Sustainability news June n. 2
June 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026
News from Italy
Eco recognition for Custonaci’s sea from Legambiente
Custonaci, Sicily, has been rewarded by Legambiente and Touring Club Italiano for its commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and environmental protection. The award underlines the importance of enhancing the area’s cultural and natural heritage.
Alberobello says no to single-use plastics: the challenge for ‘virtuous’ local areas
The small town of Alberobello is stepping up as an example of eco-sustainability by reducing single-use plastics. The initiative, supported by Plastic Free Onlus and the town council, aims to protect health, the landscape and tourist appeal, involving institutions, schools and citizens.
World Bicycle Day: summer on two wheels in the Lombardy mountains
The mountains of Lombardy, and especially the Valtellina valley, offer an extensive network of cycle routes favouring sustainable tourism. With trails suitable for different bike types, the region stands out for its focus on the environment and soft mobility, hosting events showcasing the local area and promoting cycling culture.
Castel del Monte Infopoint reopens, now featuring partnership with the Alta Murgia Park
The Castel del Monte Infopoint is reopening, now in partnership with the Alta Murgia National Park, promoting slow and sustainable tourism. The initiative aims to enhance the Apulia region’s cultural and natural heritage with educational experiences and workshops for visitors.
Slow tourism in the Sirente Velino Park for the revival of inland areas
The Sirente Velino Regional Natural Park in Abruzzo is establishing itself as a slow and sustainable tourism destination, thanks to its wealth of natural and cultural heritage. Thanks to Parco Europeo dei Borghi del Respiro recognition for its high air quality and adhering to the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, the park promotes trekking and cycling routes, combining environmental protection and local economic development.
Allai, Italy’s first ‘village of stars’, is awarded for its spectacular night sky
The village of Allai in Sardinia has been certified as the first 'village of stars' in Italy thanks to its high-quality night sky and low light pollution. This honour is the result of a four-year commitment to the sustainable upgrading of public lighting and promoting stargazing. Allai is therefore joining an international network of astrotourism destinations, promoting slow and eco-friendly tourism.
Bicycle stories: introducing experiential gravel in Vizzola Ticino and Tornavento
The Ticino Park is launching I Capitoli Inediti, an initiative combining cycle tourism and storytelling along 780 km of cycle trails. Its aim is to promote slow and sustainable tourism, showcasing the environmental and cultural heritage of this UNESCO reserve.
News from around the world
Africa
Mozambique
Seahorse safaris spur on Mozambique’s coastal comeback
In Vilankulo, Mozambique, a conservation project is harnessing seahorses as a resource for sustainable tourism. Former poachers are now guides, promoting the protection of the marine ecosystem and creating economic opportunities for local communities.
The Americas
Colombia
Colombia is on its way to becoming the top ecotourism destination
Colombia is emerging as a leader in world ecotourism thanks to its extraordinary biodiversity and variety of ecosystems. Following the 2016 peace agreement, many national parks have opened to sustainable tourism, promoting conservation and sustainable economic development.
Mexico
The Mexican government announces decree to prioritise ecotourism in Mahahual
The Mexican government has announced a decree to promote ecotourism in Mahahual, curbing mass tourism and protecting local ecosystems. This initiative, the fruit of dialogue with local communities, aims to combine economic development and environmental sustainability, transforming Mahahual into a model of responsible tourism in the Caribbean.
Asia
South Korea
Hotter summers may necessitate further restrictions on national park trails
A study by the Korea National Park Service and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council highlights how climate change is affecting management of mountain national parks. Extreme heat waves could lead to more frequent restrictions, requiring new strategies to ensure visitor safety.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong considers introducing a booking system to curb crowding and protect a popular hiking trail
Hong Kong is considering the introduction of a booking system for the Po Pin Chau trail, to manage tourist flows and safeguard natural areas. Proposals also include the creation of a marine park around Sharp Island to protect coral communities, part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable tourism.
India
87% of India’s Gen Z prefer trips of under 7 days, and 66% book travel just days before departing
Gen Z is revolutionising tourism in India with a focus on authenticity, sustainability and technology. These young travellers choose experiences reflecting their identity, favouring slow tourism, nature and culinary exploration, contributing to more sustainable tourism.
World Environment Day: meet India's conservation heroes
In India, projects like Healing Himalayas and Dakshin Foundation show that environmental conservation is compatible with sustainable tourism. These initiatives harness traditional knowledge and promote participatory management of natural resources, helping protect biodiversity and the well-being of local communities.
Indonesia
Sidemen: unhurried travel among Bali’s temples and paddy fields
Sidemen, in eastern Bali, offers sustainable tourism showcasing natural and cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy authentic experiences away from mass tourism thanks to small family lodges and respect for local traditions.
Golo Koe festival in Labuan Bajo promotes environmental protection and sustainable tourism
The Golo Koe Festival in Labuan Bajo, on Flores Island, is an event promoting sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. Through activities such as beach clean-ups and tree planting, the festival aims to raise awareness of climate issues and showcase the local cultural heritage.
Europe
France
Roquefère: the five elements at the core of the Black Mountain
In France, the 5 Elements Trail in the Montagne Noire is now open as part of the Avenir Montagnes programme promoting sustainable mountain tourism. This 16-km route showcases the local natural heritage, incorporating symbolic elements and special signage for outdoor enthusiasts.
Spain
Vitoria-Gasteiz, the green capital setting the course for sustainable tourism in Europe
Vitoria-Gasteiz, in the Basque Country, is a model of sustainable tourism in Europe thanks to the integration of environmental protection and responsible mobility. The city, with its green belt and sustainable mobility policies, shows how to combine tourist appeal and well-being for residents.
Eco-scenarios
Rethinking sustainable hotel growth in emerging destinations
In emerging destinations, sustainable tourism is focusing on integrating local communities into the hospitality industry, promoting fair distribution of economic benefits. This approach aims to boost the local economy and preserve the authenticity of destinations, moving beyond ‘community-washing’ in favour of social impact and community engagement.
Blue finance: making waves in sustainable oceans and freshwater resources
Blue finance is emerging as a key tool for protecting oceans and water resources by promoting marine conservation projects and responsible coastal tourism. Through blue bonds and sustainable investments, it aims to combine economic development and environmental protection by mobilising capital for high-impact initiatives in emerging countries.
Gen Z increasingly chooses ‘bilingual breaks’ to learn languages and rediscover slow tourism in Europe
Bilingual breaks are gaining popularity among young travellers seeking authentic and sustainable experiences. These European stays enable them to practise foreign languages and immerse themselves in local cultures, fostering slow and mindful tourism that showcases rural and less-travelled communities.
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