Why 2026 Is the Year of Sustainable Tourism- And How You Can Be Part of It

As travelers increasingly prioritize sustainability, destination selection plays a critical role in promoting responsible tourism. Cities have a unique opportunity to influence these decisions by investing in infrastructure that supports low-impact travel and highlighting local green initiatives through destination marketing. Cities like Ljubljana, Slovenia, and Bordeaux, France, have successfully branded themselves as sustainable destinations by integrating environmental objectives into urban planning and tourism strategies. These cities focus on walkability, public transportation, and green spaces, which reduce the environmental footprint of visitors while enhancing their experience¹.

Municipal leaders can support this shift by implementing certification programs for local businesses, encouraging eco-labels such as Green Key or EarthCheck. These certifications guide travelers toward accommodations and attractions that meet verified sustainability standards. Local governments can also partner with tourism boards to create digital sustainability maps and itineraries that guide visitors to eco-friendly restaurants, heritage sites, and nature-based experiences. This approach not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also promotes longer stays and increased visitor spending in ways that benefit local economies while safeguarding natural and cultural resources².

Empowering Local Communities Through Tourism

Sustainable tourism must be community-centered to be truly effective. When residents are actively involved in tourism planning and benefit from its economic impacts, destinations become more resilient and socially inclusive. Municipal governments can support this by fostering public-private partnerships that prioritize local employment, skills development, and entrepreneurship within the tourism sector. For example, in Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, community-based tourism initiatives have been instrumental in both preserving biodiversity and creating stable income sources for residents³.

In practice, municipal agencies can offer training programs for local guides, artisans, and operators to help them meet international service standards while maintaining cultural authenticity. Cities can also allocate funding or offer microgrants to support start-ups in rural or historically marginalized areas. By integrating community voices into tourism planning committees or advisory councils, local governments ensure that development aligns with resident priorities and avoids the displacement or commodification often associated with mass tourism⁴.

Reducing Carbon Footprints Without Sacrificing Experience

One of the most practical ways travelers can contribute to sustainable tourism is by minimizing their carbon footprint. For this to be viable at scale, municipalities must invest in low-carbon transportation options and promote regional connectivity. Cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam have made cycling infrastructure a cornerstone of their tourism strategy, enabling both residents and visitors to move efficiently without relying on cars⁵. Municipalities can also promote the use of electric shuttle buses in historic districts and expand pedestrian-only zones to reduce vehicle emissions.

From a policy standpoint, local governments can introduce incentives for accommodations that adopt renewable energy systems or implement waste reduction programs. Urban destinations can also collaborate with regional transit authorities to offer integrated ticketing systems that allow tourists to use buses, trains, and ferries seamlessly. These efforts not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also enhance the overall visitor experience by making travel more convenient and environmentally responsible⁶.

Spotlight on Innovators Driving the Change

Startups and social enterprises are playing a growing role in advancing sustainable travel, often filling gaps where public infrastructure or policy is still catching up. Companies like Byway, a UK-based platform promoting flight-free travel, are redefining how travele