Sustainability news October n. 1
5 October 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026
News from Italy
Cycling: from the five rings to two wheels, Olympic athletes zoom in on Gubbio
The Granfondo del Montefeltro race in Gubbio promotes sustainable tourism through cycling, showcasing the Umbria and Marche regions by immersing participants in nature, culture and local traditions. The event, which includes activities for families and young people, aims to raise awareness of local identity through a ‘slow tourism’ experience.
Italy’s 100 most beautiful roads: 5,000 kilometres through villages, mountains and flavours
The ‘Italy’s 100 Most Beautiful Roads’ project aims to promote sustainable tourism by creating routes showcasing villages, landscapes and local traditions. With 5,000 kilometres of routes, the initiative encourages slow, mindful travel exploring the country’s cultural and natural treasures.
Monuments, nature and culinary delights: a grand tour spanning 13 municipalities and rediscovering the beautiful Appian Way
The Ancient Appian Way is at the heart of a sustainable tourism initiative linking 13 municipalities in the province of Latina, Lazio. The project combines archaeology, nature and cycle tourism, promoting tourism with low environmental impact and showcasing the region’s finest local food and drink.
Rovigo hosts a stop on the ADRURAL tour: water drives tourism
The European ADRURAL project, sponsored by the Venice-Rovigo Chamber of Commerce, aims to develop sustainable tourism by promoting waterways. The project channels ‘slow tourism’ institutions and operators, transforming rivers and canals into infrastructure for new tours and economic opportunities as an alternative and sustainable tourism offering in the Polesine region.
Sustainable tourism: onward and upward for the Cinque Terre Park
Europarc has renewed the Cinque Terre National Park’s European Charter for Sustainable Tourism thanks to its initiatives for reducing the impact of tourism. The measures adopted include visitor monitoring and regulation of footpaths, with a focus on use of technology for managing tourist flows and preserving the landscape.
Civita, theatre of a major open-air experiment
Civita di Bagnoregio is undergoing transformation into a centre for sustainable tourism combining scientific research and contemporary art to tackle land erosion. The project aims to distribute tourist flows more evenly through a geopark, showcasing geological heritage and striving for UNESCO Geopark designation.
143 new projects for the future of the UNESCO reserve in Upper Molise
The Alto Molise Collemeluccio-Montedimezzo UNESCO Biosphere Reserve has launched an Action Plan for 2026–2035 comprising 143 projects combining biodiversity, slow tourism and community participation. The initiative aims to transform environmental protection into sustainable development, involving schools, families and the public through biosphere trails and citizen science projects.
Free trains from Rome to Lazio’s most picturesque villages: book one of 18 trips now to discover Italy’s ancient routes
The Caput Mundi initiative, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, is offering free train journeys from Rome to the villages of Lazio until December 2026. This project aims to promote local and sustainable tourism using public transport to make cultural and spiritual heritage sites accessible.
News from around the world
Latin America
Colombia
LiveHappy, the Colombian organisation aiming to turn nature-based tourism into a conservation tool
LiveHappy is a Colombian organisation that promotes nature-based tourism as a tool for environmental conservation and development of rural communities. The organisation works with local reserves and communities to create a sustainable model that generates economic opportunities through management and promotion of tourist experiences. Initiatives like the Las Moyas trail in Bogotá show how effective this approach is.
Colsubsidio boosts its tourism business through circular economy at the Piscilago park
The Piscilago water park in Colsubsidio, Colombia, is evolving into a model of sustainable tourism, combining the circular economy with environmental conservation. It protects 35 hectares of dry tropical forest and is home to 752 animals from 126 species. The initiative includes composting, solar power and reforestation and has achieved Zero Waste Gold certification.
Costa Rica
Sustainable tourism: why Costa Rica is a global role model
In Costa Rica, ecotourism is a development strategy harnessing the country’s natural heritage to generate economic and social value. Since 1997, the nation has adopted a sustainable tourism model protecting more than a quarter of its land while also supporting local communities. The Costa Rican Tourism Board’s many-pronged approach promotes specific experiences, demonstrating the power of biodiversity protection as a key asset for tourism development.
Puerto Rico
Creative tourism plan fosters forest conservation and economic growth in Puerto Rico
A five-year project developed by the United States Forest Service and Cornell University aims to promote sustainable tourism in El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico. The initiative focuses on low-volume, high-value tourism, protecting the environment and benefiting local communities through ecotourism, adventure tourism, wellness and culinary experiences. Its goal is to balance protecting the forest with promoting local economic development.
Asia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Royal Reserve boosts adventure tourism with 10 accredited trails
The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve in Saudi Arabia has received international accreditation for 10 hiking trails, promoting sustainable tourism. This recognition highlights the country’s commitment to developing ecotourism through biodiversity conservation and environmental restoration initiatives.
China
Slow tourism revitalises the ancient city of Liyang in central Henan
Liyang, an ancient town in Xun County, China, is revitalising its cultural heritage through slow tourism. By combining local traditions with new forms of entertainment, the city is transforming its heritage into participatory experiences, engaging young people in particular. The ‘Twelve Cultural Spaces of Liyang’ offer workshops and museums providing a direct experience of the local culture.
India
Adventure tourism coming soon to Odisha forests
Odisha is developing adventure tourism in its forests to promote a sustainable model supportive of local communities and respectful of biodiversity. Activities include climbing and canoeing, with a spotlight on wildlife and habitat conservation.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway makes the Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2027 ranking
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO heritage site, is featured among the Lonely Planet’s top destinations for 2027. Northeast Frontier Railway is promoting the line as living heritage through historic journeys and experiential tourism programmes with a strong focus on sustainability and local community involvement.
Patalpani–Kalakund heritage train to run five days a week
The Madhya Pradesh Western Railway has decided to increase the schedule of the historic Patalpani–Kalakund service to five days a week to promote sustainable tourism. This route, famous for its natural landscapes, offers a unique ecotourism experience, showcasing railway heritage while supporting local communities.
Europe
Norway/Sweden
New night train to connect Sweden with the Arctic Circle in just 27 hours
From November 2026, Snälltåget will be offering an overnight trip from Malmö to Narvik, promoting slow, sustainable tourism. This special service will pass through breathtaking scenery, reducing the need for flights and stopovers and re-framing the ride itself as a tourist experience.
United Kingdom
VisitScotland launches a carbon calculator to help tourism businesses cut emissions
VisitScotland has unveiled a carbon emissions calculator to help tourism businesses reduce their environmental impact. This tool, part of the Climate Action Accelerator programme, enables businesses to measure and manage their carbon footprint and promote more sustainable and competitive tourism.
Spain
Andalusia installs 25 eco-friendly moorings to prevent seabed damage by diving boats
Andalusia has installed 25 eco-friendly moorings along the Granada and Málaga coasts to protect the seabed from damage caused by the anchors of diving boats. This project, part of the ‘European LIFE IP Intermares’ programme, aims to reconcile scuba diving tourism with the protection of marine biodiversity by engaging local communities and promoting ecotourism.
Montoro launches innovative olive oil tourism scheme
Montoro is pledging to become a sustainable year-round tourist destination by showcasing its local heritage and unveiling an ‘OleoTourism’ plan. This project is transforming olive groves and olive oil mills into tourist attractions, engaging the local community and showcasing the region’s culture and traditions.
Roman villa at Fuente Álamo set to open new areas to the public thanks to €2.7 million investment
The Roman Villa at Fuente Álamo in Puente Genil is being restored thanks to an investment of 2.7 million euros, combining archaeological conservation, energy efficiency and an enhanced visitor experience. The initiative includes new areas open to the public, energy-efficient lighting and a solar power system, promoting a sustainable tourism model showcasing the area’s historical and cultural heritage.
Hungary/France
Tourism leaders back promotion of Central Europe as a single destination
The idea of promoting Central Europe as a single, interconnected destination aims to capitalise on short distances between cities and capitals to create sustainable routes. Data integration is essential for managing tourist flows and protecting the environment, while tourism has the power to boost destinations’ resilience and promote cultural and social cohesion.
Eco-Scenarios
World Economic Forum names the best countries for travel in 2026, featuring a surprise qualifier
The World Economic Forum has published the Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026, highlighting the importance of sustainable investment in tourism. Japan tops the rankings, with six European countries in the top ten. The index highlights the need for development models that generate lasting value for communities and businesses.
New ‘gig tripping’ phenomenon offers a breakthrough for the tourism economy
‘Gig tripping’ – a phenomenon in which travel is driven by specific events – offers new opportunities for sustainable tourism. The challenge is to turn this temporary influx into lasting benefits for the local area by encouraging longer stays and exploration of destinations outside of the event itself.
Slowxury: 52% of Gen Z opt for local experiences while Italy focuses on villages and crowd control
The concept of ‘slowxury’ redefines luxury in tourism, shining a spotlight on authentic, personalised experiences off the beaten track. This trend, driven by Gen Z and Millennials, encourages engagement with local communities and a sense of tranquillity, favouring quieter destinations like Italian villages.
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