Lyon, France, has been recognised as a best practice by the Sustainable EU Tourism project for its wide-ranging efforts to promote responsible tourism through labelling, community engagement, and sustainable mobility.

Since 2010, Lyon has introduced multiple quality labels, such as Ville Équitable et Durable, Bouchons Lyonnais, and Fabriqué à Lyon to highlight ethical businesses, sustainable gastronomy, and locally made products. These initiatives guide both residents and visitors in making conscious consumption choices that support the local economy and social cohesion.

To manage tourist flows and protect heritage, the city has implemented crowd dispersion strategies in Old Lyon, including capped tour group sizes, walking teams for visitor orientation, and behavioural charters. 

Meanwhile, waste reduction campaigns like #gourdefriendly, expanded cycling infrastructure with 5,000 bikes, and the LyonCityCard - offering free public transport and museum access -encourage low-impact travel.

Initiatives such as Greeters promote authentic cultural exchange by connecting visitors with local residents for informal tours, while campaigns also invite tourists to support Lyon’s social organisations.

Lyon’s holistic approach integrates environmental, social, and cultural priorities, making it a leading example of how urban tourism can be inclusive, sustainable, and community-focused.

For more details on the key challenges the destination has faced and the solutions implemented to address them, please refer to the attached document.