiative promotes sustainable tourism by combining urban experiences with outdoor activities, while showcasing biodiversity and less crowded destinations.

France

Discover Martigues' Île District Through a Photo Rally and Guided Photography Walk

The Martigues Tourist Office is inviting visitors to rediscover the Île district through a digital photo rally and a guided photography walk. These initiatives encourage a slower and more mindful way of exploring local heritage, using photography to showcase lesser-known corners and details of the area.

Iceland

Iceland Develops an Interconnected National Digital Tourism Ecosystem

Iceland is developing an interconnected digital tourism ecosystem to improve travel planning, better distribute visitor flows and protect natural environments. By 2026, cities such as Reykjavík and Akureyri will adopt advanced technologies to promote sustainable tourism and reduce pressure on the country's best-known destinations.

Ireland

Ireland's Midlands Attract Travellers with a New Era of Regenerative Tourism

Ireland's Midlands are undergoing a transformation driven by regenerative tourism initiatives that are converting former industrial areas into walking and cycling routes. Supported by European funding and national programmes, the project aims to promote slow and sustainable tourism, enhance natural resources and ensure that the economic benefits are more evenly distributed among local communities.

Sweden

New Forest Open Air Theatre to Launch a Woodland Venue at Hinton Admiral

In Sweden, food safaris offer a unique experience combining nature discovery with local culinary traditions. Thanks to the Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten), travellers can forage for wild ingredients in the forests, promoting sustainable tourism and a deeper connection with the landscape. These activities not only showcase natural resources but also support rural communities and local guides, offering an alternative to better-known tourist destinations.

OCEANIA

New Zealand

Promoting the Mountains to Sea Great Ride Through Sustainable Infrastructure

New Zealand is investing in cycling tourism by upgrading the Mountains to Sea Great Ride with sustainable infrastructure. The initiative aims to promote slow, nature-based tourism while improving the safety and accessibility of the route and supporting local communities.

French Polynesia

Maupiti Bans Wild Camping to Protect the Environment

Maupiti in French Polynesia has banned wild camping to protect the island from the pressures of tourism. The measure aims to safeguard the coastline and ecosystems while promoting sustainable and authentic tourism, in line with the wishes of the local community.

ECO-SCENARIOS

Sleep Tourism: A Journey Towards Better Sleep and Wellbeing

Sleep tourism is emerging as a new global trend, with stays designed to improve sleep quality through advanced technologies and quiet environments. This form of travel responds to the growing need for physical and mental recovery, with a rapidly expanding market that could exceed $230 billion by 2034.

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