Colorado Unites Utah, New York, California And More for a Sustainable Tourism Revolution That Will Leave You Stunned: Watch Out, World!

Published on December 3, 2025

In 2025, Colorado unites Utah, New York, California, and more to lead a sustainable tourism revolution that will leave the world stunned. These states are joining forces to create a tourism experience that not only supports local communities but also protects our planet. By embracing responsible travel and eco-friendly practices, they are setting a new standard for how we explore the world. This sustainable tourism movement goes beyond just environmental conservation; it focuses on empowering communities and preserving cultural heritage for future generations. From promoting green travel to developing sustainable infrastructure, these states are shaping a future where tourism benefits everyone. Watch out, world, as Colorado, Utah, New York, and California make history by transforming the tourism industry into a force for good, making it more inclusive, eco-friendly, and community-driven. This revolution is just getting started.

Colorado’s Destination Development Mentorship

In September 2025, the Colorado Tourism Office launched its Destination Development Mentor Programme. This initiative pairs local destination organizations with tourism consultants for a six-month mentorship to help communities develop sustainable tourism strategies. The programme’s goals are to encourage responsible and respectful travel, promote the protection of natural resources, and build community capacity for sustainable tourism.

The mentor programme helps destinations create “Do Colorado Right” campaigns, which focus on preserving Colorado’s beauty through responsible travel practices. Visitors are taught to stay on designated trails, respect wildlife, support local businesses, and reduce waste. Additionally, the programme helps communities assess the environmental and social impact of tourism, ensuring long-term sustainability. By pairing local knowledge with expert guidance, Colorado’s approach ensures that sustainable tourism is tailored to each community’s needs. This collaboration is a prime example of how tourism can be a tool for environmental preservation and community empowerment.

Durango, Colorado: Grants for Impact and Resiliency

In addition to the Destination Development Mentor Programme, the City of Durango, Colorado, launched the Durango Impact & Resiliency Grant (DIRG) in September 2025. This community-driven grant aims to fund projects that promote sustainability, enhance community resilience, and help reduce the environmental impact of tourism. Applications for the grant were open from September 10 to October 10, 2025, and the winners were announced on November 5, 2025.

The DIRG programme focuses on projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support sustainable tourism businesses, and promote equitable access to outdoor spaces. For example, applicants might propose developing educational programmes for tourists about sustainable practices or creating zero-waste event kits for festivals. The programme’s emphasis on community collaboration ensures that the tourism industry in Durango works for the benefit of both residents and visitors, fostering sustainable growth in the region.

New York‘s Sustainable Tourism Plan

On the east coast, Ulster County, New York, took a unique approach to sustainable tourism. In October 2025, the county launched a public input process to develop its first Sustainable Tourism Plan. Ulster County is known for its natural beauty and historic towns, and the plan aims to ensure that tourism supports the preservation of these resources for future generations.

The county is partnering with Beyond Green Travel, a sustainable tourism consultancy, to craft the plan. The goal is to create a strategy that balances the need for tourism with the protection of natural landscapes, cultural sites, and the well-being of local communities. Ulster County’s plan will involve input from residents, business owners, tourism partners, and government officials, ensuring that the final strategy is inclusive and well-rounded. This collaboration will help create a sustainable tourism economy that supports local businesses, reduces environmental impacts, and promotes year-round tourism.

Arizona: Heat-Safety Messaging and Climate Action

In Sedona, Arizona, sustainability took the form of a heat-safety educational campaign. Launched in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the local Sustainability Department, this campaign aimed to inform both residents and visitors about the dangers of extreme heat during outdoor recreation. While not a traditional marketing campaign, this initiative is part of Sedona’s broader Climate Action Plan and focuses on promoting responsible tourism in sensitive desert environments.

The heat-safety campaign provided practical advice, such as carrying water, starting hikes early in the morning, and understanding trail difficulty. By educating visitors about how to prepare for extreme heat, Sedona aims to reduce emergency incidents while also promoting responsible outdoor recreation. This initiative highlights that sustainable tourism includes not only environmental protection but also the safety and well-being of visitors.

Utah: “Forever Mighty” Heritage and Sustainability Campaign

In Utah, the “Forever Mighty” campaign continued to promote responsible tourism and heritage preservation in October 2025. The campaign encourages visitors to respect the state’s natural and cultural heritage while supporting local communities. The state focuses on experiential travel, encouraging visitors to stay longer, explore off-peak destinations, and enjoy meaningful experiences that have a lower environmental impact.

The “Forever Mighty” campaign promotes slow tourism, which emphasises staying longer in one location and exploring destinations in a sustainable way. By focusing on heritage preservation, responsible travel, and community involvement, Utah’s tourism agency is working to ensure that the state’s iconic landscapes and cultural sites are protected for future generations. This campaign has become a cornerstone of Utah’s sustainable tourism efforts.

California’s Delta Heritage & Tourism Branding

California’s Delta Protection Commission launched a significant initiative in August 2025, with the creation of a new Tourism Brand and Marketing Plan for the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area (NHA). This is the first time California has had a National Heritage Area focused on its vast estuary. The commission is working with marketing professionals to craft a brand that promotes sustainable tourism in the region while protecting the Delta’s wetlands, wildlife, and cultural heritage.

The plan will include public outreach, market research, and a brand toolkit, with completion expected in June 2026. This initiative highlights California’s commitment to sustainable tourism, ensuring that the Delta’s unique natural resources and communities are protected for future generations. The project also underscores the importance of collaboration between local communities, state agencies, and marketing professionals to create a sustainable tourism model that benefits both the environment and the economy.

Alabama: The Year of Alabama Trails Initiative

Alabama’s Year of Alabama Trails initiative, which launched in February 2025, continued to promote sustainable tourism throughout the year. The initiative celebrates the state’s network of hiking, biking, paddling, and equestrian trails, showcasing Alabama’s natural beauty and encouraging outdoor recreation. Activities related to the Year of Trails were planned for autumn 2025, with events, hikes, and educational programmes designed to engage both locals and tourists.

The Year of Alabama Trails is a statewide effort that encourages residents and visitors to explore Alabama’s mountains, rivers, beaches, and historic sites. By promoting outdoor recreation, the initiative supports both local businesses and the state’s tourism economy. The initiative highlights how investing in outdoor infrastructure can foster sustainable tourism and contribute to rural development, creating jobs and improving quality of life in small towns.

Pennsylvania: Inclusive Tourism and Sustainable Infrastructure

In October 2025, the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) launched a set of tourism campaigns aimed at welcoming diverse travellers, including Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ visitors. These inclusive tourism campaigns highlight Pennsylvania’s culture and hospitality, demonstrating the state’s commitment to ensuring that tourism benefits are shared by everyone. These campaigns help to broaden participation in tourism, making it a key aspect of sustainable tourism development.

Additionally, Pennsylvania is investing in sustainable infrastructure, such as the modern passenger terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport. This terminal, part of the Terminal Modernization Program, is designed to reduce energy use, improve resilience, and support economic growth in the region. The new terminal will be ready for major events like the 2026 NFL Draft, attracting visitors while also contributing to Pennsylvania’s broader sustainability goals.

New Mexico’s Grant for Sustainable Tourism

The New Mexico Tourism Department offers the Destination Forward Grant (DFG), which supports the development of sustainable tourism infrastructure in local communities. The grant funds long-term projects that align with New Mexico’s sustainable tourism goals, such as historic site restoration, trail development, and agritourism. In 2025, the grant provided funding for several projects that aim to increase visitation while protecting the state’s natural and cultural heritage.

The DFG is an example of how community-led tourism can balance economic growth with environmental protection. By funding projects that focus on sustainability, New Mexico is ensuring that tourism benefits both visitors and residents, creating a thriving tourism economy while preserving the state’s unique landscape and culture.

Hawaii: Regenerative Tourism Conference Promotes Collaboration

In September 2025, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) hosted the 2025 Hawai‘i Tourism Conference in Honolulu. The conference focused on regenerative tourism, a concept that goes beyond sustainability by promoting the restoration and rejuvenation of natural resources. Attendees included industry professionals, community leaders, and government officials who discussed how to balance tourism with conservation efforts.

The conference covered a wide range of topics, including visitor satisfaction surveys, environmental stewardship through initiatives like Explore Outdoors Hawai‘i and the Nā Manu ‘Elele trail stewards, and the introduction of the Green Fee to align visitor spending with environmental protection. By bringing stakeholders together, Hawai‘i is positioning itself as a leader in regenerative tourism, showing that tourism can have a positive impact on both people and the planet.

Conclusion: Sustainable Tourism for a Better Future

Sustainable tourism is no longer just a concept; it’s becoming a reality in many U.S. states. The campaigns described in this article—from Colorado’s Destination Development Mentor Programme to Hawai‘i’s regenerative tourism conference—show how tourism can be a powerful tool for environmental protection, community development, and cultural preservation. By focusing on collaboration, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability, these states are leading the way in creating a tourism industry that benefits both people and the planet.

In 2025, these campaigns prove that sustainable tourism is not only possible but essential for building a better future. Whether it’s through responsible travel practices, community-led initiatives, or protecting natural resources, the U.S. is embracing sustainable tourism as a path to a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future.