Sustainability news September n. 3

International World Heritage Sites Fair: Assisi once again UNESCO capital of tourism

The 17th edition of the World Tourism Event is to be held in Assisi in 2026, focusing on sustainable cultural tourism. The event aims to showcase UNESCO sites by connecting historical heritage, walks and food & wine, promoting conservation and responsible tourism development.

Pivari Forest: Puglia’s Regional Government proposes granting it ancient forest status

Puglia’s Regional Government has embarked on the process of recognising Pivari Forest as an ‘ancient forest’, boosting both its protection and its potential for sustainable tourism. This initiative aims to preserve the Forest’s unique ecosystem and promote tourism respectful of local identity.

Bettona Crossing: the trail through Italy’s ‘green heart’ returns to Umbria

The ninth edition of the Bettona Crossing in Umbria combines sport, nature and culture, promoting sustainable tourism through trail running routes showcasing the local area and involving the local community.

Heat erodes Monviso: for three months, temperatures at 3300m have failed to drop to zero with another rockfall on Monday

The Piedmont Region has launched the ‘Monviso Round Table’ to monitor this mountain range and develop strategies to reconcile environmental protection with safety and accessibility for tourists. The aim is to promote sustainable tourism through drone use and the evaluation of alternative routes.

Italy harmonises with France and other countries on the Paganini Route: Genoa and Nice open up new prospects for cultural tourism

The Paganini European Route transforms places associated with the famous violinist into sustainable travel experiences, promoting cultural city breaks and multi-destination tours. The project showcases lesser-known areas, harnessing their musical heritage as a tool for sustainable tourism development.

Africa

Tunisia

EU supports women’s entrepreneurship and sustainable tourism

Tunisia, supported by the European Union, is promoting sustainable tourism and women’s entrepreneurship through projects like Sally Glamping. These initiatives, part of the Women Go Green #2 programme, aim to develop models of eco-friendly and sustainable tourism, incorporating circular economy and waste reduction.

The Americas

Bolivia

Bolivia promotes ecotourism and safeguards its natural heritage through the Protected Area Conservation Passport

Bolivia has introduced a Protected Area Conservation Passport, an initiative promoting ecotourism and natural heritage protection. This passport, valid for one year, grants access to 19 protected areas and the proceeds go towards conservation and support for local communities.

Dominican Republic

Boca Chica to use mangroves to restore a natural barrier for its beaches

In Boca Chica, in the Dominican Republic, work is under way to restore mangroves as a natural barrier for protecting beaches and support biodiversity. The initiative, involving DP World and the Deep Green Foundation, aims to plant 1000 mangroves by the end of the year, helping reduce coastal erosion and promote ecotourism.

Asia

Saudi Arabia

Makkah region parks open their doors to ecotourism

National parks in the Makkah region are becoming a hub for ecotourism thanks to projects focusing on reforestation, biodiversity conservation and improved infrastructure. These initiatives support the Saudi Green Initiative and Saudi Vision 2030, fostering sustainability and new economic opportunities.

Cambodia

Cambodia launches a beach clean-up campaign in Preah Sihanouk to promote sustainable tourism and protect the marine environment

Cambodia has launched a beach clean-up campaign in the Preah Sihanouk province, promoting sustainable tourism and marine conservation. The initiative involves institutions, tourism businesses and local communities in reducing plastic waste and fostering responsible behaviour, enhancing the destination’s sustainability.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong calls for a new ecotourism strategy and more bookings for most popular destinations

Hong Kong has great potential for ecotourism, but requires coordinated planning to fully harness its natural resources. A poll reveals that residents want more structured and sustainable ecotourism experiences, with the introduction of booking systems and professional guides to manage tourist flows and protect ecosystems.

Europe

Austria

International Mountain Days in Vienna: mountaineers, scientists and tourism professionals tackle the climate change challenge

Vienna is becoming the focal point of the debate on the future of the Alps, hosting International Mountain Days. This event explores the challenges posed by climate change, glacial melting and changes to hiking routes while fostering dialogue between mountaineers, scientists and sustainable tourism professionals.

France

Climate: organisations call for the scrapping of Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport expansion, as it is ‘incompatible’ with France’s climate targets

The organisations Transport & Environment France, Climate Action Network and Rester Sur Terre are calling on the French government to abandon plans to expand Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport which they consider to be incompatible with national climate targets. They are criticising the French tourism model for being too focused on distant markets and propose a more sustainable and evenly distributed tourism.

Spain

Spain unveils its 2030 Sustainable Tourism Strategy founded on local communities

Spain has set out its ‘Tourism 2030’ plan, focusing on sustainable tourist flow management and high-quality development. The strategy aims to distribute visitors evenly, promoting rural areas and encouraging longer stays, with the goal of improving quality of life for residents and sustainability for destinations.

Switzerland

Switzerland aligns with Italy and France as train travel transforms autumn and winter tourism

Switzerland is launching the Swiss Bliss campaign promoting sustainable rail tourism, with routes showcasing the country’s landscapes, culture and cuisine. The initiative aims to distribute visitors across the country, integrating the rail network into its tourist experience and promoting slow, experiential tourism.

Oceania

From the Gold Coast to the Pacific, Oceania is enacting new measures to protect its shorelines and seaside tourism

The Gold Coast and other regions in Oceania are facing climate-related threats that are jeopardising seaside tourism. In response, the tourist industry is shifting towards more sustainable models, investing in the protection of marine ecosystems and relocating facilities away from vulnerable areas.

Eco-scenarios

Burson’s 2026 Ranking: the sports ecosystem as a driver of sustainable tourism

Burson’s 2026 ranking of sports cities highlights how a well-developed sporting ecosystem can impact positively on sustainable tourism. New York, ranked in first place, demonstrates the importance of regular sporting events and a robust infrastructure in attracting visitors and enhancing a city’s global reputation.

Manta rays are threatened by extinction: what we can do to save these marine giants

World Manta Day highlights the importance of responsible tourism for protection of manta rays. Friend of the Sea has developed a certification standard for manta ray watching, promoting sustainable practices and operator training to minimise impact on these creatures and their habitats.

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