Sustainability news September n. 1

Trevinano, the hilltop village between Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany, is brought back to life by a community-led project

Trevinano, a historic village in the Tuscia area, is at the heart of a sustainable regeneration project funded through Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). A community cooperative made up of local residents is leading the restoration of buildings while promoting sustainable tourism and showcasing the area’s natural heritage and traditions. The initiative aims to tackle depopulation and isolation while preserving the village’s authentic character.

Read the full article

Slow trekking through the Comacchio salt marshes promotes more mindful tourism

The “Noi, a passo lento nella salina” initiative invites visitors to discover Comacchio through a trekking experience that highlights the area’s natural and scenic heritage. By promoting a slower, more mindful approach to travel, the event encourages participants to connect with the local landscape and history, offering an experience that goes beyond the area’s traditional gastronomic attractions.

Read the full article

Mountain careers for women: three Pakistani mountaineers take on a new challenge

Three Pakistani mountaineers are taking part in a training programme in Italy to develop their skills in mountaineering and sustainable tourism. Their goal is to establish an organisation dedicated to promoting ecotourism and environmental education, creating professional opportunities for women while contributing to the protection of mountain ecosystems in Pakistan.

Read the full article

Discover Italy through slow travel itineraries and walking trails

September is an ideal time to explore Italy’s walking trails, thanks to mild temperatures and long days. Sustainable routes include the Cammino dei Borghi Silenti in Umbria and the Sentiero del Viandante in Lombardy, offering unique experiences that combine nature and culture. Other routes, such as the Cammino di San Francesco and the Via Peuceta, promote slow travel while showcasing Italy’s rich historical and natural heritage.

Read the full article

Tuscany promotes cultural and sustainable tourism initiatives

The Tuscany Region is highlighting the Etruscan heritage of Carmignano to strengthen cultural and sustainable tourism. By enhancing sites such as the Artimino Archaeological Museum and the Quinto Martini Museum Park, the initiative seeks to bring together culture, nature and food and wine experiences, offering an alternative to mass tourism.

Read the full article

From Valle Maira to the Sibillini Mountains: embracing the slow pace of life in Italy’s seven CAI villages

The Italian Alpine Club (CAI) has launched the Certified Mountain Villages project, promoting slow tourism that celebrates entire communities and their connection with the surrounding landscape. The initiative aims to protect local scenery, support local economies and combat depopulation by encouraging tourism throughout the year while respecting local identities and traditions.

Read the full article

“From Villages to Peaks” project promotes slow and sustainable tourism

Summer 2026 saw a significant increase in tourism across the inland areas of Marche and Abruzzo, driven by growing interest in historic villages, mountains and slow travel. The “From Villages to Peaks” project brings together cultural heritage, local food and wine traditions and nature trails, helping to encourage longer stays and greater engagement with these inland destinations.

Read the full article

AFRICA

Morocco

Sustainable Tourism: Souss-Massa Lays the Foundations for a New Certification Model

Morocco’s Souss-Massa region has launched the country’s first sustainable tourism certification programme, designed to meet international standards and the Sustainable Development Goals. Supported by the World Bank, the project involves a range of tourism operators and promotes sustainable practices through a two-tier assessment system. The initiative aims to double the number of certified establishments and serve as a model for other regions.

Read the full article

Southern Africa

From Heritage to Human Connection: Preparing Southern Africa’s Heritage Sites to Tell Stories That Matter

An UNESCO- and European Union-supported programme aims to transform Southern Africa’s cultural heritage into engaging visitor experiences, strengthening sustainable tourism and the role of local communities. Training has involved six countries and cultural sites, promoting innovative approaches to creating deeper connections between visitors and local traditions.

Read the full article

AMERICAS

Chile

Sernatur Expands Study Trip Programme: 2,400 Seventh- and Eighth-Grade Students to Travel Across Chile

Chile’s Sernatur Study Trips programme is expanding with the launch of the “Educational Experience” initiative, involving 2,400 students in a journey promoting sustainability and environmental education. The initiative aims to strengthen domestic tourism and support local micro-enterprises during the low season.

Read the full article

Colombia

A Bird and a River Join Antioquia’s Protected Heritage: Where Are They Located?

The municipalities of La Unión and La Ceja in Antioquia have declared the torrent duck and the Piedras River part of their historical and cultural heritage, promoting responsible tourism and the conservation of local ecosystems. The initiative includes educational and environmental programmes aimed at raising awareness of ecotourism and conservation.

Read the full article

Costa Rica

Arenal Fortuna, One of Costa Rica’s Leading Tourist Destinations, Wins Ibero-American Sustainability Award

Arenal Fortuna, Costa Rica, has received first prize in the “Sustainable Mature Destination” category at the Sustainable and Social Tourism Summit in Mexico City. The award recognises a tourism development model that combines economic growth, environmental protection and community well-being through collaboration among businesses, institutions and local residents.

Read the full article

Mexico

Mexico’s Sustainable Tourism Policy 2026–2030: A Roadmap for the Country’s Green Transformation

Mexico has launched a sustainable tourism policy for 2026–2030, focusing on governance, tourism culture, climate resilience and green financing. The initiative aims to protect ecosystems and cultural heritage, improve waste management and strengthen the involvement of local communities.

Read the full article

ASIA

South Korea

How Gangwon Province and EATOF Are Redefining Sustainable Tourism in South Korea

Gangwon Province, in partnership with EATOF, is redefining sustainable tourism through international cooperation and the use of artificial intelligence. The initiative aims to develop smart tourism infrastructure, environmentally friendly facilities and low-emission transport, while engaging local communities to foster more responsible and resilient tourism.

Read the full article

United Arab Emirates

Ecotourism Initiatives for Long-Term Sustainable Development

The United Arab Emirates has launched a National Ecotourism Policy aimed at protecting the environment and promoting sustainable tourism. The strategy includes safeguarding sensitive areas, engaging local communities and creating a national ecotourism platform. These initiatives are aligned with the National Strategy to Combat Desertification 2030, promoting sustainable economic development and the conservation of natural resources.

Read the full article

India

Shoulder-Season Travel in India Is Driving More Authentic and Sustainable Experiences

In India, shoulder-season travel is gaining popularity, offering more authentic and sustainable experiences. This trend reduces pressure on infrastructure and encourages slow tourism, with longer stays and deeper immersion in local culture. Technology and hybrid working are helping to facilitate this shift, contributing to a more balanced distribution of visitors throughout the year.

Read the full article

Nilgiri Tahr Habitat Expands in Kerala

Varayattumudi, in Kerala’s Idukki district, has become a refuge for Nilgiri tahrs thanks to conservation initiatives that have helped increase the species’ population. A sustainable ecotourism project developed with the local tribal community promotes biodiversity conservation and economic development through activities such as trekking and farm stays.

Read the full article

Ecotourism in Uttar Pradesh Shifts Focus from Tigers to Habitats, Birds and Wetlands

Uttar Pradesh is broadening its ecotourism strategy by focusing on natural habitats, birds and wetlands alongside its iconic tigers. With significant investment, the state is promoting educational experiences and biodiversity conservation through projects in reserves and wildlife sanctuaries.

Read the full article

EUROPE

France

Beach Toy Sharing Initiative Promotes Sustainable Tourism in Fort-Mahon-Plage

In Fort-Mahon-Plage, in the Bay of Somme, a beach toy-sharing container has been installed to encourage reuse and reduce waste. Families can leave and pick up toys, contributing to a more sustainable tourism experience.

Read the full article

France and Spain Join Forces for Sustainable Tourism

The Bocage region of France and Manchuela Conquense in Spain are working together to develop sustainable tourism, addressing shared challenges such as rurality and climate change. The project includes sustainable mobility initiatives, cycling tourism and the enhancement of natural resources.

Read the full article

Spain

Castile-La Mancha Sets New Record for Rural Tourism in July, Ranking Among Spain’s Leading Regions

Castile-La Mancha reached a historic record for rural tourism, supported by sustainable initiatives such as the Sustainable Blue Tourism programme. Measures to improve accessibility and walking routes, together with cycling and astrotourism projects, are strengthening a model that combines heritage, nature and sustainability.

Read the full article

LIFE Lynxconnect Project: An Example of Synergy Between Conservation and Rural Development in Andalusia

The LIFE Lynxconnect project has transformed Iberian lynx conservation into an opportunity for sustainable development in Andalusia, integrating biodiversity protection, sustainable tourism and the promotion of local products. By involving communities and stakeholders, the project has contributed to the growth of the lynx population while creating new economic opportunities.

Read the full article

Warming Mediterranean Waters Threaten Bluefin Tuna Reproduction in the Balearic Islands

Warming Mediterranean waters are putting bluefin tuna reproduction in the Balearic Islands at risk, with temperatures approaching critical thresholds for larval survival. This phenomenon could undermine ongoing efforts to conserve the species.

Read the full article

Cordoba Develops New Tourism Plan for Major Cities

Cordoba is developing a new Major Cities Tourism Plan in collaboration with the Andalusian regional government to promote sustainable urban tourism. The initiative aims to reduce seasonality, distribute tourist flows more evenly and enhance cultural heritage while improving residents’ quality of life.

Read the full article

Responsible Visits and Respect for Local Customs in Barcelona

Barcelona is addressing the challenge of overtourism by strengthening sustainability policies and measures to manage visitor flows. The city promotes responsible visits through the use of authorised facilities and respect for local traditions, while also encouraging travel during the low season to reduce pressure on the destination.

Read the full article

ECO-SCENARIOS

Responsible Nature-Based Tourism and Respect for Wildlife Habitats

Promoting Responsible Nature Tourism and Respect for Wildlife Habitats

Wildlife selfies can cause stress and exploitation, threatening animal welfare and conservation efforts. Recent studies highlight how these practices, often shared on social media, can normalise harmful behaviour. Sustainable tourism should prioritise observing wildlife from a safe distance and respecting natural habitats.

Read the full article

The content linked in this press review is the property of its respective authors and/or publishers. The links are provided for informational purposes only. Produced by Extreme Srl for ENIT SpA