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Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism

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• Description
• SDGs & Targets
• SDG 14 targets covered
• Deliverables & timeline
• Resources mobilized
• Progress reports

A key objective of the Global Partnership is to provide guidance for developing sustainable tourism projects, promote sharing of best practices and encourage reporting of demonstrable results. To this end, the Global Partnership serves as a clearinghouse for sustainable tourism projects.

This is done by:

Networking - to support our partners and tourism stakeholders globally in sharing experiences, successes and resources to accomplish the mission.

Sustainable tourism projects and proposals - The Global Partnership provides technical assistance to countries and advice to partners in the development and implementation of sustainable tourism projects. This is the core service. The sustainable tourism project screening tool, a web-based service that screens submitted projects against criteria developed for each of the 7 priority themes screens:

1. Policy Frameworks & Governance 2. Climate Change 3. Environment & Biodiversity 4. Poverty Alleviation 5. Cultural and Natural Heritage 6. Private Sector Sustainability Practices 7. Integration of Sustainability into Finance & Investment

Research & Knowledge: access to research, guidelines, tools and reports from UN agencies, international organizations and academic institutions provide industry solutions and support monitoring and measurement of sustainability outcomes.

Action Network

• North America

More information

Contact information.

Catalina Etcheverry, Consultant, UNEP Division of Technology, Industry and Economics

Is it possible to be a ‘sustainable tourist’? 12 ways to make a positive impact on your travels

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After a period of plummeting tourism numbers during the pandemic, tourism is having a resurgence. This is good news for many workers and businesses, but it could be bad for the planet. Here is a selection of ways tourists can ensure that their holidays don’t harm the environment.

There are many positive aspects to tourism. Around two billion people travel each year for tourism purposes. Travel and tourism connect people and bring the world closer through shared experiences, cultural awareness and community building. It provides jobs, spurs regional development, and is a key driver for socio-economic progress.

However, there is often a downside; Many popular destinations are threatened by increasing pollution, environmental hazards, damage to heritage sites and overuse of resources. And that’s without factoring the pollution caused by travel to and from these destinations.

So, with that in mind here are some tips that will help you to enjoy your trip, and leave with the confidence that your favoured tourist destination will not be damaged by your presence, once you return home.

1. Ditch single-use plastics

Often used for less than 15 minutes, single-use plastic items can take more than 1,000 years to degrade. Many of us are switching to sustainable options in our daily lives, and we can take the same attitude when we’re on the road. By choosing reusable bottles and bags wherever you go, you can help ensure there is less plastic waste in the ocean and other habitats.

2. Be ‘water wise’

On the whole, tourists use far more water than local residents. With a growing number of places experiencing water scarcity, the choices you make can help ensure people have adequate access to water in the future. By foregoing a daily change of sheets and towels during hotel stays, we can save millions of litres of water each year.

3. Buy local

When you buy local, you help boost the local economy, benefit local communities, and help to reduce the destination’s carbon footprint from transporting the goods. This is also true at mealtimes, so enjoy fresh, locally grown produce every chance you get.

4. Use an ethical operator

Tour operations involve people, logistics, vendors, transportation and much more. Each link in the chain can impact the environment - positively or negatively. If you prefer to leave the planning to someone else, be sure to pick an operator that prioritizes the environment, uses resources efficiently and respects local culture.

5. ‘Please don’t feed the animals’

Sharing food with wildlife or getting close enough to do so increases the chances of spreading diseases like cold, flu and pneumonia from humans to animals. Also, when animals get used to receiving food from humans, their natural behaviours are altered, and they become dependent on people for survival. In some cases, it can also lead to human-animal conflict.

6. And don’t eat them either!

By creating the demand, consuming endangered or exotic animals leads to an increase in poaching, trafficking and exploitation of animals. Besides the harm done to the individual animal on your plate, irresponsible dining can contribute to the extinction of species already threatened by climate change and habitat loss. Keep this in mind when shopping for souvenirs as well, and steer clear of products made from endangered wildlife.

7. Share a ride

Transportation is a major contributor to the carbon footprint from tourism. Instead of private taxis, explore using public transportation like trains, buses and shared cabs. You can also ride a bicycle, which offers a convenient and cheaper way to explore and learn about a place.

8. Consider a homestay

Staying with a local resident or family is a nature-friendly option that allows you to get up close and personal with local culture and customs. Staying at local homestays can uplift communities by providing income while giving you a peek into different ways of life.

9. Do your homework

Before your travel, educate yourself about your destination. Doing so will allow you to better immerse yourself in local traditions and practices and appreciate things that might have gone unnoticed otherwise. With the right information, you can explore a destination in a more sensitive manner and surprise yourself with new adventures and discoveries.

10. Visit national parks and sanctuaries

Exploring nature and wildlife through national parks is an intimate way to learn about the animals and their ecosystems first hand. In some cases, your entrance fee supports conservation efforts that protect species and landscapes and preserve these natural spaces for future visitors to enjoy.

11. Don’t leave a trace

You can make a mark by not leaving a mark on your vacation destination. Put garbage in its place to avoid litter, and don’t remove or alter anything without permission. Let’s make sure we leave only soft footprints, and not the environmental kind.

12. Tell your friends

Now that you’re ready to travel in eco-friendly style, it’s time spread the word! Inform fellow travellers, friends and family about how sustainable tourism benefits local people by enhancing their livelihoods and well-being, and helps all of us by safeguarding our beautiful environment.

Encouraging sustainable and inclusive tourism in protected areas to promote green recovery

Challenge 

Protected areas (PAs) are key to global efforts to conserve biodiversity. While governments see PAs as a conservation tool, they are often overlooked in economic development plans and recovery strategies. This results in limited financing of PAs and degradation of ecosystems that people depend upon, even though PAs not only conserve biodiversity, but also generate significant livelihoods for local communities and economies through nature-based tourism – a strong lever for countries to achieve their development goals while promoting conservation. However, there is limited recognition and understanding of the economic benefits of protected area tourism or its potential contribution to green recovery strategies. 

The World Bank has supported countries to promote inclusive and sustainable tourism by protecting their natural assets, growing and diversifying business opportunities, and sharing benefits with local communities. To deepen knowledge of the economic impact of PAs through sustainable tourism, the World Bank developed a rigorous economic assessment methodology using computable general equilibrium (CGE) models in local economies to measure economic impact in terms of income multipliers and jobs created. The World Bank then carried out assessments in Brazil, Fiji, Nepal, and Zambia that generated evidence that investing in PAs is good for conservation and sustainable development. This evidence has applications for tourism in marine and terrestrial PAs, and other natural resource management areas, and was shared with policymakers including via three country reports (Brazil, Nepal, and Zambia).  Clients were also closely involved in the development of the reports, including site selection, informing methodology design, providing access to data, facilitating field work.  Consultations were held with clients to get feedback on draft results, ahead of report finalization.  

Results 

Economic impact of tourism quantified in five PAs in Brazil, Fiji, Nepal, and Zambia.  Results were well received by stakeholders and governments and are being used to catalyze policy reforms and future investment in PAs and sustainable tourism. Results informed policy dialogue, project design and raised the profile of nature-based tourism to promote local economic development and generate conservation finance. Results show for every dollar invested in PAs, the economic rate of return is at least six times the original investment. The study informed the design of the pipeline Green, Resilient and Transformational Tourism Development Project in Zambia , which will invest in landscapes, including PAs, and tourism development for local development. The result of the study is being used to identify project sites, and to broaden the scope of the project to include policy and institutional reforms, specifically related to concession policies and capacity of park managers to oversee tourism operations.  The study is informing a policy track on concession policy reform in the upcoming First Nepal Green, Resilient and Inclusive Programmatic Development Policy Credit to promote private sector participation and encourage responsible investments in tourism.  In addition, in Argentina, the pipeline Sustainable Recovery of Landscapes and Livelihoods in Argentina Project aims to improve the management and resilience of ecosystems and related livelihoods (including nature-based tourism) of local communities in selected conservation and production landscapes and seascapes. Findings from this study and related products and webinars were used by the team to build a new engagement with the government on this topic.    

• Presentations at five virtual events helped increase awareness of WB staff, clients, and wider global conservation audience (>500 participants).
• Partnerships with local universities in four countries trained over 70 students in survey and data collection, at least half of whom were women, building local capacity to carry out analysis of ecological and economic dynamics in the PAs.

World Bank Group Contribution 

The project received funding from PROBLUE Trust Fund (TF) ($450,000), the PROFOR Trust Fund ($125,000), the Wealth Accounting and the Valuation of Ecosystem Services (WAVES) TF ($125,000), and the GEF-financed Global Wildlife Program TF ($100,000).

The World Bank strategically organized partnerships to ensure that the results were robust, and the outreach would be effective. The methodology was developed in partnership with the University of California, Davis, and implemented in the pilot countries by national government institutions, academic institutions and NGOs. The government agencies provided technical expertise and helped determine the scope of the work. Students from universities in each of the countries were trained in data collection and surveying. NGOs played an advisory role and supported in-country logistics.  In Brazil, the team partnered with the Brazilian Ministry of Environment, the Abrolhos Marine National Park Management Authority. University of Rio de Janeiro, and Conservation International. In Fiji, the team engaged the Ministry of Fisheries, Mamanuca Environment Society and the University of South Pacific. In Nepal, the team worked with the Government of Nepal, National Trust for Nature Conservation, and the Kathmandu University. In Zambia, the team partnered with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Government of Zambia; Global partners who supported the design, development and dissemination of the report include- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the United States National Park Service.

Looking Ahead 

Further technical support for governments and country teams to integrate nature-based tourism into their development agenda is being provided through a Phase 2 PASA, Economics of Nature-Based Tourism, helping increase the accessibility of the methodology, generate and share critical knowledge on nature-based tourism to strengthen project design and implementation, and influence dialogue with client countries. The methodology will be further applied to quantify and demonstrate the value of investing in PAs and nature-based tourism for development and conservation objectives and to inform upcoming operations.

Last Updated: Jun 02, 2023

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Innovation Norway Advances Sustainable Tourism Through Collaboration

(June 18, 2015) Innovation Norway continues to champion sustainable tourism with their recent launch of the country’s Sustainable destination standard. Since May, four destinations in Norway have achieved the new label and one has received the prestigious World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Tourism for Tomorrow Award for Destination Stewardship. Innovation Norway has successfully advanced their standard rapidly due to the nation’s foundation in love for  nature and their unique ability to unite a broad range of stakeholders toward the common goal of sustainable tourism.

Innovation Norway’s Sustainable Destination Standard

Innovation Norway’s Sustainable destination standard includes 45 criteria and 108 indicators to be measured, registered and monitored. The standard covers nature, culture, environment, social values, community involvement and economic viability. Measurable and continuous development are ensured through performance counts and renewing the brand every three years. Once a destination is chosen, Innovation Norway applies the standard through a series of implementation and monitoring methods. Then, a committed resolution is formed by the municipal council to support sustainable development in tourism and similar commitments are made by the tourism operators. After that, the implementation of the standard can occur.  This includes tasks like establishing internal transport, energy saving initiatives, local food and cultural projects, signposts and building recreation trails. Jointly, a monitoring process occurs that includes documenting the overall use of local food, local culture, energy, waste production, and cultural assets in the destination. The entire process takes approximately two years. It’s the comprehensive nature of Innovation Norway’s standard and the application to broad stakeholders that make their standard successful and easier to implement.

Contributions to sustainable tourism

With the new label of ‘Sustainable destination’, Norway takes a lead in the international efforts to promote sustainability in tourism and destination development. In order for a destination itself to achieve certification as ‘sustainable’, a broader set of criteria must be met. A consistent effort to plan for sustainable tourism and support and strengthen environmental programs over time is required, as well as working to preserve the destination’s history, character and nature. In addition, certification places demands on the development of the destination’s businesses and society following principles of sustainability.

Inguun Sørnes, a special advisor to Innovation Norway remarked, “As a nationally implemented certification for destinations, ours was the only one we could find at the time we developed and launched in early 2013. At that time we had been working for 3 years on developing sustainability as a base for local destination development, and prior to that we ran a development program for single enterprises and sectors in tourism in finding a way to increase sustainability in the industry. The industry pointed at competence and certifications as core elements in increased sustainability focus, and we built both competence programs and increased awareness on the use of certifications.”

In 2012, Destination Røros, Norway received the prestigious WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Award for Destination Stewardship. The awards are among the highest accolades in the global travel and tourism industry, giving international recognition to best practice examples of sustainable tourism in action.

Advancing sustainable tourism

The variety of different industries that form Innovation Norway allow for a cohesive network unlike any other National Travel Organization. Innovation Norway’s standard contains specific criteria and indicators asking the destination to increase the number of single enterprise certifications (hotels and tour operators), thus enabling the destination certifications to not compete, rather support the other certifications. Also a division of Innovation Norway is ‘Visit Norway’ which provides a listing of all tourism products and enterprises that are environmentally labelled with a tag named “Green Travel” and most closely resembles the GSTC Criteria . Today, this covers five independent certifications.  Innovation Norway collects the information and makes the identification of the label available for the users of the site. Innovation Norway’s ability to integrate their sustainability standards into other industries has allowed them to advance sustainable tourism beyond other National Travel Organizations. To date, four destinations in Norway have achieved the Sustainable destination label.

About Innovation Norway

Innovation Norway is the result of a merger between four organisations; The Norwegian Tourist Board, The Norwegian Trade Council, The Norwegian Industrial and Regional Development Fund, SND and the Government Consultative Office for Inventors, SVO. The Norwegian Tourist Board operates as the nation’s National Travel Organization (NTO) and provides support to the tourism industry including the national brand Visit Norway.

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UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

Investment readiness for green finance mechanisms initiative, share this content.

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Green Investments for Sustainable Tourism

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In order to continue with the collaboration between UNWTO and IFC. It was decided to launch pilot phase in the following countries: India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, and Vietnam, with the view of expanding to several other countries in the next phase.  

This pilot will be focus on an Investment Readiness Diagnostic that will be the basis for IFC’s proposed investment program. The program is a post-COVID medium-term credit line made available for hotels impacted by the downturn in tourism caused by the pandemic, coupled with provisions for retrofit greening, and disbursed in partnership with local financial institutions starting in 2021.  

Please see the brief presentation .

Under the new Investment Readiness for Green Finance Mechanisms initiative, the UNWTO will work alongside the IFC, which is a member of the World Bank Group and the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector in developing countries, on a series of training programmes. One of the main focuses of the new initiative will be working with private sector partners to promote green finance and share experience in resourcing sustainable buildings. The initial cooperation will consist in a series of trainings to promote green investments for a long term the recovery of the tourism sector. The first training is planned to start on 4 June, 2020 at 15:00 CET (Madrid time) in a webinar format, and it will culminate with an accreditation training provided by the EDGE Experts.

Presentations

• Download the Investments Readiness For Green Finance Mechanisms Presentation
• Access to Green Finance Mechanisms UNWTO and IFC Webinar Series
• One Planet Vision for a Responsible Recovery of the Tourism Sector
• Government Incentives for Green Hotels
• IFC Manuel Buttler

UNWTO is partnering with the IFC for a series of technical training programmes aimed at promoting green finance and unlocking its potential to accelerate tourism’s recovery and stimulate sustainable growth.

Objectives:

• Identify aggregators across the hotel value chain in order to promote and implement sustainability measures (Performance and Efficiency).
• Provide skills training on green building adoption and transitions to enable sustainable investments (Accreditations and Certifications).
• Facilitate sustainable investment mechanisms to access green finance opportunities (Compliance and Brand Reputation).

Audience and registration:

We invite government officials, hospitality investors, aggregators and tourism investment consultants to register .

Programme Structure:

P rogramme Timeline and Key dates:

4 june | tourism investments overview, 11 june | access to green finance mechanisms (sustainable hotels), 18 june | government green incentives (case studies), 25 june | green investment strategies (boost profitability), 9-10 july | edge experts training (accreditation), business case for sustainable hotels:.

1. Boost profit margins through utility savings  

2. Increase revenue through satisfying consumer preference and reducing reputational risk

3. Future proof investment strategies  

4. Safeguard against regulatory risk and benefit from incentives  

5. Increase value and validation through certification  

6. Ensure a long-term energy supply  

BUSINESS CASE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOTELS: A publication by the International Tourism Partnership in collaboration with IFC

Sustainability Success

10 Sustainable Tourism Examples

Tourism is fun; you get to meet new people, learn about new cultures and build beautiful memories that will last forever. However, as a tourist, have you ever paused to think that the areas you visit are actually people’s homes? And, of course, you wouldn’t want to ruin the homes and environments of other people, right? 

This is where green tourism comes in. Sustainable tourism factors in the economic , environmental , and social aspects of tourism, ensuring that it does not have any negative consequences on the environment. In addition to protecting the environment, sustainable tourism also protects the local communities and businesses.

In this article, I will go through 10 sustainable tourism examples around the world!

Here are 10 remarkable examples of sustainable tourism for environmentally conscious persons, including both luxury travel and budget options! Responsible tourism examples:

1. Feynan Ecolodge – Jordan

The first ecolodge of its kind in Jordan, Feynan Ecolodge was designed to reflect the architectural style of the ancient caravanserai and was built in 2005 by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature.

In 2009, EcoHotels took over the management and operation of the lodge, offering travelers an opportunity to experience the wild nature of Jordan, meet its natives and explore its ancient history. All of this with minimal impact on the environment!

Feynan Ecolodge is found deep in the Dana Biosphere Nature Reserve; a mountainous place located in Jordan.

It is one of the best examples of sustainable tourism globally, with the National Geographic Traveler Magazine ranking it among the top 25 ecolodges globally.

The lodge has partnered with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature to provide solar-powered accommodation. The use of solar as the main source of energy greatly reduces the carbon footprint released and led them to win the World Responsible Tourism Award in 2019. Therefore, guests who use these accommodation services play a role in protecting the environment.

Dana Biosphere Reserve is one of the largest nature reserves in Jordan. It was established in 1989 to protect the area’s diverse wildlife, geology, and landscape. The reserve encompasses four different bio-geographical zones: Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, Saharo-Arabian, and Sudanian. It is home to 800 plant species and 449 animal species, including several globally threatened/endangered species.

The Bedouin people are the original inhabitants of Jordan and are considered the backbone of the country. The Bedouin culture has transformed over time, as many people have left the traditional lifestyle and migrated to cities. However, there is still a small community of Bedouins who continue to live in the Feynan area, and geotourism has been helpful in preserving this culture.

As you can see, the Feynan Ecolodge is acting on all three pillars of sustainability (or the 3 E’s of sustainability ) by supporting the local culture (promoting cultural sustainability ), preserving the environment, and improving the local economy.

The Feynan Ecolodge is without a doubt one of the great examples of sustainable tourism, as well as an example of environmental responsibility !

2. Mdumbi Backpackers Hostel – South Africa

The Mdumbi Backpackers Hostel is specifically designed for people who like sustainable tourism.

Mdumbi Backpackers is a community-driven backpacker hostel located in the Transkei with panoramic views of the coast. They promote community involvement and sustainable eco-tourism.

The nearby beach was voted the best beach in Southern Africa, with world-class surf and incredible hiking and exploration opportunities, Mdumbi is a hidden gem not to be missed.

It provides an ideal base for whale-watching, hiking, and doing other outdoor tourist activities. The hostel uses multiple eco-friendly tools and practices, all of which are aimed to encourage more sustainable green tourism.

For example, all the accommodations use solar power and include a waste management system that is sustainable.

Besides, the hostel has a special ownership model, so that even local employees can own shares in the hostel.

3. Six Senses Resort – Fiji

The Six Senses Resort in Fiji resort is located on Malolo island at a secluded bay. The 5-star luxury resort can be said to meet all the sustainable tourism guidelines and principles.

Six Senses Fiji is committed to sustainability , with 100% solar power, programs to conserve energy and rainwater, make high-quality drinking water, and locally grow organic produce.

For example, Six Senses Resort uses solar energy to power the entire resort . Also, it established rain capture and efficient water filtration systems that help to reduce the usage of plastic bottles.

The resort has one of the largest off-grid solar installations in the Southern Hemisphere, using batteries to power the resort and the desalination plant.

In addition, the resort encourages recycling and re-using of materials, minimizing overall wastage and the release of harmful gases due to wastage.

Furthermore, the Six Senses Resort greatly supports different causes and programs aimed to help the local communities lead a more sustainable life.

For example, the resort works with Rise Beyond the Reef , an NGO that teaches women in remote communities to create marketable goods using traditional skills.

The Six Senses Resort in Fiji is clearly an amazing luxury eco-tourism example and a great option for those who can afford it!

4. Bom Bom Water Project – Príncipe Island – Africa

This water project is controlled and managed by the Bom Bom Resort . This luxury resort can be found in Príncipe and Sao Tome, an island that is located off the western coast of Gabon, West Africa.

This resort has a recycling scheme that involves replacing used water bottles with a stainless steel bottle (known as the “Biosphere Bottle”) that can be refilled.

So far, this recycling scheme has led to the removal of over 300,000 plastic bottles; a result that has contributed to a cleaner and more sustainable island.

More so, the Bom Bom Resort supports the water purification fountains and recycling projects established by UNESCO and the Príncipe Island World Biosphere Reserve.

It has established 13 water stations in different parts of the island, where tourists can refill their Biosphere Bottles. Besides, the resort encourages tourists and guests to take part in the sustainable programs available.

If you are interested in visiting this luxury eco-tourism option, then you can check a detailed review by some of their guests!

5. Inkaterra Hotels – Peru

Inkaterra Hotels is a 100% carbon-neutral organization with 47 years of experience in practicing sustainable tourism with its eco-lodges. Not bad for those luxury ecolodge options!

These hotels can be found in different parts of Peru, such as Tambopata, Machu Picchu Pueblo, Cusco, and Sacred Valley.

They were crowned by Greeninitiative , an organization endorsed by the United Nations (UN), as the very first “Climate Positive” hotel brand in the world.

All the lodges in these hotels are built using locally-sourced products; eliminating any transportation which would’ve led to a high carbon footprint.

Besides, the lodges are built in such a way that they do not ruin the environment or cause permanent damage.

Also, the Inkaterra Hotels provide support to education, scientific research, and local efforts aimed to conserve the environment and boost the economic condition of the locals.

Inkaterra Hotels is a great example of ecotourism , because the organization is truly aiming at sustainable development, by acting on all the 3 Ps of sustainability : people, profit, planet!

6. Atlantis Submarines – Hawaii

Sustainable tourism is not just about ecolodges, but also about experiences. Atlantis submarines in Hawaii offers the possibility to explore the submarine world in a more eco-friendly way.

The Atlantis Submarines are located in three different regions in Hawaii. They provide the thrill of diving up to 30 meters underwater to tourists and adventurous people.

Having been operational since 1988, the submarines are powered by environmental-friendly batteries. Therefore, they do not emit any pollutants or release harmful greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. 

Furthermore, all the Atlantis Submarines move quietly via the water without causing any environmental disturbance.

The company has also installed environmental-friendly artificial reefs in two different locations; these reefs help to re-establish healthy habitats for Marine life and fish.

Indeed, the Atlantis Submarines provide an eco-friendly way of exploring the deep sea.

7. BEES Elephant Sanctuary – Thailand

The BEES Elephant Sanctuary is located in rural Thailand in the Maechaem district. Most animal sanctuaries are considered unsustainable since most of the activities only function to exploit the animals kept there. However, the BEES sanctuary is different from these other sanctuaries, since it takes a different approach that aims to improve sustainability.

BEES was founded in 2011 by Burm Pornchai Rinkaew and Emily Rose McWilliam.

Emily traveled to Thailand as a teen in early 2009 and was appalled by the living conditions and hardships elephants experienced working in tourist camps. She made a promise to the elephants to do something about their plight and, at just 18 years of age, co-founded BEES with her partner Burm.

BEES provides a safe, natural home for elephants to just BE elephants and also rescues and provides care for local cats and dogs.

This sanctuary has adopted a sustainable approach known as the “No Contact – Hands Off Approach.” The hands-off policy prevents humans from forcing elephants into contact.

Also, all the elephants in the sanctuary have either been rented from the owners, retired, or rescued in the wild, in turn giving them a break from all the tough work that they do.

More so, the BEES sanctuary has set up different programs that allow people to work for the sanctuary, providing them with the opportunity to give back to nature.

8. Summit Expeditions & Nomadic Experience (SENE) – Tanzania

SENE is a tour operator company based in Tanzania . It offers a wide range of tours, such as around Zanzibar island, climbing up to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mbahe farm cottages , and other wildlife safaris. Since the company was established in 1998, it has been offering sustainable tours to tourists and jobs to the locals.

The SENE tour company is a member of “Leave No Trace”; a set of ethics whose main goal is to promote a sustainable world that will support many generations to come.

Also, they use portable toilets whose disposal systems are biodegradable.

In addition, the company encourages tourists to take alternative routes to their destination, so that they give the busier routers a chance to recuperate.

All these sustainable activities help to promote a healthier local environment in Tanzania.

9. Wavelength tours – Australia

Wavelength is a family-operated firm with a team made of local marine biologists or people who have spent most of their lives on the barrier reef. It provides snorkeling tours on the great barrier reef of Australia. However, unlike other similar snorkeling tour firms, Wavelength offers more environmentally friendly tours.

For example, the company takes only a small group of people for snorkeling. They also have a “no-touch” policy that prevents unnecessary disturbance of nature.

Also, all tourists are recommended to use environmental-friendly sunscreen that won’t have any negative impact on the corals and marine life.

All these sustainable solutions help to protect the great barrier reef, ensuring that it is not put under much pressure, which would in turn have significant effects on the environment.

Of course there is still more that could be done, but this company is surely doing some steps in the right direction.

10. Trash Hero – Thailand/Global

Trash Hero is a volunteer-led movement whose mission is to drive positive change within communities all over the world. It does so by encouraging communities globally to pick up rubbish and prevent plastic waste being dispersed in the local environment.

While Trash Hero was first started in Thailand, they have been establishing in 12 more countries.

They combine the effort of local communities and eco-friendly tourists by encouraging both parties to clean rubbish wherever they see it and work together to create a healthy, trash-free world.

Trash Hero also produces steel bottles that are more sustainable; the movement sells these bottles and also works with other businesses to make them more sustainable and greener.

Why is Sustainable Tourism Important?

The main goal of sustainable tourism is to minimize the negative impact that tourism has on the environment and local communities. It ensures that all resources are used in an optimal way, preventing over-consumption and wastage. In turn, sustainable tourism helps to preserve the natural world, as well as local traditions, culture and heritage.

Besides, sustainability tourism provides social and economic benefits to the local communities. This contributes to a mutually beneficial relationship of “give and take” where both locals and tourists gain equal benefits.

What’s even better, the sustainable activities involved with this form of tourism ensure the long-term future of travel, such that the environmental, economic, and social benefits are enjoyed now and by many more generations to come.

Sustainable tourism is not only good for business; it is also good for the environment, ensuring sustainability now and in the future. Therefore, unless you want to promote an unsustainable world, you need to ditch mass tourism and apply to tours that support sustainable tourism.

However, did you know that soon we may be getting also new ways to travel sustainably and enjoy an eco-friendly luxury vacation on the water? This may soon become available thanks to the new solar catamarans that are starting to become more mainstream!

Here are the 10 sustainable tourism examples I went through in this article:

• Feynan Ecolodge – Jordan
• Mdumbi Backpackers Hostel – South Africa
• Six Senses Resort – Fiji
• Bom Bom Water Project – Príncipe Island – Africa
• Inkaterra Hotels – Peru
• Atlantis Submarines – Hawaii
• BEES Elephant Sanctuary – Thailand
• Summit Expeditions & Nomadic Experience (SENE) – Tanzania
• Wavelength tours – Australia
• Trash Hero – Thailand/Global

I hope you enjoyed learning about those responsible tourism examples, and if you are not sure where to start, simply pick one of the 10 sustainable tourism examples discussed above. These destinations will not only give you the best time of your life, but also give you the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the world while you’re having fun!

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