Sustainability news September n. 4

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Africa

Benin

Introducing Benin, the ‘Venice of West Africa’, where culture meets ecotourism

Benin is establishing itself as a destination for travellers seeking authentic experiences that blend historical heritage, spiritual traditions and nature. Ganvié, known as the Venice of West Africa, and the Pendjari National Park are examples of tourism promoting local culture and environmental conservation.

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The Americas

Canada

Global Destination Sustainability Index 2026: Montreal ranks first for destination management and makes the global Top 10

Montreal has been ranked world number one for destination management in the Global Destination Sustainability Index 2026 for its strategies integrating environmental sustainability, social impact and local economic development. Tourisme Montréal is promoting initiatives like training programmes, sustainability certifications and partnerships with organisations working in the indigenous tourism and accessibility fields.

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Chile

Flowering deserts, sea and wildlife: a new initiative launched showcasing heritage and promoting tourism in the Coquimbo and Atacama regions

The Freirina-La Higuera Coastal Heritage Trail in Chile promotes sustainable tourism through a blend of nature, culture and local identity. The initiative, developed within the GEF project, promotes biodiversity and local traditions, creating economic opportunities for marginalised communities.

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Colombia

Bahía Solano: young people embrace science to protect the sea and biodiversity

In Bahía Solano, the Semillero Propágulos initiative engages students in citizen science activities designed to protect marine ecosystems. Through partnerships with universities and organisations, young people are studying marine litter, microplastics and local wildlife, promoting conservation and raising environmental awareness.

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Ecuador

Achuar indigenous ecotourism: resistance and conservation in the Amazon

In Ecuador, the Achuar indigenous people have developed a community-based ecotourism model promoting economic development, cultural preservation and environmental conservation. The Kapawi Ecolodge, run by local communities, is an example of sustainable tourism combining ancestral knowledge with low-impact technologies such as solar panels and solar-powered boats. This approach generates income while also strengthening the autonomy of indigenous communities and the protection of Amazonian biodiversity.

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Panama

Management Plan for Panama’s Cerro Ancón nature reserve forges ahead

In Panama, the new Management Plan for the Cerro Ancón Reserve aims to reconcile biodiversity conservation with sustainable public use. The Plan envisages a division of the area into zones for conservation, public use and protection, with reforestation and environmental monitoring initiatives.

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Asia

India

‘No-planned’ holidays win the hearts of Indian travellers: why people are choosing to do less

In India, a new trend for ‘boring holidays’ is emerging among young people, who prefer short, frequent breaks with fewer planned activities and more time for relaxation and well-being. This shift is driven by Generation Z, who value the ‘small things in life’ and view accommodation as an integral part of their travel experience.

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Indravati Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh reopens to visitors after four decades

The Indravati Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh is to welcome visitors again after 40 years, promoting ecotourism and conservation of biodiversity. The reopening includes regulated safaris and involves local communities, generating sustainable economic opportunities.

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Bastar focuses on tourism, family-run accommodation and tribal culture to diversify local economy

India’s Bastar region is promoting sustainable tourism through ecotourism, handicrafts and community-led hospitality. Initiatives like homestays involve local families, while investment in infrastructure is improving connectivity. The goal is to showcase natural and cultural heritage while creating economic opportunities for local communities.

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Kazakhstan

Turkestan, where nature meets heritage: the growth of ecotourism along the Silk Road

The Turkestan region is emerging as an ecotourism destination thanks to the Sairam-Ugam National Park, which offers alpine landscapes and a wealth of biodiversity. Otrar’s historical heritage and the mausoleum of Arystan Bab further enrich the cultural offering, making Turkestan an ideal destination for visitors seeking nature and history.

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EUROPE

Austria

Bärentrail turns ten: good results for the Bear Trail

The ‘Bear Trail’ in Austria’s Waldviertel region is celebrating 10 successful years, combining environmental protection with economic development. The project, fruit of a partnership between the Bear Sanctuary and local councils, has boosted nature-based and slow tourism, promoting the area without compromising its integrity.

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France

Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, driving sustainable conference tourism

The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes is a pioneer in sustainable events, combining environmental responsibility with social impact. Through solutions such as energy-efficient lighting and solar panels, it aims to reduce CO₂ emissions by 33% by 2025. The initiative also encompasses the circular economy and low-emission transport, strengthening ties with the local area and promoting public cultural events.

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Spain

Turespaña receives an international award for campaign promoting sustainable tourism

The 'Think you know Spain? Think Again’ campaign has won the Special Prize for Best Ibero-American Tourism Film. This initiative promotes a lesser-known side of Spain by highlighting inland destinations and sustainability, aiming to distribute visitors more evenly through the year and encourage ‘slow tourism’. The campaign is part of Spain’s 2030 Sustainable Tourism Strategy.

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Xúquer descent enhances the power of rivers as a driving force for sustainable tourism in the Valencian Ribera

The sixth edition of the Descens Popular del Xúquer demonstrated the potential of rivers as a strategic resource for sustainable tourism in the Ribera. The event, combining sport and nature, promotes a model of responsible and eco-friendly enjoyment.

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Be a tourist in your own country: the Basque guide to travelling responsibly

In the Basque Country, sustainable tourism forms the heart of government policy with a Code of Ethics inspired by the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals. This guide for responsible travellers promotes respect for the environment, local culture and use of sustainable resources, encouraging visitors and residents alike to adopt a mindful and respectful approach.

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Data and AI for more efficient, sustainable and experience-led tourism: the key topics of TIS2026

The 2026 Tourism Innovation Summit in Seville is to explore how artificial intelligence and data can improve sustainability in tourism. The event will focus on challenges such as overcrowding and destination management while promoting regenerative and sustainable tourism.

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Oceania

Australia

The dingo debate is heating up: the future of these animals depends on how we manage them

In Australia, a parliamentary inquiry in New South Wales is exploring sustainable strategies for dingo management, balancing their ecological and cultural importance with the needs of farming. Non-lethal methods, like fencing and guard animals, are being considered to protect agricultural activities and conserve dingoes.

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Eco-Scenarios

Avoiding geotagging to protect natural sites from overtourism

Growing concern about overtourism has inspired the social media #nogeotag movement which avoids revealing natural sites’ exact location in shared photos. This approach aims to protect destinations from online popularity spikes and distribute visitor flows more evenly, promoting more responsible and sustainable tourism.

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