Norway Joins Maldives, Peru and More Highlight Sustainable Tourism Initiatives Ahead of World Sustainability Day

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Norway, Maldives, Peru and more destinations are highlighting sustainable tourism initiatives ahead of World Sustainability Day on 28 October. From protecting marine ecosystems and preserving traditional farming practices to reducing hotel waste and measuring carbon emissions, hospitality businesses are introducing practical programmes that support environmental protection, local communities and responsible travel.

Sustainable Tourism Initiatives Bring Environmental Protection and Cultural Preservation into Focus

As World Sustainability Day approaches on 28 October, hotels and travel companies across several destinations are demonstrating how responsible tourism can extend beyond environmental commitments. Initiatives in Norway, the Maldives, Peru, France, Mexico and the Turks and Caicos Islands illustrate different approaches to protecting natural resources, supporting communities and encouraging travellers to participate in conservation.

These programmes reflect an important development within international hospitality. Sustainability increasingly involves measurable operational improvements, biodiversity protection, cultural preservation and educational experiences that connect visitors with their destinations.

Norway Promotes Traditional Mountain Farming Through Responsible Travel

Norwegian travel curator Up Norway is incorporating traditional summer farming experiences into its personalised itineraries, helping visitors discover seterkultur, the country’s UNESCO-recognised mountain farming culture.

Travellers can stay at family-operated mountain farms, learn established cheese-making techniques and participate in agricultural activities that have supported rural communities for generations.

The experiences introduce visitors to local food production while creating opportunities for farming families to benefit directly from tourism.

Up Norway also reports holding B Corporation and Travelife certifications, reflecting its approach to responsible business operations and sustainable travel planning.

By connecting tourism with traditional livelihoods, the company is helping preserve cultural knowledge that remains important to Norway’s rural identity.

Maldives Resorts Strengthen Marine Conservation and Plastic Recycling

In the Maldives, Sun Siyam Resorts is implementing environmental initiatives through its Sun Siyam Cares programme.

Across five Maldivian properties, activities include coral propagation nurseries, marine conservation projects, renewable energy initiatives and community engagement.

Guests can participate in marine citizen science activities, contributing to greater awareness of fragile underwater ecosystems.

At Siyam World, the Sun Siyam Upcycle Center has reportedly repurposed more than 800 kilograms of plastic waste, demonstrating how hospitality operations can introduce practical waste-management solutions.

The company’s five Maldivian resorts have also obtained Green Globe certification.

These measures are particularly relevant to island destinations, where healthy coral reefs, marine biodiversity and effective waste management contribute to long-term tourism resilience.

Peru Hotel Measures Carbon Emissions and Supports Circular Tourism

Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel in Peru is strengthening its environmental management through its 2026 Organisational Carbon Footprint Measurement initiative.

Working with sustainability specialists A2G, the hotel aims to establish an emissions baseline, identify operational improvements and develop a clearer understanding of its environmental impact.

Employee workshops addressing carbon footprints and climate change form another component of the initiative.

The property has also been selected for Ayllu Verde, a UNESCO-implemented project supporting circular economy practices and sustainable tourism in the Cusco region.

Participation will provide technical assistance to assess existing operations, prioritise improvements and monitor progress.

France and Caribbean Hotels Expand Environmental Practices

B Signature Hotels & Resorts is pursuing sustainability through energy conservation, water management, waste reduction and community partnerships.

Its properties hold Clé Verte, or Green Key, certification.

Initiatives include reducing single-use plastics, expanding recycling and composting, and prioritising locally sourced seasonal ingredients.

At Domaine de la Bretesche, visitors can explore a permaculture garden, while Hotel Manapany in Saint-Barthélemy supports biodiversity protection through cooperation with local environmental authorities.

The group also participates in food redistribution, soap recycling and pollinator protection programmes.

Mexico and South Caicos Encourage Conservation Participation

Grand Velas Los Cabos in Mexico is introducing children to environmental responsibility through its Adopt-a-Plant programme.

Young guests select plants, receive guidance on their care and obtain photographs showing their development after returning home.

Meanwhile, Sailrock South Caicos in the Turks and Caicos Islands supports native habitat protection, nature trails, community clean-ups and restoration efforts involving canals connected to historic salt flats.

Both initiatives demonstrate how tourism businesses can involve guests and communities in environmental stewardship.

Conclusion – 50 Words

World Sustainability Day highlights how responsible tourism can protect destinations while improving hospitality practices. Initiatives across Norway, the Maldives, Peru, France, Mexico and South Caicos show that conservation, cultural preservation, waste reduction and environmental education can become meaningful parts of travel experiences, benefiting visitors, local communities and natural ecosystems.