Sustainability news May n. 4
May 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026
News from Italy
Crinali 2026: over 60 performances in the Bologna Apennines with guests including Elio Germano, Teho Teardo and Achille Succi
Crinali 2026 is celebrating its 10th edition with more than 60 performances promoting slow and sustainable tourism. This festival transforms the landscape of the Bologna Apennines into the star of the show, combining entertainment, walks and showcasing of the local area, with a focus on accessibility and inclusion.
Sicily’s finest beaches: 16 locations awarded Blue Flag status
Sicily is leading Italy with its commitment to sustainable tourism, obtaining 16 Blue Flags for water quality and environmental management. This award underlines the region's focus on sustainability and local-area enhancement, with new award-winning locations such as Ispica and Lipari.
Firefly hunting for hikers in the Sele Valley: rediscovering nature through sustainable tourism
The Fireflies Experience in the Sele and Tanagro Valleys offers guided tours for spotting fireflies, a symbol of biodiversity and environmental health. The initiative aims to raise awareness among local communities on the importance of preserving natural ecosystems by promoting sustainable and nature-friendly tourism.
Task force of seven Tuscan municipalities for a new tourism model, with Cortona leading the way
Seven municipalities in the Chiana Valley, near Arezzo, led by Cortona, are developing an integrated and sustainable tourism model. The initiative aims to promote the area as a unique destination, showcasing villages and rural areas and improving tourist services through digital innovation, focusing on slow tourism, cycle tourism and authentic experiences.
A community apiary and a forest reborn: how Castel del Giudice is combating depopulation and crisis
Castel del Giudice, a village in Upper Molise, is an example of sustainable revival thanks to projects integrating organic farming, reforestation and sustainable tourism. A community apiary and organic apple orchard promote biodiversity and new sources of income, while the ‘widespread hotel’ system and renewable energy community support repopulation and energy autonomy.
Big benches are trending in the Marche region
Giant benches designed by Chris Bangle are promoting slow tourism in the Marche region, enhancing the landscape and local communities. These installations, built independently of public funding, create routes blending nature, art and history, transforming the area into an open-air museum.
Aboard a 100-year-old steam train through the woods: this trip to Sila is enchanting children
The Sila train ride offers a slow tourism experience in the Sila National Park, using an old steam train to explore the nature and history of Calabria. This project aims to promote sustainable tourism, extending the route to include new destinations and showcasing the area’s engineering and cultural heritage.
Where fairies once lived: exploring the forests and inns of the secret heart of Sardinia
The Cammino delle Domus de Janas (way of the fairy houses) in Sardinia is a route showcasing the archaeological and landscape heritage of the Meilogu area. Passing through historic villages and UNESCO sites, it is a unique way to experience nature, culture and local traditions.
Slow and experiential tourism: the Basin Authority promotes Ceresio at the European Lakes Festival
The Ceresio Basin Authority is participating in the European Lakes Festival to promote slow and sustainable tourism. The initiative highlights the local landscape and traditions through nature trails and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, focusing on an authentic, high-quality tourist experience.
Slow travel is back: why rail tourism is growing, from Lombardy to Europe
Rail tourism in Italy and Europe is experiencing a renaissance as train travel becomes a sustainable and cultural experience. In Lombardy, initiatives like the Trenord rail company’s Gite in treno (train trips) are promoting regional tourism, and FS Treni Turistici Italiani is showcasing historical railway heritage. These trends reflect a shift towards more sustainable and locally integrated tourism.
News from around the world
Africa
Morocco
Lakes, dams and wadis: Morocco reforms inland fishing, focusing on a sustainable model
Morocco has introduced a decree for sustainable management of inland waters, involving the National Water and Forests Agency. The reform aims to turn fishing into a tool for local-area development and ecotourism, with permits based on quality projects and environmental benefits.
The Americas
Colombia
Acandí Turtle Sanctuary expands to 63 thousand hectares
The Acandí Fauna and Flora Sanctuary has been expanded by more than 62,000 hectares to protect marine and coastal ecosystems. This initiative involves institutions, the WWF and local communities, fostering ecotourism and responsible fishing.
Mexico
UNESCO launches ‘cash for work’ initiatives with communities in Oaxaca to promote sustainable tourism through culture and heritage
UNESCO has launched the Cash for Work programme in Oaxaca, involving local artists and operators in projects strengthening the bond between community and responsible tourism development. Initiatives like ‘Young Oaxaca: Art Festival’ and ‘Guardians of Heritage’ promote social inclusion and education through culture, contributing to more sustainable tourism.
Asia
India
How domestic tourism is reshaping India’s hotel industry
Geopolitical instability and rising international travel costs are pushing Indians towards domestic tourism, transforming the hotel industry. Hotels are adapting by offering local cultural and gastronomic experiences, supporting the market in smaller towns as well.
Indonesia
In the midst of pressure from overtourism, Bali chooses sports tourism to care for destinations
Bali is tackling overtourism by encouraging sports tourism through events such as the Bali Tourism Run 2026. By limiting participants and promoting local cultural experiences, the island is building more sustainable and eco-friendly tourism.
Europe
Where to travel for accessible adventures in Europe, according to the experts
Europe is making its mark by adopting accessible tourism models promoting inclusion and autonomy. From the Scottish mountains to Italian cultural tours, destinations are offering safe and participatory travel experiences for all, with infrastructure and services adapted to specific accessibility needs.
Scotland
Adorable puffins: the best places in Scotland to watch them
Scotland offers a unique opportunity for sustainable birdwatching, with its spectacular cliffs and islands that are home to colonies of puffins and other species. Boat trips are a great way to see the local fauna, promoting eco- friendly tourism.
Spain
Barcelona appoints its first commissioner for sustainable tourism
Barcelona has appointed José Antonio Donaire as commissioner for sustainable tourism to combat overtourism. Planned initiatives include revoking of licences for tourist apartments, downsizing of cruises and the revival of emblematic spaces for residents. The aim is to transform the city's tourism model, focusing on cultural visitors and business travellers, and improving the quality of urban life.
Loyal and generous eco-tourists spend more and seek new destinations in protected areas
Ecotourism in Spain is experiencing significant growth, with increasingly environmentally conscious visitors willing to spend more on authentic and sustainable experiences. The average daily expenditure of eco-tourists reached almost 179 euros, with a strong interest in local nature, culture and food. Direct bookings with local operators are boosting the economy for communities, while travellers adopt an increasingly eco-conscious approach.
Pacific Ocean
New Zealand
Why New Zealand is a top destination for sustainable tourism
New Zealand is a leader in sustainable tourism thanks to eco-lodges that respect the environment and promote biodiversity. These facilities use local materials and eco-friendly technologies, offering authentic experiences and involving local communities in cultural and conservation activities.
Eco-scenarios
Capturing a journey in pictures: how sketching changes the way we travel and remember the world
Urban sketching is transforming travel into a meditative experience, promoting slow and mindful tourism. Through live sketches, travellers can connect deeply with the places they visit, capturing often overlooked details and creating authentic memories. This practice invites us to slow down and observe, making each journey a unique and personal experience.
The content linked in this press review is the property of the respective authors and/or publishers. The links are shared for informational purposes only.
Processed by Extreme Srl for Enit SpA