Sustainability news July n. 1
July 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026
News from Italy
Summer 2026: home swaps are a hit in Sicily, with a surge in bookings for Palermo, Syracuse and Catania
The summer of 2026 saw a 45% increase in home swaps in Sicily, with Palermo, Syracuse and Catania as the most popular destinations. This hospitality model promotes a more sustainable form of tourism that is respectful of local communities.
Holidays in Puglia: it’s not just about the sea – surge in foreign tourism at the masserie
Puglia has seen a significant increase in international tourist arrivals, with a focus on slow and sustainable tourism. Masserie (traditional farmhouses) and agritourism establishments are becoming the centrepiece of the holiday, promoting food and wine experiences and outdoor activities that showcase the local agri-food heritage while also supporting rural communities.
61 million steps through beauty: why we’re falling madly in love with our museums all over again
Italian museums are experiencing significant growth, with 61 million visitors in 2024. This trend promotes sustainable cultural tourism, encouraging the discovery of lesser-known destinations and the spread of tourist numbers throughout the year. The challenge is to ensure accessibility and the protection of our heritage, while avoiding overcrowding.
Ascoli joins the Network of Sustainable Municipalities to focus on the 2030 Agenda goals
The Municipality of Ascoli Piceno has joined the Network of Sustainable Municipalities, committing itself to achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda and climate neutrality by 2050. The initiative involves monitoring environmental policies and engaging with the local community, while promoting responsible tourism.
Natural landscapes and historic villages: heritage trains are back on the Cuneo–Ventimiglia line
From 5 July to 16 August, heritage trains will once again be running along the Ferrovia delle Meraviglie line, promoting slow, sustainable tourism between Piedmont, Liguria and France. The trip offers the chance to discover natural landscapes and historic villages, with tastings of local specialities and stories about local traditions.
The Riviera dei Fiori Coastal Park Cycle Path is finally complete: 45 km of uninterrupted coastline
The Riviera dei Fiori Coastal Park Cycle Path, now complete, offers a 45 km route between Ospedaletti and Andora, promoting cycle tourism and sustainable transport along Liguria’s coastline. This project, supported by public funding, enhances the local area and forms part of the future Tyrrhenian Cycle Route.
The race to become Italian Rural Capital 2026 is now on: villages have until 12 July to submit their applications
The ‘Italian Rural Capital 2026’ initiative, organised by Feries, invites Italian municipalities with fewer than 15,000 inhabitants to apply in order to promote sustainable, authentic tourism. This award aims to bring together cultural heritage, traditions and local hospitality, while promoting destinations off the beaten track.
The Prosecco Hills: ‘Foreign tourist numbers rise by 48.1% over six years’
Thanks to their UNESCO recognition, the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene have developed a model of sustainable tourism that combines landscape conservation with slow tourism. Cultural initiatives and environmental sustainability projects have transformed the area into an up-and-coming destination for experiential tourism.
Fridays in July: discovering local produce – events organised by Visit Camposampierese (Veneto)
The Federation of Municipalities of the Camposampierese area is organising ‘Fridays by Bike’, an experiential cycle tourism initiative that takes place every Friday in July. Participants can explore the rural landscape and local specialities on guided sunset outings, visiting farms and local producers for an authentic experience of slow, sustainable tourism.
News from around the world
The Americas
Belize
Belize launches its ‘Green Season’ campaign to showcase its most authentic side during the low season
Belize has launched the ‘Green Season’ campaign to promote sustainable tourism during the low season, inviting travellers to discover rainforests, Mayan sites and local communities. The initiative aims to promote ecotourism and cultural traditions, offering a more authentic, less crowded experience.
Canada
Northern businesses expand to attract tourism in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon
The Canadian government is investing over 2.2 million dollars to support tourism projects in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon, promoting sustainable development and economic self-sufficiency for local communities, with a particular focus on the Indigenous communities.
Ecuador
Ecuador focuses on sustainable whale watching: the humpback whale season is underway
The humpback whale watching season has begun in Ecuador, with initiatives in place to ensure sustainable tourism that respects the marine environment. The government is promoting training and coordination among operators to ensure safe, responsible practices, involving local communities and expanding the range of services on offer to tourists.
Panama
Panama celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Altos de Campana National Park, the country’s first national park and biological reserve
Panama is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Altos de Campana National Park, highlighting the importance of conservation and sustainable tourism. The Biorural project, supported by international funding, aims to improve the management of protected areas and promote ecotourism, thereby benefiting local communities.
Peru
Amancay Sanctuary: the nature reserve that protects Lima’s symbolic flower
The Amancay Sanctuary in Lima is a private conservation area that protects the city’s symbolic flower and promotes sustainable tourism. The refuge, spanning 800 hectares of biodiversity, offers educational activities and ecotourism trails, helping to protect vulnerable species.
Asia
India
Government of Madhya Pradesh set to launch the ‘Kukru Natural’ brand to certify natural millet, honey and coffee
The Madhya Pradesh government is transforming Kukru into a centre for sustainable ecotourism, involving local tribal communities. The project includes an integrated tourism circuit and facilities run by the local community, supported by the ‘Kukru Natural’ brand to promote local products such as coffee and honey.
Gujarat's Dumas beach emerges as world-class tourism destination, driven by coastal development and the promotion of the local area
Dumas Beach in Surat, Gujarat, has emerged as a world-class tourism destination, thanks to the Dumas Sea-Face and Eco-Tourism Park Project. This development model combines modern public amenities with sustainable mobility, making the most of the natural environment and promoting sustainable coastal tourism.
Europe
Finland
Tampere enjoys its year as ‘European Capital of Smart Tourism’ with innovation and creativity against an industrial skyline
Tampere, Finland’s third-largest city, has been named the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2026 thanks to its policies on sustainability, accessibility and innovation. The city has transformed its historic factories into cultural and commercial spaces, promoting responsible tourism and enhancing the well-being of the local community.
France
Le Somail: véli trips begin along the Canal du Midi
A pilot scheme has been launched in Le Somail, France, to introduce ‘véli’ – pedal-assisted light electric vehicles – to promote sustainable transport along the Canal du Midi. The initiative, supported by ADEME, aims to develop responsible tourism and to secure Green Destinations certification for the Côte du Midi.
Antibes receives the ‘Destination of Excellence’ label for its commitment to sustainability
Antibes Juan-les-Pins has been awarded the ‘Destination of Excellence’ label by Atout France, in recognition of the town’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the quality of its tourist services. The initiatives include promoting ecotourism, reducing waste and raising visitor awareness.
Greece
Greece: tourism alert – heat and overcrowding in the spotlight
The Bank of Greece emphasises the need for a new model of tourism to tackle the challenges of climate change and overcrowding. The proposal is to distribute tourist flows more evenly, to reduce seasonal tourism and to promote alternative forms of tourism to maintain the country’s competitiveness.
Netherlands
Sustainable summer travel in the Netherlands: unlimited train travel to explore the country for 49 euros a month
In the Netherlands, the railway company NS has introduced the NS Flex Dal Vrij summer season ticket, which offers unlimited train travel for 49 euros a month. This initiative aims to promote slow, sustainable tourism, encouraging people to explore the country via its extensive rail network.
Spain
New walking route launched in Palencia’s ‘Little Alaska’: a unique, unspoilt valley
The Pineda Valley, in the Montaña Palentina Natural Park, is now home to a new sustainable tourism trail. The initiative, supported by the Natural Heritage Foundation and certified businesses, aims to protect biodiversity and the landscape through regulations to restrict activities that have a negative impact. The project promotes guided tours and nature-based activities, involving local businesses in environmental protection.
The Mayor of Benidorm: ‘The future will not belong to the destinations with the most visitors, but to those that are best able to look after people’
The mayor of Benidorm, Toni Pérez, presented the city as an example of sustainable tourism development, emphasising the importance of quality of life for residents and tourists alike. The city has adopted a vertical growth model and a sustainability-focused management approach, demonstrating how tourism can generate wealth without compromising the local community.
Is slow tourism a sustainable model or a luxury for the few?
Slow tourism in Spain promotes authentic experiences and immersion in local areas to reduce environmental impact and support local communities. However, it raises questions about its accessibility, as it is often reserved to those with the time and resources for extended stays.
Oceania
New Zealand
Matakana: how a farmers’ market has transformed tourism in an old lumber village
Matakana, a village north of Auckland, has become a model of sustainable tourism thanks to the transformation of its farmers’ market. Since 1992, the village has been developing a model that showcases local produce, art and crafts, while promoting biodiversity and environmental regeneration.
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