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12 sustainable destinations we'd love to visit in 2023

By Juliet Kinsman

As sustainability editor, I'm always up for championing the destinations that are showing a whole lot of love for the wellbeing of the world. Whether powering their nations on renewables, or addressing specific environmental or community issues, these nations are making the planet a better place while inviting us to explore them in an eco-friendly way, with the widest-flung of open arms.

Weighing up what makes an entire country sustainable is a daunting task, and these countries are in our sights for lots of different reasons. Yes, hopping on long-haul flights might not feel like a fast-track to tackling the climate emergency, but if you are planning on travelling anyway, then why not become a more conscious traveller? Here, we steer you to hosts with a conscience, too.

The Scottish wilderness

We’re wild about their rewilding

Scotland was already in our heads and hearts for being the country that was first to sign up to Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency – an initiative launched in 2020 to encourage the tourism sector to reduce carbon emissions. With COP26 having seen Glasgow host the most significant changemakers and conversations around the climate emergency, we are even prouder of this nation for leading by example. As biologist and naturalist Edward O Wilson outlines in his book, Half-Earth , we must strive to conserve half the Earth’s land and sea if we’re to get things back on track; there’s no doubt the more of our planet that we can rewild the better. Wilderness Scotland has been showcasing sustainable tourism for two decades, and the European Nature Trust has our attention for their conservation of tens of thousands of acres of the Scottish Highlands at Alladale Wilderness Reserve . To find the eco-friendliest accommodation providers, Scotland's Green Tourism certification scheme badges the best options.

Bhutan’s green valleys

Light-touch, high-value tourism

If being a more sustainable traveller is to think more deeply about why we travel, as well as ensuring we're taking a trip somewhere that will do more good than harm, the last remaining Buddhist kingdom is as compelling a destination as can be. A model of sensitive tourism in the Himalayas, Bhutan is the world’s only carbon-negative country and offers a less-is-more approach to hosting visitors by carefully regulating tourism and including the protection of its forests in its constitution. Since the country has a minimum daily package rate, there is a sensible targeted approach to inbound tourism, meaning less visitors, with a higher spend, so that foreign guests are welcomed into this compassionate, inclusive community, with few barriers between them and the Bhutanese. Amid emerald-green forests and glacial valleys, there's no straying from the country’s authentic, epoch-old way of living, and you have the comfort of knowing your environmental impact is minimal. Sustainable high-end hotels include Gangtey Lodge, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Six Senses , with a Habitas outpost opening here soon. MyBhutan from His Royal Highness Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck and Matthew DeSantis has introduced long-term farmhouse rentals for longer durations to allow a select group of guests to explore deeper into Bhutan. One of the 23 founding signatories of the Future of Tourism , Bhutan is also one of the best-vaccinated societies in the world.

The nourishing mountains of Slovenia

Peaks to climb and plates piled high with organic excellence

This compact Central European country with its fairytale mountain scenes of Baroque-spired churches and wooden hayracks has long since punched above its size as a hero of green tourism. More than a 10th of the rolling countryside is formally protected, spanning Alpine peaks, ancient forests, Karst plateau, the Pannonian plains' vineyards and thermal waters down to the dinky 29-mile stretch of Adriatic coast betwixt Croatia and Italy . We love the tourist board's Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism , which navigates you to the greenest hosts and camping sites. But let’s be honest – it’s the chic and delicious eats that really woo us. And there's nowhere better to follow a climavore diet: rather than cutting out all animal products to minimise the environmental impacts as vegans might, these are more flexible climate-conscious eaters who savour nature-sensitive suppliers and dishes with low food miles. 

Slovenians consistently work wonders with local and seasonal ingredients, as commended in a recent wave of Michelin plaudits such as its inclusion of Vila Planinka, a seductive boutique bolthole little more than half an hour’s drive north of Ljubljana. In the capital itself, Zlata Ladjica is a restored 400-year-old property riverside in the cobbled centre known also for its organic restaurant . For time away that leaves an especially good taste in the mouth, we're confidently nudging you towards Vipava Valley, which is a world-class winner at showcasing small wine producers and biodynamic deliciousness. Be sure to visit Cejkotova Domacija, a tiny homestead in Goče, the oldest village in Slovenia , a unique time capsule of eras past. Big up Lake Bohinj for getting us excited about its new boutique cuties Sunrose7 and the new-look Alpina Bohinj hotels. And why fly, when you can get there or back by train on an overland adventure via Austria , Germany and France .

Voluntourism in Madagascar

Transformational travel adventures tackling the climate emergency

Showing support for a nation in need of tourism revenue and booking a nature-saving holiday is what sustainability travel is all about. With these criteria in mind, Madagascar qualifies to the max. Unexplored primaeval rainforests await on this giant African island which is host to a compelling cast of wildlife characters that can’t be witnessed elsewhere. It may have been made famous recently by the animated movie of the same name, but this Indian Ocean island country has sadly gained news coverage most recently due to the fact it has been hit by the world’s first climate-induced famine in the south. SEED Madagascar is an NGO which has been working hard to raise awareness and sustainable tourism company Earth-Changers.com has been organising volunteerism trips. Near SEED's conservation base is Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge, while Eden Lodge, half an hour from Nosy Be island, is the first Green Globe in Mada and the Tamboho Boutik Hotel is the first property to get a Green Key seal of approval.

Costa Rica’s wildlife-rich reserves

An eclectic UNESCO-protected mega-ecosystem

Boosting biodiversity is regularly cited as one of the biggest priorities in restoring equilibrium for our land, sea and atmosphere. Home to almost six per cent of the world’s species, Costa Rica is a world-leading cultivator of this essential complexity of life on Earth and one of the first countries to promote responsible ecotourism. Go for virgin rainforest and first-class accommodation from Monteverde Cloud Forest to the Osa Peninsula. Here, between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, more than a quarter of this Central American nation is set aside as protected parks and reserves, which are a precious safeguard against deforestation and logging and help guarantee that visitors encounter a dazzling cast of wildlife at every turn. Three of the country’s national conservation areas and parks are UNESCO -protected, and much of its electricity is renewably sourced. Lapa Ríos was the original eco-lodge, and its ocean-view cabins in a 1,000-acre private nature reserve are as appealing for 2022 as ever.

Fresh air in Finland

Fantasy forest adventures

You’d do well to get a lungful of ‘living’ in a nation where 80 per cent of the terrain is forested. The crisis from air pollution globally came to the fore in 2021 when the World Health Organisation declared it one of the biggest environmental threats to human health, alongside the climate emergency. Meanwhile, Finland's air and water is proclaimed the clearest. Thank you to the tourist board for laying on a Sustainable Finland programme to map out a blueprint to help visitors plan the most eco-friendly escapes and engage with nature and local culture, knowing every step of their stay has been looked at through an economical, ecological, social and cultural lens. Our eyes are on Octola especially for 2022 — a private wilderness retreat deep in the Arctic Circle with hundreds of hectares of Lapland forest. We’re especially seduced by the luxe 10-room lodge designed with Lapp and Sami traditions in mind. Sign us up to spy the Northern Lights from here — visible from these coordinates, from August until April.

Fantastic flavours and forward-thinking in Barbados

The Caribbean island setting new benchmarks

This Atlantic Ocean coral island is one to watch for its transition to renewables. One of the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies, this new republic, sized only 21 miles by 14, is regularly walloped by hurricanes. It may not be famous for next-level eco stays – yet – but we’re saluting Prime Minister Mia Mottley's mission to lead by example from the frontline of the climate crisis. As well as proselytising about the need to switch to greener energy supplies, the celebrated COP speaker is introducing dramatic targets for this island which is so especially vulnerable to the climate emergency. Tourism is the main revenue, and they’ve been hard hit economically without the usual stream of visitors in recent times, but still managed to win acclaim for looking after their residents so exceptionally well during them. 

CAST – the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism – can attest to the strength of the country's new direction towards more nature-positive and community-focussed experiences. La Maison Michelle, owned by a Black Bajan, is a reclaimed sugar plantation which now hosts seven suites and exemplifies a new-gen hospitality business that supports community-boosting initiatives. Coco Hill Forest insists we reconnect with nature while making it clear these 53 acres of land are the beginning of big ecotourism plans from the director of the Bridgetown Film Festival. Plus, the yield of indigenous fruits and vegetables served over in its Mamu's Café is impressive. Also working hard to reverse the reliance on imported produce is Local and Co, a restaurant helmed by chef Sophie Michell and a champion of regenerative organic, hyper-local and wild food sources, and which cooked for Prince Charles on the eve of them becoming a republic. Graze on produce from the biodynamic PEG Farm and Nature Reserve in good conscience too, knowing that they model free-range animal husbandry and permaculture.

Green and serene Germany

Wellness for the world

Wellness is naturally the forte in a country with hundreds of health resorts, and here you can spa sustainably, such as at the carbon-neutral Nature Resort Schindelbruch in Südharz or while enjoying the moonlight sauna at Eifel-Therme Zikkurat. The tourist board itself is Green Globe certified and so they know what they’re talking about when they navigate visitors to 1,300 places to stay, from glamping to high-end hotels. Green Pearls is a portfolio of eco-friendly escapes that includes many members in its home country, too. If you are of a plant-based-diet persuasion, this country has the largest percentage of veggies in Europe — so you know it will be easier to keep your foodprint low. Take a train through Germany, and a reminder of the country's dedication to more sustainable eating is even visible from the on-board organic dining options. Yet more impressive than that, all its long-distance trains run on 100 per cent green electricity.

Global goals from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland

Scandinavian eco-energy superheroes

Folks are wising up to the importance of keeping the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in mind. When the UN announced its 17 SDGs at the United Nations Assembly in 2015, they were laid out as a roadmap to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. According to the team behind them, Scandinavian countries Denmark , Sweden and Norway all rank in the top 10. Now that we know there’s so much emphasis on the need to decarbonise our energy systems, let’s show some love for the countries with the highest reliance on renewable energy. In Norway, hydropower contributes 45 per cent of its power – its energy-positive off-grid poster hotel is Svart. And we have to salute Iceland too, which is already 100 per cent powered by renewables. We’re especially drawn to family-owned Torfhús Retreat, which runs exclusively on geothermal and hydroelectric energy and where all stays are offset.

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Sustainable Tourism Practices and Destinations: Examples from Around the World

Sustainable Tourism Practices: Sustainable tourism is a growing trend in the travel industry that focuses on minimizing the environmental and social impact of tourism while providing economic benefits to local communities. From eco-friendly accommodations to responsible travel practices, there are many ways that tourism can be made more sustainable. Around the world, destinations and businesses are implementing sustainable tourismthat support conservation, reduce carbon emissions, and promote local cultural heritage. These efforts not only benefit the planet, but also provide a unique and authentic travel experience for visitors. In this context, we will explore some of the sustainable tourism and destinations from around the world that are leading the way in promoting responsible and ethical tourism.

Here are 40 examples of sustainable tourism and destinations from around the world:

• The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador – A protected wildlife sanctuary that limits visitor numbers to prevent environmental damage and promote sustainable tourism.
• Costa Rica – A country that has made a strong commitment to sustainable tourism, with a focus on eco-tourism, community-based tourism, and conservation efforts.
• Bhutan – A country that measures its economic success through a Gross National Happiness index, which includes the protection of the environment and cultural heritage.
• Norway – A country that is known for its sustainable tourism, including eco-friendly transportation, green energy, and sustainable tourism certification programs.
• The Netherlands – A country that is promoting sustainable tourism through initiatives such as green hotels, bike-friendly cities, and nature conservation programs.
• New Zealand – A country that has a strong focus on sustainable tourism, including eco-tourism, conservation efforts, and responsible travel practices.
• The Amazon Rainforest, Brazil – A region that has adopted sustainable tourism to promote conservation and support local communities.
• The Great Barrier Reef, Australia – A protected marine park that promotes sustainable tourism, such as reducing carbon emissions and protecting the natural environment.
• Kenya – A country that has implemented sustainable tourism, including wildlife conservation, community-based tourism, and eco-friendly lodges.
• Iceland – A country that is promoting sustainable tourism through eco-friendly transportation, renewable energy, and eco-certification programs.
• South Africa – A country that is known for its conservation efforts, including wildlife protection and community-based tourism.
• The Azores, Portugal – A group of islands that is promoting sustainable tourism through eco-tourism, whale watching, and nature conservation programs.
• The Serengeti, Tanzania – A protected wildlife sanctuary that promotes responsible tourism practices, such as reducing carbon emissions and supporting local communities.
• The Cook Islands, Pacific Ocean – A group of islands that is committed to sustainable tourism, including protecting the environment and supporting local communities.
• Thailand – A country that has implemented sustainable practices, including community-based tourism, wildlife conservation, and responsible travel.
• The Faroe Islands, Denmark – A group of islands that is promoting sustainable tourism through eco-friendly transportation, sustainable seafood, and nature conservation programs.
• The Lake District, England – A protected national park that promotes sustainable tourism, such as reducing carbon emissions and supporting local communities.
• The Annapurna Region, Nepal – A region that is promoting sustainable tourism through community-based tourism, conservation efforts, and responsible trekking practices.
• The Maasai Mara, Kenya – A protected wildlife reserve that promotes sustainable practices, such as reducing carbon emissions and supporting local communities.
• The Blue Mountains, Australia – A protected national park that promotes sustainable tourism practices, such as reducing carbon emissions and supporting local communities.
• Guna Yala, Panama – A protected indigenous territory that promotes sustainable tourism, such as supporting traditional livelihoods and preserving cultural heritage.
• The Isle of Eigg, Scotland – An island that is promoting sustainable tourism through renewable energy, eco-friendly accommodations, and community-based tourism initiatives.
• The San Blas Islands, Panama – A group of islands that is promoting sustainable tourism through eco-tourism, community-based tourism, and responsible travel practices.
• The Burren, Ireland – A protected national park that promotes sustainable practices, such as reducing carbon emissions and supporting local communities.
• The Bay of Fundy, Canada – A protected marine park that promotes sustainable tourism practices, such as reducing carbon emissions and supporting local communities.
• The Lofoten Islands, Norway – An archipelago that is promoting sustainable tourism through eco-friendly transportation, responsible fishing, and community-based tourism initiatives.
• The Tongariro National Park, New Zealand – A protected national park that promotes sustainable tourism, such as reducing carbon emissions and supporting local communities.
• The Danube Delta, Romania – A protected wetland that promotes sustainable tourism practices, such as eco-tourism and responsible travel practices.
• The Douro Valley, Portugal – A region that is promoting sustainable tourism through eco-tourism, responsible wine tourism, and community-based tourism initiatives.
• The Lake Titicaca, Peru/Bolivia – A protected lake that promotes sustainable tourism, such as preserving cultural heritage and supporting traditional livelihoods.
• The Everglades, United States – A protected wetland that promotes sustainable tourism, such as reducing carbon emissions and supporting local communities.
• The Cinque Terre, Italy – A protected coastal area that promotes sustainable tourism practices, such as reducing carbon emissions and supporting local communities.
• The Mekong Delta, Vietnam – A region that is promoting sustainable tourism through eco-tourism, responsible travel practices, and community-based tourism initiatives.
• The Lake District, Chile – A protected national park that promotes sustainable tourism practices, such as reducing carbon emissions and supporting local communities.
• The Sinharaja Forest Reserve , Sri Lanka – A protected rainforest that promotes sustainable tourism, such as eco-tourism and responsible travel practices.
• The Jasper National Park, Canada – A protected national park that promotes sustainable tourism practices, such as reducing carbon emissions and supporting local communities.
• The Arctic, various countries – A region that is promoting sustainable tourism through eco-tourism, responsible travel practices, and nature conservation programs.
• The Torres del Paine National Park, Chile – A protected national park that promotes sustainable tourism, such as reducing carbon emissions and supporting local communities.
• The Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal – A protected national park that promotes sustainable tourism practices, such as eco-tourism and responsible trekking practices.
• The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica – A protected cloud forest that promotes sustainable tourism practices, such as eco-tourism and nature conservation programs.

These are just a few more examples of the many destinations and businesses around the world that are adopting sustainable tourism. With a growing focus on responsible and ethical tourism, sustainable tourism is becoming an increasingly important industry worldwide.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sustainable Tourism Practices

What is sustainable tourism?

Sustainable tourism is a form of tourism that focuses on minimizing the environmental and social impact of travel while providing economic benefits to local communities.

What are some sustainable tourism practices?

Some sustainable tourism practices include supporting conservation efforts, reducing carbon emissions, promoting local cultural heritage, and supporting local communities through community-based tourism initiatives.

Why is sustainable tourism important?

Sustainable tourism is important because it helps to preserve natural and cultural resources, provides economic benefits to local communities, and promotes responsible and ethical travel practices.

How can travelers practice sustainable tourism?

Travelers can practice sustainable tourism by supporting eco-friendly accommodations, engaging in responsible travel practices, supporting local communities, and minimizing their carbon footprint.

What are some examples of sustainable tourism destinations?

Some examples of sustainable tourism destinations include national parks, protected areas, eco-tourism lodges, and community-based tourism initiatives.

How can tourism businesses implement sustainable tourism practices?

Tourism businesses can implement sustainable practices by reducing their carbon emissions, supporting local communities, promoting conservation efforts, and adopting eco-friendly practices.

What is community-based tourism?

Community-based tourism is a form of tourism that involves local communities in the tourism industry, providing economic benefits while preserving local culture and traditions.

What is responsible tourism?

Responsible tourism is a form of tourism that focuses on minimizing the environmental and social impact of travel while providing economic benefits to local communities and promoting cultural awareness.

What is the difference between sustainable tourism and ecotourism?

Sustainable tourism is a broader concept that encompasses all forms of tourism that are socially, economically, and environmentally responsible, while ecotourism is a specific form of tourism that focuses on nature-based experiences that support conservation efforts.

How does sustainable tourism benefit local communities?

Sustainable tourism benefits local communities by providing economic benefits through job creation and supporting local businesses, while also preserving cultural heritage and traditions.

How can tourists ensure they are practicing sustainable tourism?

Tourists can ensure they are practicing sustainable tourism by choosing eco-friendly accommodations, engaging in responsible travel practices, supporting local communities, and minimizing their carbon footprint.

What role do governments play in promoting sustainable tourism?

Governments play an important role in promoting sustainable tourism by establishing policies and regulations that support conservation efforts, promoting sustainable practices, and providing funding for sustainable tourism initiatives.

What are some challenges to implementing sustainable tourism practices?

Some challenges to implementing sustainable tourism practices include the high cost of implementing eco-friendly practices, lack of awareness among tourists, and limited resources in developing countries.

What is the role of tourism businesses in promoting sustainable tourism?

Tourism businesses play a critical role in promoting sustainable tourism by adopting eco-friendly practices, supporting conservation efforts, and engaging with local communities to ensure their economic benefits are sustainable.

What is the impact of sustainable tourism on the environment?

Sustainable tourism aims to minimize the impact of tourism on the environment by reducing carbon emissions, supporting conservation efforts, and promoting eco-friendly practices. This can have a positive impact on the environment by preserving natural resources and reducing pollution.

What is the role of tourists in promoting sustainable tourism?

Tourists have a crucial role to play in promoting sustainable tourism by supporting eco-friendly accommodations, engaging in responsible travel practices, supporting local communities, and minimizing their carbon footprint.

What is the role of local communities in sustainable tourism?

Local communities play a vital role in sustainable tourism by providing unique cultural experiences, supporting conservation efforts, and benefitting from the economic opportunities that tourism can bring. Sustainable tourism initiatives often involve working with local communities to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met.

How can sustainable tourism help preserve cultural heritage?

Sustainable tourism can help preserve cultural heritage by supporting local cultural practices and traditions, promoting cultural awareness, and providing economic benefits to local communities. In doing so, it helps to maintain and celebrate cultural diversity and promote the value of cultural heritage.

What is the impact of sustainable tourism on the economy?

Sustainable tourism can have a positive impact on the economy by providing job opportunities, supporting local businesses, and promoting economic growth in tourism-dependent communities. It can also encourage investment in infrastructure and services, leading to long-term economic benefits.

What is the role of education in promoting sustainable tourism?

Education plays a critical role in promoting sustainable tourism by raising awareness among tourists, tourism businesses, and local communities. It can help to promote best practices, encourage responsible travel behavior, and foster a culture of sustainability.

How can technology be used to promote sustainable tourism?

Technology can be used to promote sustainable tourism by supporting digital platforms that provide information and resources for sustainable travel, reducing the need for paper-based materials and promoting more efficient and eco-friendly travel methods.

What is the role of sustainable tourism in climate change mitigation?

Sustainable tourism can contribute to climate change mitigation by promoting low-carbon travel options, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting conservation efforts that help to mitigate the impact of climate change on natural resources.

How can sustainable tourism be measured?

Sustainable tourism can be measured using a range of indicators, such as carbon emissions, waste reduction, water conservation, and economic impact. There are also several certification programs and sustainability standards that can be used to assess the sustainability of tourism businesses and destinations.

How can travelers support sustainable tourism initiatives?

Travelers can support sustainable tourism initiatives by choosing eco-friendly accommodations, engaging in responsible travel practices, supporting local communities, and minimizing their carbon footprint. They can also seek out sustainable tourism certification programs and support businesses that are committed to sustainable tourism practices.

• Carbon emissions
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The 7 best sustainable ecotourism destinations

The time has come to travel more considerately – and these countries are showing us how

If there’s one thing the pandemic gave us, it’s the time to consider how we contribute to the ongoing battle against climate change. The truth is, travelling does come with an environmental and, often, cultural cost – but by choosing to travel more responsibly and sustainably, you can help to balance the negative impacts of tourism.

As individual travellers, this means being culturally aware before we set foot in the country, acknowledging the history – good and bad – of a place. Choosing destinations that have already adopted locally-beneficial initiatives, such as investing in the surrounding communities or pledging to look after nearby ecosystems, is equally important.

Take the time to book through ethical operators, who proudly showcase their commitment to eco-conscious and community-led programmes. After all, championing the places pushing for better tourism is a great way to show governments that consumers support sustainable travel too.

Here are seven destinations that have already signed up to a more considerate way of life: all of them are well worth a visit as the world reopens.

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The best sustainable tourism destinations

Championing sustainable farming in Wales

The UK ’s domestic tourism industry is booming – and although Welsh tourist favourites such as Anglesey, Snowdon and Pembrokeshire have had an overwhelming summer season, they have remained true to their roots in safeguarding local business. Away from the city chain hotels and pubs, you’ll find most community-run restaurants and general stores serving locally grown, seasonal produce. Meals out are often a sumptuously fresh farm-to-table experience – which means that not only are profits going back into the community, but also the region’s sustainable farming practices are being supported.

Discover the  best things to do in Wales

Costa Rica’s carbon-neutral campaign

With more than 25 percent of the nation already declared a conservation zone, it’s no wonder Costa Rica is leading the world in tackling the climate crisis, by generating 98 percent of the country’s electricity from renewable sources. With stunning white-sand coastlines and oceans filled with marine life (plus, rainforests dense with vegetation and endemic wildlife species) that need protecting, the country is striving to be carbon-neutral by 2050. If you want to experience nature-friendly activities such as jungle hikes, dolphin-watching and sea kayaking,  Lapa Rios Eco Lodge on the Osa Peninsula combines wilderness and well-deserved pampering.

Discover the  best things to do in Costa Rica

Marine conservation programmes in Sri Lanka

This tiny teardrop island in the Indian ocean is a marine wildlife haven, with ocean giants such as blue whales found breeding along the south coast. As a result, visitors have been drawn to the area en masse, with whale watching tours struggling to meet demand during peak season – leading to overcrowded boats chasing the whales away from the coastline. Thankfully, the past 18 months have raised the platform of community projects, such as Oceanswell , which organises community clean-ups, advises businesses about the dangers of pollution and overfishing, and promotes  responsible whale watching .

Discover the best things to do in Sri Lanka

Slovenia’s big push for green tourism

Showing it is serious about embracing a sustainable approach to tourism, Slovenia has introduced a national ‘ Green Scheme ’ – a certification programme that encourages hotels, tour operators and restaurants to embrace more eco-friendly practices. The 11-step process to join the scheme includes producing regular environmental reports, forming a ‘green team’ to raise awareness and being reassessed every three years. The benefit is that the national tourist board will actively promote companies who enrol. Ljubljana, the capital, is already on the list, while a full list of restaurants, accommodation and attractions can be found online . 

Discover  four Slovenian getaways that are great for the planet

Bhutan’s bid to prevent loss of culture and overtourism

Until 1974, the Kingdom of Bhutan remained closed to tourism. Then one day, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck declared Bhutan open to visitors. Today, only those who have booked guided itineraries through approved operators can enter. Permits are charged at a peak-season nightly rate of $250 (approximately £180) per person, which includes a 37 percent tax that goes towards improving infrastructure and strengthening the healthcare and the education systems. This strict policy mean tourism is controlled, with local life largely untouched by its impact. Blue Poppy Treks and Tours organise bespoke trips through stunning mountain passes, valleys and cultural centres – with guides sharing their valuable knowledge throughout. 

Investing in the community in Botswana

As one of the most convenient locations to spot the ‘Big Five’, Botswana’s infrastructure has long been under pressure to meet the demands of the world’s safari market. Thankfully, the team at Great Plains Safari have been practising a positive approach for decades, taking care to minimise impact and invest in community-based opportunities to help local villages thrive. One such initiative is a kids’ conservation camp , where children are invited to week-long courses to learn about their surroundings, the value of conservation and the role of environmental tourism.

Italy’s long history of ‘agritourism’

Over the past 30 years, Italy has been growing its agritourism industry. Now, more than 20,000 operating farms have signed up to the initiative. From farm stays in Calabria to traditional country retreats in Tuscany, the profits earned from agritourism go straight back into communities, who usually wouldn’t benefit from Italy’s mass tourism market. Meanwhile, guests can enjoy tranquil countryside with fresh, homemade food served at mealtimes and the opportunity to connect with local families. The project endorses sustainable farms, especially those that invest in soil, land and wildlife conservation.

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16 sustainable tourist destinations you must visit

Travel Travel Inspiration Sustainable Travel Sustainable Tourist Destinations

We can all agree that Sustainable travel is the need of the hour. To impelement that, we need to collectively implement sustainable practices. When implemented globally, sustainable practices have the potential to stem the deterioration of global resources. Primary transit to the general site, local transit, lodging, entertainment, recreation, food, and shopping are all examples of activities that could potentially accommodate sustainable tourism practices.

There is now widespread agreement that tourist development should be long-term. As one of the world's most significant and fastest-growing sectors, tourism will continue to put a strain on existing biologically diverse environments and indigenous traditions, which are frequently exploited to sustain mass tourism. As such, sustainable tourist attractions like Vena Cava, Byron Bay Solar Train, Dive Azores, Jewel Changi, Table Mountain Cableway, and Climate Museum are the way to go. Read on to find out more about some of the foremost sustainable tourist attractions around the world.

16 Sustainable Tourist Experiences & Destinations Around The World

1. table mountain cableway, south africa, best time to visit : march to may and september to november.

The sustainable Table Mountain Cableway is the way to go if you want to reach the 1086m-high pinnacle of Table Mountain without breaking a sweat. The views from both the revolving vehicle and the summit are spectacular. The cable cars run every 10 to 20 minutes. The entire operation has adopted numerous initiatives to stay true to its sustainable and responsible path. Table Mountain Cableway Company takes part in biodiversity conservation drives. It uses compostable crockeries, practices recycling, and is water-wise ints operation. Table Mountain Cableway has been carbon neutral since 2016. It aims to dramatically cut down its waste generation year on year despite its increasing popularity.

2. Copenhill, Denmark

Best time to visit : may to august.

Copenhagen's finest innovation in sustainability, architecture and tourism is the newly inaugurated CopenHill. CopenHill, which is partly a green power plant and partly a ski slope, draws over 300,000 tourists per year mainly owing to its landscape and the general novelty of the idea. The hybrid plant beneath CopenHill heats 60,000 homes and supplies energy to over 30,000 others. The incineration is practically pollution-free thanks to cutting-edge catalytic filtration. CopenHill, according to architect Bjarke Ingels, is not just the world's cleanest waste-to-energy power plant. It serves as a model for other communities, demonstrating that a sustainable city is not only better for the environment but also better for its residents' lives.

3. Eden Project, UK

Best time to visit : march to june and september to november.

The Eden Project's massive hemispherical greenhouses, which resemble a cross between a lunar landing station and a James Bond villain's lair, have become a symbol of Cornwall's renaissance. Eden's glass-domed "biomes" created in an abandoned clay pit near St Austell, reproduce major world climate systems in microcosm, from the Amazon rainforest's lush rainforests with stinking rafflesia flowers and banana trees to the Mediterranean's olive trees, lemon orchards, and colorful flowers. Cornish plants, local wildflowers, and flora from South Africa and South Korea are among the plants in the exterior gardens. The Eden Project, which opened at the turn of the 21st century and is now considered one of Britain's modern architectural wonders, strives to examine environmental and conservation challenges and indicate the way to a cleaner, greener future for us all.

4. Jewel Changi, Singapore

Best time to visit : february to april read more: things to at jewel changi.

Singapore's urban garden game was stepped up in 2019 with an airport terminal that you would never want to leave. Jewel at Changi is a green oasis with a hedge labyrinth, a canopy bridge, and the world's highest indoor waterfall, thanks to cutting-edge sustainable technology. At Jewel Changi, energy and emissions management includes maintaining the highest levels of air quality at the airport and providing appropriate climate protection. Jewel at Changi is in line with Singapore's water security objectives, which include a change to more weather-resistant national taps. Changi Airport is a crucial infrastructure component that influences Singapore's economic development. Through worker volunteerism, corporate philanthropy, and stakeholder relationships, Jewel at Changi gives back to the communities in a variety of ways, thus rounding off its efforts towards sustainable tourism.

Recommended Jewel Changi Tickets

5. tij observatory, netherlands.

Image Courtesy: ArchDaily

Tij Observatory, modeled after a tern's egg, is a spectacular public birdwatching observatory in the Scheelhoek Nature Reserve in Stellendam, the Netherlands, meant to be as gentle on the environment as possible. The observatory, which is made of sustainable wood and coated in thatched reeds, is approached through a tunnel made of recycled bulkheads to minimize bird disturbance. In the Netherlands, Tij Observatory protects around 100,000 hectares of land. They are dedicated to the Netherlands' remaining natural resources as well as the new natural resources that will emerge in the future. Tij Observatory loves to take things a step further, therefore it works not just in the places it manages, but also in ways that are appropriate for today's Netherlands. Tij Observatory calls on all Dutch people to work together to produce, care for, and conserve new nature.

6. Climate Museum, USA

Best time to visit : all around the year.

Since 2017, the Climate Museum in New York has amassed a devoted following thanks to its unique public exhibitions and events held throughout the city. Climate Signals was one of the organization's achievements. When it became possible to visit the Climate Museum from the comfort of one's own home, it marked a watershed moment. You can now explore prior programming on their YouTube channel, read the latest from staff members on their blog, volunteer online, and take action through Climate Art for Congress and Climate Ambassador Cards. The Climate Museum is fostering a climate-action culture by bringing people from all walks of life into the discussion and fostering a sense of belonging around just solutions. The Climate Museum builds on museums' appeal and trust by bringing people together to learn about solutions and join the fight for a better future, while also giving different channels into community involvement.

7. Ocean Atlas, Bahamas

Best time to visit : november to february image courtesy: andré musgrove jason decaires taylor, a british sculptor and environmental campaigner, is known for his bizarre underwater sculptures that function as artificial reefs. ocean atlas, a 60-plus-ton sculpture in nassau that depicts a little girl supporting the water's ceiling, much like the fabled greek titan who bore the load of the skies, is meant to reflect the environmental weight we are asking future generations to bear. ocean atlas, built with ph-neutral materials, offers an artificial reef for marine life to colonize and inhabit while diverting tourists away from over-exploited natural reef areas. it has attracted international media attention, which has drawn attention to a long-running oil leak from a power station refinery a few miles up the coast that has been damaging the marine environment for years., 8. the sauna in frihamnen, sweden, best time to visit : june to august.

Image Courtesy: Dezeen

The Sauna in Frihamnen was built entirely from recycled materials as part of the continuous regeneration of the Gothenburg port area into an ultra-sustainable leisure destination. The sauna was designed by the German architectural company Raumlabor Berlin and is made up largely of recycled materials. The rusted steel outside of the sauna is entirely made of recycled materials, while the changing room walls are made of 12,000 recycled glass bottles. It represents how the lvstranden development company intends to develop the Gothenburg RiverCity in the future: sustainably, making the river accessible to all, and gradually allowing new places to emerge in participation and dialogue with Gothenburg residents, all while maintaining high standards of quality. The Kasper Salin Prize for greatest Swedish construction has been proposed for the free public sauna in Frihamnen, Gothenburg's harbor.

9. Byron Bay Solar Train, Australia

Best time to visit : february, march, september, and october.

The world's first solar-powered train made its inaugural ride over a picturesque 3km section of disused rail line in 2017, connecting the heart of surf resort Byron Bay to a thriving arts estate. On the wonderfully rebuilt historical train, fares are collected by a conductor instead of ticket machines. To provide a legacy rail service linking two significant Byron Bay centers, the Byron Bay Railroad Company has restored a derelict heritage train, rebuilt three kilometers of the railway line, a bridge, and conserved a stretch of an out-of-service rail route. The train is entirely powered by solar energy. The train is powered by 23% of the energy generated by solar panels on the railway shed roof feeding the onboard batteries, while the rest 77 percent is supplied into the grid via green energy provider Enova to power the local neighborhood. The train also has regenerative braking, which uses the train's braking force to charge the batteries as it slows down.

10. Azurmendi, Spain

Image Courtesy: Flickr | Dale Cruse

Azurmendi, a three-Michelin-star restaurant near Bilbao, has twice won the World's 50 Best Restaurants' sustainable restaurant accolade, proving that sustainability is fashionable. Visitors can see the on-site greenhouses and vegetable fields that supply the innovative cuisine, which is powered by solar and geothermal energy. Azurmendi is a remarkable bioclimatic building located in Larrabetzu and built into the side of a hill planted with native grapes. It is also a location that is linked to the natural environment around it, where sustainable development is coupled with cuisine as a legacy and a right of future generations. The restaurant's attempts to integrate sustainable development principles into its operations have paid off. The ratio was 84 percent in 2014, and it reached 92.33 percent in 2018.

11. Wunderland Kalkar, Germany

Following the Chernobyl accident in 1986, German authorities opted not to start up a new multibillion-euro nuclear plant near the Dutch border. It wasn't, however, a total loss. The site was turned into Wunderland Kalkar, an entertainment park with a swing ride inside the reactor's cooling tower, in the 1990s. Wunderland Kalkar arose from the decommissioned "Schneller Brüter" nuclear power station. Hennie van der Most, a Dutchman, purchased the nuclear power station in 1995 and converted it into a hotel, meeting center, and leisure facility. Wunderland Kalkar is located just across the border between Arnhem and Nijmegen, amidst wonderfully planted gardens and ponds. The repurposing of a nuclear power plant into something that has a positive impact on the environment is a testament to the current generation’s commitment to sustainability.

12. Vena Cava, Mexico

Best time to visit : november to february.

Image Courtesy: Flickr | T.Tseng

Vena Cava bills itself as Mexico's trendiest vineyard, and it is hard to disagree when you see this all-organic Baja winery, which was built from recovered fishing boats and other repurposed materials. Even better, tastings are available every day of the week at its basement door. Phil and Eileen Gregory's appreciation for nature, the reuse of materials, and sustainability in their activities at La Villa del Valle are a personal vision and lifestyle that they enjoy sharing with their guests. The winery is situated in the center of the Guadalupe Valley, amongst a dramatic mountainous backdrop. The soil is rich in minerals, and there is a wonderful microclimate in this area, with warm days predominating and mild mornings and afternoons that receive the sea air and protect the vineyard from the cold, creating an ideal setting for grape growth and development.

13. Galapagos National Park, Ecuador

Best time to visit : december to may.

The Galapagos Conservancy advises travelers to the Galapagos Islands to travel with accredited, licensed tour operators who are dedicated to Galapagos conservation. The travel partners have corporate ideologies or are members of organizations that ensure that their operations adhere to high environmental and social standards. The Galapagos Islands were classified as the world's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, an honor given to our planet's most beautiful sites. Galapagos Islands National Park was established to conserve the islands' unique indigenous wildlife and the ocean waters surrounding them. The protected region also invests in Charles Darwin's historical scientific observations, which have helped us better understand animal life. The national park protects the world's most famous endemic species, which appear nowhere else on the planet. It is critical that the international community does everything necessary to maintain and maintain these island environments and their spectacular natural displays.

14. Wild Taiga, Finland

Best time to visit : may to september.

The tourism firms in Wild Taiga place high importance on responsibility. Tourism and the provision of recreational experiences are based on the natural environment, local culture, or a mixture of the two. The majority of Wild Taiga operators are small, family-owned companies dedicated to preserving the region's beautiful natural environment and rich cultural legacy. It is their hope that visitors to the region will adhere to the principles of sustainable tourism and seek out responsible experiences. Wild Taiga tourism promotes activities that do not require the use of motorized equipment as part of an environmentally sustainable tourism strategy. They provide husky safaris, horseback riding, and reindeer sled rides, among other activities, in addition to self-guided tours. Supporting local values is also part of social responsibility. Many enterprises in the Wild Taiga network operate in close collaboration with local and regional operators, and these businesses prefer to use local products. Restaurants and cafés in the region serve a wide range of locally produced cuisine made with organically farmed products.

15. Dive Azores, Portugal

Best time to visit : april to june.

This sustainable tourist attraction is located just a four-hour flight away from the UK in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. As activities like hiking, mountain biking, whale watching, scuba diving, and exploring volcanic landscapes are so important to the Azorean economy, the islands take conservation, both on land and at sea, very seriously, making this a wonderful spot to visit for nature enthusiasts. Renewable energy is also being actively invested in - the islands have been producing hydroelectric electricity for well over a century, there have been wind farms here since 1988, and So Miguel is currently harnessing geothermal energy. Quality Coast, a global sustainability certification initiative, examined the sustainability credentials of 1000 island and coastal vacation sites in 2013 and gave the top honor to Dive Azores.

16. Thermana Laško, Slovenia

Image Courtesy: Thermana Laško Facebook

Thermana Laško Spa resort is the ideal place to be if you want to explore the sustainable riches of Laško, Slovenia. The resort spa maintains a unified contact with the region’s natural activities by powering its facilities with renewable energy. There are numerous activities that can be accessed from Thermana Laško. Laško's brewing legacy dates back to 1825, when Franz Geyer, a mead producer, and gingerbread baker, made the first Laško beer. The passion for brewing beer was soon matched by knowledge and the byproduct will be made available for you to appreciate. At the neighborhood beekeeper, you can learn about the health and happiness benefits of bee products. In addition, the beekeepers give beekeeping presentations. Honey products are available for tasting and purchase. The ancient Romans, who were the first to discover and introduce the tradition of thermal springs to Slovenia, understood that happiness enhances our health. Thermana Laško continues the history of its thermal springs, which is backed by a wealth of experience.

What are sustainable tourist destinations?

Sustainable tourism destination is an tourist attraction or experience that ensures sustainable and green efforts for its functioning. It can be something anything from energy conservation to using recyclable raw materials to wildlife preservation. 

How can I choose a sustainable tourist destination for my vacation?

While planning your itinerary, make sure to look for sustainable tourist destinations and attractions. As is the case, they may be slightly costlier, but the long-run goodness of it offsets the price. 

Are all diving activities sustainable? 

Diving done wrong can be unsustainable, however, if done cautiously, it is a sustainable activity. Read more about sustainable diving here .

How can I be a responsible and sustainable traveler?

Here are 15 ways you can be a green and responsible traveler

Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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The world’s most sustainable tourist destinations named for 2019

Mar 20, 2019 • 1 min read

From banning sunscreen to requiring travellers to take an oath to act responsibly, Palau’s many efforts to protect its environment have seen it named the world’s most sustainable destination.

The ‘World’s Top 10 Sustainable Destinations’ were revealed at the travel trade show ITB Berlin. The awards, which are organized by Green Destinations and selected by a jury of representatives from 12 international organizations, celebrate spots that are doing the most for sustainable travel.

Palau took home the overall ITB Earth Award, which is not surprising as the small island nation has been making headlines for its efforts to create a sustainable tourism sector. That includes its creation of the “Palau Pledge” , which asks visitors to swear to protect the natural and cultural heritage, as well as new regulations that will ban the sale and use of reef-toxic sunscreens beginning in 2020 .

European destinations also did well, with Ljubljana, Slovenia taking home the Best of Cities award, while Gozo in Malta received best of Communities & Culture. Portugal was recognized with the Best in Europe award.

For travellers looking for the Best in Ecotourism, the Republic of Guyana snared the top award. While the South American country may be a more under-the-radar destination, it has slowly been growing into an ecotourism destination.

The Best of Africa award was given to Chumbe Island in Tanzania, a private island that is surrounded by protected coral reefs and is open to a limited amount of eco-tourism. The Best of Asia-Pacific award was given to Bardia National Park in Nepal, a protected area home to animals like elephants, rhinoceros and Bengal tigers. In the Americas, Ecuador’s Galapagos National Park was recognized, which is unsurprising given its fame as a destination for curious nature lovers.

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These Are the World’s Most Sustainable Travel Destinations

If you would prefer to travel to places that are taking climate action seriously, euromonitor international recently ranked the world’s countries based on their approach to sustainable travel and tourism. here’s which destinations topped the list..

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Almost all of the most sustainable travel destinations are in Europe, including the top spot—Sweden.

Steven Erixon/Unsplash

Travel, as enjoyable and transformative as it can be, often comes with a heavy environmental footprint . From carbon emissions associated with flights to the overdevelopment of natural habitats, the consequences of mass tourism are often disheartening. But, a growing number of countries are paving a path to more sustainable tourism, recognizing that travel can be as much as part of the solution as it is part of the problem.

Euromonitor International , a global market research company, recently released its 2023 Sustainable Travel Index, which identifies the top 20 most sustainable countries for travel in the world. According to Caroline Bremner, head of travel at Euromonitor International, the index utilizes 56 ranking indicators to determine the performance of sustainable travel in the various countries. Of those, she said, there are three main types of indicators:

• General indicators that relate to the health of a destination in terms of happiness, equality, and social justice
• Indicators that quantify the specific impacts of tourism on the local environment such as hotel energy use
• The general state of tourism such as quality of infrastructure or dependency on international demand

Notably, all but one are in Europe (the outlier being in South America).

The World’s Most Sustainable Travel Destination

Sweden is the world’s most sustainable travel destination, according to Euromonitor International’s 2023 Sustainable Travel Index. This may not come as a huge surprise to many, considering Visit Sweden has a goal of making itself “the world’s most sustainable and attractive destination based on innovation” by 2030 and has made huge investments in time and money into that mission. Some of Sweden’s sustainable travel programs include having all the public transit in Stockholm run on 100 percent renewable energy (a feat accomplished in 2017), pushing for more than 250 hotels and accommodations to meet the strict requirements of the Nordic Ecolabel, a rigorous environmental certification program, and introducing an ecotourism charter called Nature’s Best (which certifies tour operators that focus on sustainable travel).

Finland came in right behind Sweden in the global ranking of sustainable destinations.

Saikrishna Saketh/Unsplash

The World’s Most Sustainable Travel Destinations in 2023

• Switzerland
• Czech Republic

Sweden, Bremner said, has been in the top spot for over the past few years. One of the reasons she credited is Sweden’s flight-shaming movement.

“It continues to have a positive impact with a major drop in the number of domestic flights taken, dropping from 6.6 percent of trips to 2.7 percent,“ Bremner said.

She also pointed to the fact that Sweden and Finland share some similarities that put them at the top of the list regarding cultural heritage, including that they have no UNESCO World Heritage Sites in danger, which significantly helped to boost their rankings.

For Austria, Bremner noted that the country ranked first on the social sustainability standpoint, which includes a focus on equality, decent jobs, fair distribution of income, access to basic needs, health, and inclusion. Overall, that helped Austria earn the third spot on the list.

Melbourne in Australia topped the list of most sustainable cities for initiatives like retrofitting buildings to lower their carbon footprint and transitioning to renewable energy.

Dmitry Osipenko/Unsplash

The Sustainable Travel Index 2023 also spotlighted the ten most sustainable city destinations, which were more spread out, with one in Australia, seven in Europe, and two in North America.

The World’s Most Sustainable Cities in 2023

• Palma de Mallorca

According to a Euromonitor International press release , Melbourne because of wide-ranging sustainability successes.

Bremner said what stood out about the Australian city “includes its retrofitting of buildings to reduce carbon footprint and transition to renewables, greening streets, along with hosting carbon neutral events for several years.“

She added that to achieve net zero by 2040, Melbourne has declared a climate and biodiversity emergency, and set out eight key priority areas and 76 action points, as part of its Emissions Reduction Plan to 2026. In its previous plan, it succeeded in reducing emissions by an impressive 76 percent, compared to the baseline. The key to decarbonization is the shift to electrification and adoption of renewables such as solar panels, which is expected to reduce not just carbon but also costs.

Top 10: Most Sustainable Travel Destinations

The seasons are turning. In just a few short weeks, things will start getting warm. That means it’s time to plan some holidays. To encourage you down the right path, in this list we take a look at some of the most sustainable travel destinations in the world.  

From the mountains to the rainforests to the sea, Costa Rica offers a plethora of natural destinations for visitors. The country knows how to leverage these advantages to attract tourists, and has turned its tourist campaign into one based on ecotourism – summed up in the slogan ‘Pura Vida’ (the ‘Pure Life’). More than a quarter of this country – majestically located between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea – is given over to national parks. The land also contains about 17% of the world’s animal species. And it’s not just the natural wonders: a full third of Costa Rica’s electricity is powered by hydropower.   

Famously the only country in the world to measure gross national happiness, this isolated Buddhist kingdom is nestled high in the Himalaya. Startling facts come into focus as you investigate this small nation: it is the only carbon neutral country in the world, and it tries to keep visitor numbers low for fear that the onslaught of tourists will spoil the land. The country’s Royal Society for the Protection of Nature ensures that the glacial valleys (which are the biggest tourist draws) keeps things maintained. Funding for these efforts has been helped by the establishment of a network of ecotourism farmhouses. Idyllic.   

Scotland has taken the initiative with the need to combat the changing environment and, having been the host country of COP26 in 2021, was the first nation in the world to sign the Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency initiative, a measure encouraging the tourism sector to reduce its carbon footprint. Rewilding has taken a front seat on the agenda here, drawing tourists to the majestic splendour of the highlands. To know what to visit, follow the nation’s Green Tourism certification scheme. 

Rwanda  

The natural world is Rwanda’s biggest tourism draw – specifically mountain gorillas. The protection of their habitat in the northwest of the country is front and centre in the government’s conservation efforts at Volcanoes National Park. Community tourism in the Great Rift Valley is also driven by such destinations as Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge which helps support the local population and seeks to transform former poachers into conservation partners. 

Despite being one of the lesser traversed corners of Europe, Slovenia is resplendent in natural beauty: the Julian Alps, Lake Bohinj, Lake Bled. The country has leaned into these advantages by creating new trails, better signposting and even the digitalisation of maps for hikers and skiers.  

Eighty percent of this country in the north of Europe is forested, and its air and water are considered to be among the clearest in the world. The government has ensured that it remains a draw for eco-tourists by establishing the Sustainable Finland programme, which points tourists in the right direction, such as the northern forests of Lapland, where the Northern Lights can be spied through the trees.   

New Zealand

New Zealand relies on its natural beauty to bring in the tourist dollar. Cognizant of its advantages in this realm, the country has become a leading light in the world of sustainability. The relatively emission-free power source of geothermal accounts for over a fifth of the nation’s overall energy intake. The government has emphasised keeping the place green and made sustainability the forefront of government policy for the last two decades. 

Barbados  

This island nation - like all island nations - must contend with the front lines of climate change. Prime Minister Mia Mottley (who has spoken at a COP event) is well aware of the country’s predicament and has been pushing for green transition. As a member of the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism, the nation works to ensure that tourism businesses are supplied with the right sustainability resources.   

Another island nation, Madagascar recently became the first country to experience a climate change-induced famine in the nation’s south. It knows the dangers that lay in wait. It also knows that its natural beauty is its biggest draw for many, with plenty of distinctive ecosystems and wildlife. To help the situation are companies such as Earth-Changers.com , which seeks to raise awareness by selling volunteerism trips. 

San Diego, California

With its beautiful beaches and status as a green pioneer, it’s no surprise that one destination in California would get on this list. San Diego, in the south of the state, has taken the lead. The city has a Climate Action Plan, and a contraction of clean tech jobs that is nearly double the average. The city also has a zero waste plan of which it can boast. The plan calls for total waste diversion by 2040. As of this writing, the city is also on the cusp of being run by 100% renewable energy. 

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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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CAMBODIA , DENMARK , India , PORTUGAL , Sustainability

18 worldwide sustainable and eco tourism destinations to travel with purpose.

As a responsible traveler , one of your missions is to support sustainable tourism destinations that promote community-based tourism, eco friendly accommodations, and ethical animal tourism among other things.

It can be hard to pick where to go on your next vacation keeping this in mind, but luckily, more and more eco tourism destinations are emerging across the globe.

Not only have single destinations taken action to provide sustainable tourist destinations to protect their homeland and grow a sustainable local economy without harming. There are more and more countries dedicated to promoting eco tourism to travelers.

This is a fantastic way to learn more about sustainable tourism and the destination you travel to whether you look for sustainable tourism in Thailand or Spain, there are of course measures you can do as a traveler to make your footprint smaller.

In this post, we present you with some of the leading eco tourism destinations and countries that you should visit!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Eco tourism destinations

Galapagos, ecuador.

By Marjut of The Smooth Escape

The Galapagos Islands is a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, roughly 1000km off the coast of Ecuador. It is the very first site added to the UNESCO World Heritage list and the place that inspired Charles Darwin to develop his theory of evolution back in 1859.

Home to abundant wildlife and unique species not found anywhere else in the world, it’s a dream destination for many nature lovers. 

97% of the islands’ land area is covered by Galapagos National Park, which has introduced various sustainability initiatives to manage tourism and preserve the local ecosystem.

Carrying capacity limits have been set for different sites and the routes of boat tours are controlled to ensure that no place gets overwhelmed by visitors. Furthermore, all visitors need to pay a 100 USD entrance fee upon arrival, which goes towards conservation efforts and supporting local communities.

On the paradise-like  beaches in the Galapagos Islands , visitors have the opportunity to see fearless marine iguanas, sea lions and blue-footed boobies.

Up in the islands’ lush highlands, you can have an up-close encounter with giant tortoises. To experience the fascinating marine environment of the Galapagos and spot sea turtles, sharks, and tropical fish, take a snorkeling or diving excursion.

If you’re looking for eco-friendly accommodation, consider staying at Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, one of the most sustainable hotels on the islands.

To get to the Galapagos Islands, you need to take a flight from mainland Ecuador, either from Quito (the capital of the country) or from Guayaquil. The trip takes around 2 hours.

Tahiti, French Polynesia

By Kristin of Global Travel Escapades

Looking for an island getaway that’s both relaxing and a sustainable destination? Consider vacationing on French Polynesia’s largest island, Tahiti.

There, the locals are dedicated to both providing visitors with an unforgettable stay as well as preserving Tahiti’s natural beauty.

For example, visitors have the special opportunity to stay in pensions or guest houses that are run by the locals. This not only gives you a way to experience the local culture authentically but also ensures that tourist money goes directly into the pockets of local Tahitians, instead of large hotel corporations!

Plus, there are plenty of environmentally friendly things to do around the island. A crowd-favorite activity is  chasing waterfalls in Tahiti  as the island is home to numerous stunning waterfalls hidden within its beautiful interior.

Alternatively, if you just want to relax, you can soak up the sun on one of the island’s many striking black-sand beaches!

To reach the island, fly directly into the Fa’a’ā International Airport located within the capital city of Papeete. And if you’re looking for recommendations for pensions to stay at, consider Le Relais Fenua-Pension de Famille . It’s located right on the beach and is sure to help you recharge during your vacation! 

Eigg, Scotland

By Alison of Everything Arisaig

The Isle of Eigg is a perfect model of sustainable living where you’ll truly feel at one with nature! 

In 1997, the islanders bought the island out with the help of public donations and The Isle of Eigg Community Trust was born. Later, Eigg Electric was founded and since 2008, almost all energy is generated through hydro, wind, and solar power.

Only islanders’ cars are allowed on the island but it’s easy to get around by walking or renting a bike or e-bike from Eigg Adventures. A minibus can take you and your luggage to your destination.

Sustainable accommodation includes fun options like yurts and bothies and most have compost toilets and wood burners. Alternatively, you could book a sailing boat to explore the area. There are no hotels, but for bed and breakfast, the Lageorna has excellent reviews and views! You can also reserve for lunch or dinner.

Cafes and shops use local and organic produce where possible and the island shop near the harbor is well-stocked. Have a look for local crafts on sale too.

Great activities include hiking, beach walks, cycling, kayaking, yoga, taking a croft tour at Eigg Organics, or going on a nature walk with the Scottish Wildlife Trust. You might be lucky to catch a ceilidh, concert or festival, too. 

In summer, you can volunteer on different projects with either the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust or the Scottish Wildlife Trust. To get to Eigg, take a ferry from  Arisaig or Mallaig .

Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia

By Annelies of Travelers & Dreamers

If you want to experience community-based tourism in Cambodia, then the Cardamom mountains are your best bet. The Cardamom Mountains are the largest rainforest in South East Asia and consist of swamps, plains, mountains, lakes, and rivers with incredible waterfalls and swimming holes.

The main reason to visit the  Cardamom Mountains , aside from its natural beauty, is the Osoam Cardamom Community Center.

The Cardamom Mountains are inhabited by a large array of ethnic minorities who live in severe poverty. To rescue his people from poverty and the land from illegal logging and poaching, one local man called Mr. Lim started this community-based tourism project.

The community center aims at ensuring a better life for the local habitants by educating them on topics like wildlife conservation, learning the English language, and preparing them for a career as a ranger or tourist guide.

Visitors to the center can participate in sustainable tourism activities like guided trekking tours or volunteer and help with construction, gardening, and teaching.

Wooden huts to spend the night only cost a couple of dollars. Meals are cooked by Mr. Lim’s wife and are shared together with visitors and volunteers at one big table in the evening.

The mountains used to be very hard to reach and saw almost no tourists but, due to better road access in recent years, tourism is slowly developing.

The Cardamom mountains are the easiest to reach from the seaside town of Koh Kong. A shared taxi into the mountains takes around two and a half hours.

The Mountains are also reachable from Battambang or Siem Reap but the trip takes a lot longer. First, you have to make your way to a town called Pursat.

In Pursat, look for cars parked at the local market and tell them you want to go to Osoam. They will drive you to a town called Pramoy from which you will have to transfer to a jeep for the last leg of the trip. The trip from Pursat into the mountains takes around four hours.

Cooper Island, British Virgin Islands

By Theresa of Fueled By Wanderlust

Cooper Island sits remotely in the British Virgin Islands and is the perfect sustainable hideaway to completely unplug from the outside world.

The Cooper Island Beach Club , an Eco Resort, makes up most of the tiny island and offers an irresistibly pristine white sand beach and the use of kayaks and SUP on the surrounding waters.

The resort looks out towards the Sir Francis Drake Channel, where you can see nothing but islands dotting the horizon in either direction. 

Cooper Island Beach Club’s sustainability efforts include producing its own solar power, which supplies 85% of the resort’s needs and is used to make hot water. For drinking water, the resort collects rain in cisterns and also has its own triple filtration desalination plant.

The resort’s rooms are simple yet chic, featuring recycled teak furniture and organic personal care products in the bathrooms.

The resort does not have air conditioning and instead installs fans and screens into guest rooms for airflow. Housekeeping uses environmentally friendly detergents and cleaning products to clean the rooms while avoiding polluting the surrounding gentle waters.

Additionally, the resort does not sell plastic water bottles and avoids aluminum waste by brewing its own beer. While most dishes and utensils in its restaurant are reusable, disposable items are eco products made from corn. The Cooper Island Beach Club sources produce from its own lush gardens and other local farmers in the BVI.

To reach  Cooper Island , fly into St. Thomas, USVI, or San Juan, PR, and then a ferry or fly into Tortola. From Port Purcell on Tortola, there is a daily shuttle to Cooper Island. Get ready to enjoy one of the most fantastic sustainable travel destinations out there!

Lake District, England

By Paulina of the UK Every Day

One of the best sustainable tourism destinations is the Lake District in England. It has excellent public transport connections so you won’t need your car to explore one of the most beautiful regions of the UK.

Climbing the highest mountain or relaxing by the deepest lake in England are only a few of the best Lake District attractions.

Plenty of paths for walks and cycling allow for reducing carbon emissions. Moreover, Lake District also encourages its visitors to minimalize plastic usage.

Many local businesses joined the fill-up-your-water bottle scheme. Therefore, if you notice the “Fill Up” logo in one of the buildings it means that you can refill your  reusable water bottle  there for free.

If you want to learn more about how to travel sustainably in the Lake District and support local communities during your trip, join one of their Facebook groups. Plastic Free Cumbria or Friends of the Lake District are only a few options to choose from.

With several eco-friendly accommodations such as YHA Hawkshead or YHA Eskdale, you can unwind in the idyllic countryside and support businesses that use green energy.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site also organizes some of the biggest events to promote spending more time outdoors including Great North Swim or Helvellyn Triathalon.

Mürren, Switzerland

By Paul of PaulMarina

Mürren  is a small hamlet located in the Swiss Bernese alps at 1600 meters above sea level on a mountain ridge above the Lauterbrunnen valley.

You can only access the village by cable car or by mountain train, making it a car-free green village. The cable car and train run daily every 30 minutes, year-round from 6 am to 7 pm.

While other alpine countries still struggle with an influx of road trip visitors and traffic jams, Switzerland has been one of the pioneers in train travel and among the top eco tourism destinations.

Their train infrastructure and projects have been a gigantic success so far. Most travelers to Switzerland appreciate accessible and well-timed train connections to the most remote mountain areas and flat-rate train tickets such as the Swiss Travel Pass .

Besides, the locals in Mürren have been promoting a CO2-free environment and mass tourism is not welcome in Mürren.

You will instead discover a controlled nature-friendly authentic village, away from the craziness of the world. As a good example stand the Hotel Eiger which is a sustainable hotel in the village known for having taken a step towards green ecotourism.

Local farmers have been living in those heights for over 1000 years. Alpine pastures known as Alms at these altitudes are not fertilized with cow manure the way they are in the valleys.

Excessive cow manure fertilization harms the environment, it pollutes the groundwater and releases small particles into the air, and it destroys wild plant varieties.

Animals wander the hills in the warmer months of the year and visitors meet them on a hike up the mountains. You will be one with nature during your time in this Swiss village, enjoying one of the most sustainable destinations possible.

Kalga eco-village, India

By Soumya of Nature Diary

Kalga is one of the top eco tourism destinations you can visit, an eco-village at an altitude of 2280 meters in the Kullu district of Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the cleanest villages in India, based on sustainable community-based tourism and eco-friendly practices.

Kalga is also the starting point of famous treks to Kheerganga, Pin Parvati, and Bunbuni. The  village of Kalga  is surrounded by the Fairy Forest, where you can hike and enjoy the beautiful greenery of pines with a picturesque view of the snow-capped Himalayan mountain range.

Relish the enchanting ambiance and listen to the birds chirping around, Pine leaves rustling in the cool breeze, and the waterfalls burbling.

Besides being a scenic tourist attraction, Kalga village is also known for its sustainable tourism approaches to conserving the environment, another way the village shows its worth being one of the sustainable tourist destinations you must visit.

The villagers, most notably the owners of most homestays, follow eco-friendly practices like tree planting and recycling plastic waste.

The Forest Park Homestay and Gypsy House Café are such eco-homestays in Kalga, where you can get cozy accommodations and good quality food.

They also encourage their visitors to maintain eco-friendly tourism standards so that Kalga thrives on being a sustainable tourist destination in north India. So if you’re looking for a top-notch eco tourism holiday, Kalga village is your place.

To reach Kalga village, take the bus to Barshaini via Kasol and then go on a short hike of 2 Km, crossing the hydel power project.

Besides Kalga, you can go to several nearby attractions from Barshaini like Tosh, Nakthan, Rudranag, Pulga, and Tulga. Kasol is well-connected to Delhi via road and Kullu Manali Airport, also known as Bhuntar Airport.

Ljubljana, Slovenia 

By Melissa of Parenthood and Passports

Once named the Green Capital of Europe, Ljubljana, Slovenia is a city that takes environmental awareness to heart. The city boasts more than 5,000 square feet of green space per resident, more than any other city on the continent.

Much of that green space can be found in the center of Ljubljana, which has been limited to pedestrian traffic since 2008.

Over the years, as the city grew, developers have maintained harmony with the natural environment and prioritized sustainability.

It is considered one of the few cities in Europe where you can go hiking, buy local produce at a daily city market, and kayak or enjoy river activities all within the small historic center.

In fact, there are so many great things to do in Ljubljana that promote health and well-being for both residents and tourists.

If you prefer to take public transportation rather than explore the city on foot, you can do so aboard an all-electric urban tourist train – a green alternative to standard hop-on hop-off buses found in other popular destinations. 

But one of the most unique aspects of Ljubljana’s sustainability is its effort to protect and preserve the bee population. There are more than 4,500 beehives in the city and the surrounding area.

Beekeeping is a longstanding tradition in the region, and much of the vegetation planted by the city and its residents is pollinator-friendly. It’s just one more intentional effort Ljubljana has made to promote environmental sustainability, thus showing its worth as one of the top green tourism destinations out there.

Siwa Oasis, Egypt

By Dee of Vanilla Papers

Nestled deep in Egypt’s Western Desert,  the Siwa Oasis  is one of the most incredible sustainable holiday destinations with breathtaking ecolodges, salt lakes, and sandboarding.

This hidden gem is about a 10-hour drive from Cairo. And that remoteness has protected Siwa from the pitfalls of mass tourism.

There are no hotel chains or plastic souvenirs here. And the locals are determined to preserve the rugged nature, lakes, and sand dunes of the oasis. 

Start your oasis adventure at one of Siwa’s salt lakes. Siwa has hundreds of salt pools and lakes where you can float just like at the Dead Sea. These salty waters are also said to cure sinuses and infections. And the salt lamps carved by locals make great Siwa souvenirs. 

Climb the Mountain of the Dead for a bit of Ancient Egyptian history. This limestone hilltop has tombs that date back to the 26th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt with gorgeously painted ceilings and scenes depicting Anubis and Osiris.

Siwa’s Shali, or downtown, dates back to the Middle Ages and is built entirely from a unique local mix of salt and clay. This incredible cluster of homes also includes cafes, souvenir shops, and a bike rental if you want to visit the nearby Siwa Lake. 

Stay at the  Kenooz Shali Lodge  that’s tucked inside an olive and palm grove. This gorgeous lodge was built using traditional Siwan methods and has an airy outdoor dining area perfect for lunch amid the swaying palms.

Or treat yourself at the  Adrere Amellal , an eco-lodge with no electricity where rooms are softly lit with beeswax candles. This luxurious eco-lodge has hand-built rooms that blend into the landscape – and it sits right alongside a lake.

Either way, you’re about to embark on an incredible journey to one of the most beautiful eco friendly tourist destinations on the planet.

Losinj Island, Croatia

By Becki of Meet Me In Departures

When you think of Croatia, popular destinations like Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar probably come to mind. Although these places are lovely, they have suffered a wave of overtourism in recent years. But have you heard of Losinj? 

Just off the north Croatian coast, you’ll find this hidden gem of an island, underrated and less visited than many of the other destinations in Croatia. The island of Losinj  is dubbed the island of vitality thanks to the scent of pine, sage, and lavender that fills the air.

It’s also a hub for anyone looking for adventure activities with a focus on ecotourism. Activities on the island include hiking, cycling, SUP, and kayaking.

There are also opportunities for Dolphin watching – it’s worth noting that there are stringent rules around the observation of them, swimming, touching, and feeding them is strictly forbidden. Observation visits are organized by The Blue World Marine Research and Conservation Centre in Vali Losinj.

Other wildlife opportunities here include trying to spot one of Europe’s largest birds, the griffon vulture. The cliffs surrounding the island are home to about 50 pairs and because they are endemic to the islands here, and not seen elsewhere in Europe, they are listed as an endangered species and local efforts are in place that protects their environment.

If you want to learn more about the vegetation on the island and its healing and health properties then visit the sensory garden to discover why back in 1892, the biologist Professor Ambroz Haračić declared Lošinj as a climatic health resort for bronchial diseases.

The Lošinj Aromatic Garden is home to over 250 of these fragrant wild herbs where you can learn about their health benefits, properties, and uses. 

Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

By Cassie of Cassie the Hag

With the unique ecosystems and endemic wildlife found in New Zealand, it’s perhaps unsurprising that great efforts have been made in many national parks to sustain these environments. Yet, it’s one of the leading responsible tourism destinations you should consider visiting.

The Mount Cook region has and will definitely see the impact of global warming. The icy, glaciated environment has already been transformed over the centuries as the glaciers have massively receded. In fact, many lakes and valleys, which are now among the most popular things to do in Mount Cook National Park , were once actually glaciers!

Information boards around the park help illustrate this by explaining that glaciers far in the distance would have once covered the viewpoints you’re standing on!

This definitely brings home the impact of our changing Earth. With that said, while enjoying the many hikes here, always stick to the paths and take all waste back with you.

Many tourism operators in the area run their business on the principles of kaitiakitanga – ‘the guardianship and production of our natural and cultural environment.

Sustainable tourism commitments include donations towards the Kea Conservation Trust (a nationally endangered parrot only found in the Southern Alps) and carbon-neutral scenic flights.

The New Zealand Department of Conservation also has strict impact codes for tourism operators to follow, beginning with simple things like waste reduction and recycling and strict rules on where tourists are allowed to camp.

Eco lodges in Mount Cook include Lakestone Lodge , an off-grid sustainable lodge overlooking the blue waters of Lake Pukaki contributing to the national park being one of the most sustainable tourism places to visit.

Khonoma Eco-village, India

By Abhinav of A Soul Window

In the year 1993, on the pretext of a competition, as many as 3,000 Blyth’s Tragopans, a species of rare endangered birds were hunted by the Angami people of Nagaland in the quaint village of Khonoma in North East India.

After the mass slaughter, the meat was consumed by the villagers. Some people protested against it and it led to establishing the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary.

Deforestation was also common here. Cutting trees is now banned in Khonoma. And as a result, Khonoma has emerged as the first green village in Asia!

Located on a verdant hill near Kohima in Nagaland, Khonoma and nearby  Dzukou Valley Trek  see maximum footfall during the annual Hornbill Festival.

Unlike the popular destinations of India which are overrun with irresponsible tourists, community-based tourism in Khonoma is impressively regulated.

Starting from a small fee to enter the village to a mandatory local tour guide, everything is refreshingly organized. This is also why the residents of Khonoma have been able to preserve and maintain their village without risking the perils of mass tourism. A walk around clean cobblestone walkways takes tourists to remnants of the battle of Khonoma.

Apart from the village walk, you can also sample the local food, take a tour of the terraced rice fields, and do birdwatching here. Some of the most exotic birds are found in the unexplored North East India.

Tourists can also visit functional Morungs, the common area where the old teaches the young about their way. Not only is it possible to visit a local wooden house, but you can also find accommodation in a homestay for as long as you want. What’s more? You can also stay in a cute Hobbit home set up by a local!

Copenhagen, Denmark

Denmark is a world leader in sustainability, and Copenhagen is an incredible example of a sustainable destination. In fact, Copenhagen is often considered the green capital of the world and is hoping to become the first major city to go fully carbon-neutral !

Even Lego, the beloved Danish toy company, is in the process of making its plastic bricks out of recycled plastics and sustainable materials .

But, in the meantime, there are still plenty of eco-friendly ways to enjoy this gorgeous city. The population relies heavily on public transportation, so it’s very easy to catch a train right into the heart of the city, back into the countryside, and to neighboring countries. 

There are numerous eco-friendly accommodations to choose from once you get into the city, but Hotel Danmark stands above the rest.

It’s located right in Copenhagen’s historic central square and offers delicious, organic meals and dazzling views. Plus, it’s within easy walking distance to Tivoli Gardens and the central train station.

In addition to strolling through gardens of native plants and cycling like a local, head over to Reffen for sustainable street food.

The river-side stalls use food service, reduce food waste, and use organic, free-range, and local ingredients wherever possible.

They even sort their waste so it can be reused as far as possible. Even the stalls and seating are made from recycled or sustainable materials.

It’s easy to see why Copenhagen is among the top sustainable tourism destinations in the world.

Yet for more of a direct impact, you can volunteer with ActionAid Denmark . This organization fights for more sustainable cities, with a focus on providing just, clean living without discrimination.

Volunteer opportunities range from working in a non-profit cafe to spreading awareness of their cause, protesting, and more.

Related posts

One day in Copenhagen itinerary

Day trips from Copenhagen

Weekend getaways from Copenhagen

Copenhagen to Malmö day trip

Ericeira, Portugal

By Michelle of Ericeira Family Adventures

If you’re looking for a sustainable travel destination in Portugal, Ericeira is worth checking out. They have recently been awarded the prestigious Biosphere Destination Certification by the Institute for Sustainable Tourism. 

This beautiful whitewashed fishermen’s village is one of the best day trips from Lisbon . Situated only half an hour north of Lisbon’s airport is the only World Surf reserve in Europe, which means both the seafloor and the beaches are protected with rigorous norms.  

All 11 beaches included in the surfing reserve can be ethically enjoyed trekking, mountain biking, surfing, SUP paddling or just wading in the waves.

The hearty, international outdoors vibe mixes with the traditional feel of the Portuguese village to create an incredibly multicultural fresh experience equal to none.

There are a lot of things to do in Ericeira , and whether you come as a family, a couple, or a solo traveler, fun and adventure are in order.

Nearby you can also visit the Iberian Wolf Recovery Center, or the Tapada de Mafra, both non-profit organizations where indigenous species are carefully monitored and protected.

There are numerous small ecologically conscious surf lodges and bed and breakfasts run by locals which offer everything from homegrown vegan food to holistic retreats, and even coliving and coworking arrangements.

Surf Yoga Portugal is an excellent sustainable guest house with a very high percentage of repeat guests which offers excellent value for money. 

You can choose to drive to Ericeira from Lisbon in about half an hour, or take the bus from Campo Grande metro station in downtown Lisbon in about 45 minutes.

Regardless of what you choose to do in Ericeira, the wholesome sunshine and authentic Portuguese charm of this fisherman village will surely leave you wanting more.

This is truly one of the most amazing coastal towns in Portugal that you should add to your bucket list. Being one of the top eco tourism destinations in the world only adds to the value of this charming town.

Leading sustainable tourism countries for an eco tourism holiday

By Amy of TravelingTulls

If you’re looking for a destination that’s nature-filled, sustainable, AND fun, you can’t do much better than Costa Rica . This small country has it all – beaches, waterfalls, rainforests, and some of the friendliest people in the world.

But most significantly, this Central American nation has demonstrated to the world that it’s possible (and profitable) to reverse environmental damage.

Between the 1940s and 1980s, almost half of Costa Rica’s forest cover was cleared for farming. Fortunately, Costa Rica made a commitment to restoring the environment.

Programs were put in place to encourage replanting and preserving forests and today most of the habitat lost has been restored. As a result, almost 6% of the world’s biodiversity can be found in Costa Rica.

The country continues to lead by example, teaching sustainability in schools, and creating programs to encourage those in the tourism industry to operate in a sustainable way.

Two programs, the Sustainability Certification Program (CST), and the Blue Flag ecological awards, make it easy for travelers to find accommodations and activities that operate in a green way.

Today Costa Rica is one of the top sustainable tourism destinations. There are dedicated eco-resorts on the coasts and in the rainforest, but with the certification programs, visitors anywhere in Costa Rica can find eco-friendly lodging.

Visitors to the Monteverde Cloud Forest can stay at the Hotel Belmar, a family-owned hotel that has received the top CST rating – 5 leaves. Meals at the hotel are delicious, made even better as you dine looking over the garden where the produce was grown.

Costa Rica has two international airports, one in San Jose SJO and one in Liberia LIR in the northern part of Costa Rica. Once in the country, there are public bus routes throughout the country.

Car rentals are expensive, and driving is challenging, so consider hiring a driver if your group prefers a private vehicle.

By Erin of Pina Travels

In recent years, Iceland has been addressing overtourism by building stronger tourism infrastructure, encouraging travelers to spread out throughout the country, and reminding tourists to travel responsibly.

In fact, the tourism board encourages all visitors to take the “Iceland Pledge,” which includes reminders about what to do, and what not to do in Iceland .

For example, leave places as you find them, never venture off the road, and only stay in designated campsites, which puts the country among the top-rated eco tourism destinations in the world today. 

Throughout Iceland there are plenty of ethical activities to do, from visiting Iceland’s beautiful waterfalls, beaches, glaciers, and landscapes, to hiring local guides that can teach you about Icelandic traditions.

For example, at Laugarvatn Fontana near Thingvellir you can learn how to make hverabrauð, which is a type of rye bread that is baked in the ground using geothermal energy.

Afterward, head to the nearby ION Adventure Hotel for the night. This eco-friendly hotel combines green technology with Nordic design.

For a country that’s known for its meat, Iceland is surprisingly vegan-friendly! In fact, Iceland has an app dedicated to vegan eating.

The app is a directory for all vegan restaurants across the country, as well as restaurants that serve vegan dishes. But Iceland’s capital city Reykjavik is where you’ll find the most vegan dining spots, like Gló, Gardurinn, and Mat Bar.

By Abi of I’m Going On An Adventure Travel Blog

Singapore might not seem like a sustainable travel destination; it’s not covered in rainforests, bursting with rivers and lakes, or overflowing with exotic wildlife. However, in truth, Singapore is fast becoming one of the most sustainable countries in the world!

The Southeast Asia country has slowly been growing its reputation as a Garden City working hard on developing and improving its sustainability through green initiatives and innovation focused on long-term strategic planning. This, in turn, has made Singapore one of the best sustainable tourism countries to visit.

There’s a huge variety of sustainable and ethical activities from bird watching, especially in one of the larger national parks such as the MacRitchie Reservoir or Southern Ridges to paddle boarding, kayaking, and visits to traditional villages on forgotten islands.

You can even take cycle tours through the parks and heritage areas; Singapore has focused on preserving the multicultural heritage of these neighborhoods too.

Highlights include a visit to Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Botanic Gardens, and the Singapore Night Safari which is dedicated to conservation, rescue, and education.

There are also some wonderfully sustainable accommodations in Singapore such as PARKROYAL on Pickering and Oasia Hotel Downtown with a living wall adorning its concrete structure. If you’re visiting  Singapore on a budget  then head to Loyds Inn .

Singapore is an international transit hub which means it’s super easy to get to on a flight from any major ( and smaller)  airport. It’s also possible to travel overland from Malaysia; a bus from Kula Lumpur to Central Singapore will typically take 9 hours and cost about 20 USD.

Reflections on sustainable tourist destinations

So many incredible initiatives to promote sustainable tourism has been done across the globe, and these eco tourism destinations are just a few of them.

I really hope this post has inspired you to pick one of these incredible places as your next holiday destination so that you can support positive tourism.

While there was a high level of promise during the pandemic that travel destinations had become greener after a rest from travelers, I’m not quite sure if overtourism after the pandemic is a myth or a reoccurring trend from destinations that were in desperate need of tourism money after two years of economic drought.

So let’s take action and support those destinations that do take sustainability seriously!

Best of the Best Destinations

For eco-conscious travelers, the below winners stand out for their commitments to sustainability as measured by various inputs from our data partners at Global Destination Sustainability Movement and internal Tripadvisor data points, including destinations where Tripadvisor users were most likely to be found discussing sustainability in positive reviews.

The Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. It’s awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.

How we created this list of winners.

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Coral reforestation helps restore desolated reefs around Landaa Giraavaru Island on Baa Atoll in the Republic of Maldives.

For travelers, sustainability is the word—but there are many definitions of it

Most people want to support sustainable tourism, even though the concept remains fuzzy.

The word “overtourism” is a relatively new term—but its novelty has not diminished the portent of its meaning: “An excessive number of tourist visits to a popular destination or attraction, resulting in damage to the local environment and historical sites and in poorer quality of life for residents,” according to the Oxford Dictionary .  

As travel recovers from pandemic lows, travelers are once again experiencing the consequences of overtourism at enticing, but crowded, destinations. The UN World Tourism Organization, along with public and private sector partners, marks September 27 as World Tourism Day and uses this platform to discuss tourism’s social, political, economic, and environmental impacts.

This day highlights the importance of sustainable tourism —a framework for engaging travelers and the travel industry at large in supporting goals that include protecting the environment, addressing climate change, minimizing plastic consumption , and expanding economic development in communities affected by tourism.

Getting the facts

A National Geographic survey of 3,500 adults in the U.S. reveals strong support for sustainability. That’s the good news—but the challenge will be helping travelers take meaningful actions. According to the survey—which was conducted in 2019—while 42 percent of U.S. travelers would be willing to prioritize sustainable travel in the future, only 15 percent of these travelers are sufficiently familiar with what sustainable travel actually means.  

( Learn about how to turn overtourism into sustainable global tourism .)

In the National Geographic survey, consumers most familiar with sustainable travel are young: 50 percent are 18 to 34 years old. Among travelers who understand the sustainable travel concept, 56 percent acknowledge travel has an impact on local communities and that it’s important to protect natural sites and cultural places.

The survey has informed National Geographic’s experiential travel and media businesses and sparked conversations for creating solutions around sustainability. Our travel content focuses on environmentally friendly practices, protecting cultural and natural heritage, providing social and economic benefits for local communities, and inspiring travelers to become conservation ambassadors. In short, we see every National Geographic traveler as a curious explorer who seeks to build an ethic of conserving all that makes a destination unique.

Building better practices

National Geographic Expeditions operates hundreds of trips each year, spanning all seven continents and more than 80 destinations. Rooted in the National Geographic Society ’s legacy of exploration, the company supports the Society's mission to inspire people to care about the planet by providing meaningful opportunities to explore it. Proceeds from all travel programs support the Society’s efforts to increase global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research.

National Geographic Expeditions offers a range of group travel experiences, including land expeditions, cruises, and active adventures, many of which take place around eco-lodges that are rigorously vetted for their sustainability practices.  

These independent lodges incorporate innovative sustainability practices into their everyday operations, including supporting natural and cultural heritage, sourcing products regionally, and giving back to the local community.

For example, South Africa’s Grootbos Lodge launched a foundation to support the Masakhane Community Farm and Training Centre. Through this program, the lodge has given plots of land to local people who have completed the training, increasing their income and access to local, healthy foods; so far the program has benefitted more than 138 community members.

As a media brand, National Geographic encourages travelers to seek out and support properties that embrace a mission to help protect people and the environment. Not only do these accommodations make direct and meaningful impacts in their own communities, but staying at one helps educate travelers in effective ways to preserve and protect the places they visit.

Supporting sustainability

The travel industry is crucially dependent on the health of local communities, environments, and cultures. As many experts note, we need to invest in the resiliency of places affected by overtourism and climate change to achieve sustainable tourism.

( Should some of the world’s endangered places be off-limits to tourists ?)

National Geographic’s coverage stresses the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and encourages travelers to step off the beaten path and linger longer, respect cultural differences and invest in communities, reconnect with nature and support organizations that are protecting the planet. Here are 12 ways to travel sustainably , reported by our staff editors.

Storytelling can help by highlighting problems brought on by tourism and surfacing practices and technologies to mitigate negative impacts. A key goal of our storytelling mission at National Geographic Travel is to dig deeper into the topic of sustainable tourism and provide resources, practical tips, and destination advice for travelers who seek to explore the world in all its beauty—while leaving behind a lighter footprint.

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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.

The Top Seven Best Practices of Sustainable Tourism Destinations

This article originally appeared in the March 2021 edition of TIAC Talk.

By Angela Nagy, CEO

Over the past decade, I have been working with and researching how tourism organizations at the international, national, regional, and local level have been integrating sustainability. Through this work, seven best practices have emerged that we now use as the basis of our Sustainable Tourism programs.  Before I dive into these best practices let’s take a step back and look at the origins of what we now define as sustainable tourism.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism as tourism that “meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. Rather than being a type of product, it is an ethos that underpins all tourism activities. As such, it is integral to all aspects of tourism development and management rather than being an add-on component.”

The term and concept of “sustainable tourism” was formally born at the first World Conference on Sustainable Tourism in 1995, where The World Charter for Sustainable Tourism was originally adopted. Twenty years later, in 2015, the World Summit on Sustainable Tourism (ST+20) updated the terms and objectives of the initial declaration to account for major changes in the industry. Several actions were identified to help guide local communities and destinations; industry; consumers; researchers, developers and trainers; and networks and NGOs, on their path to sustainability.

Ultimately, “the objective of sustainable tourism is to retain the economic and social advantages of tourism development while reducing or mitigating any undesirable impacts on the natural, historic, cultural or social environment. This is achieved by balancing the needs of tourists with those of the destination.”

This early work of the UNWTO and the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism has resulted in several destinations around the world adopting various programs, charters, pledges, and certification programs over the past two decades that focus on environmental, social, cultural and of course, economic sustainability. Through research of these destinations,  analysis of various reports, and hands-on work with both tourism destinations and tourism businesses, I have discovered that there are seven best practice steps that tourism destinations should take if they are serious about advancing the sustainability performance of their region. It is the same approach we take when working with our destination clients.

While these best practices don’t necessarily need to be implemented in the order presented below, this process will lead to the highest level of engagement amongst stakeholders.

Best Practice 1: Engage, educate, and consult with stakeholders to help inform and guide future plans and actions. A permanent tourism destination stakeholder committee should be established, which includes representation from the destination management organization (DMO), local government, first nations, community organizations, and tourism businesses. You may also have liaisons from the provincial/state or federal/national government levels. Ideally, initial training on sustainable tourism can be provided to the committee, to help ensure a common understanding of sustainable tourism, the opportunities it presents for the destination, and the risks associated with doing nothing or not moving fast enough. This committee should meet at least quarterly to guide, inform, and learn from the next steps.

Best Practice 2: Establish a baseline. In order to understand your current reality, it is important to undertake a baseline analysis of your current sustainability performance. This will enable the determination of gaps between where the destination is performing well and where there is opportunity for improvement. To establish a baseline of where your destination is, use a framework based upon the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Destination Criteria, which is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. GreenStep Sustainable Tourism offers a free Sustainability Score for tourism destinations and businesses to help assess their sustainability performance in a number of key areas including management, social and economic, nature and culture, and environment.

Best Practice 3: Set clear goals and identify the specific actions to achieve those goals. Understanding where your destination is doing well and where you have room for improvement will allow for the identification of goals, and then the appropriate actions and strategies to work towards these goals. This strategy and action plan should be understood and ideally approved by impacted stakeholders, and also be designed to compliment and support your existing destination development strategy and goals.

Best Practice 4: Ongoing implementation, monitoring, and measurement of impacts and results. Once you have measured your baseline, established goals, and have created an action plan to achieve those goals, it’s time to implement. Integrating your sustainability efforts into your existing meetings and accountability rhythm will help to make sure that sustainability isn’t siloed and that it becomes part of regular discussions and decision making. At least annually, reassess your sustainability performance against your goals to confirm if your actions are leading you in the right direction, and what impacts you have had on your destination.

Best Practice 5: Publicly Report. Some level of public reporting on impacts and progress towards your goals should be undertaken. Integrating key sustainability performance indicators and metrics into your regular monthly, quarterly and/or annual reporting efforts is ideal. Publish these reports, or summarize them for public consumption, and of course, weave your achievements and future goals into your destination marketing efforts to help build your reputation and brand as a destination that cares about sustainability. These reports can also be used as the basis for awards applications and nominations.

Best Practice 6: Engagement of tourism businesses. Engaging tourism businesses in your destination is essential to a robust destination sustainability strategy. In order to understand where tourism businesses need the most support, consider promoting that they undertake their own baseline analysis on key issues. You can also use the free Sustainability Score for tourism businesses, which is based upon Global Sustainable Tourism Council Recognized criteria, and aggregate the results to identify the areas of strength and opportunity. Once you have an understanding of where your business stakeholders have gaps in their own sustainability performance, you can offer training or other programs on these sustainability issues as part of your destination development efforts. Now businesses in your destination will have a framework through which they can measure and monitor their own impacts and contributions to your destination’s goals, and develop a strong basis from which to embark upon certification of their own operations.

Best Practice 7: Formal assessment and certification of destination. By taking all of the previous steps, your destination will have the key elements in place to support the pursuit of destination certification. This is a big step and requires a significant commitment of time and financial resources. Certification will verify that your destination is in compliance with Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria, will help to bring added credibility to your destination’s efforts, and is a strong signal to your stakeholders and the rest of the industry.

“In the end it’s all about protecting our product. If the product – our destinations – aren’t protected in environmental and social terms then people won’t want to visit them, it is as simple as that.” John De Vial, Director of Financial Protection and Financial Services, ABTA

Angela Nagy is the CEO of GreenStep Solutions. Through their Sustainable Tourism division, she and her team work with tourism businesses and destinations to assess, accelerate, and provide certification for their sustainability performance. 

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Sustainable development

"Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities"

Sustainable tourism development guidelines and management practices are applicable to all forms of tourism in all types of destinations, including mass tourism and the various niche tourism segments. Sustainability principles refer to the environmental, economic, and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development, and a suitable balance must be established between these three dimensions to guarantee its long-term sustainability.

Thus, sustainable tourism should:

• Make optimal use of environmental resources that constitute a key element in tourism development, maintaining essential ecological processes and helping to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity.
• Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, conserve their built and living cultural heritage and traditional values, and contribute to inter-cultural understanding and tolerance.
• Ensure viable, long-term economic operations, providing socio-economic benefits to all stakeholders that are fairly distributed, including stable employment and income-earning opportunities and social services to host communities, and contributing to poverty alleviation.

Sustainable tourism development requires the informed participation of all relevant stakeholders, as well as strong political leadership to ensure wide participation and consensus building. Achieving sustainable tourism is a continuous process and it requires constant monitoring of impacts, introducing the necessary preventive and/or corrective measures whenever necessary.

Sustainable tourism should also maintain a high level of tourist satisfaction and ensure a meaningful experience to the tourists, raising their awareness about sustainability issues and promoting sustainable tourism practices amongst them.

COMMITTEE ON TOURISM AND SUSTAINABILITY (CTS)  

Biodiversity

UN Tourism strives to promote tourism development that supports, in equal measure, the conservation of biodiversity, the social welfare and the economic security of the host countries and communities.

Climate Action

Tourism is both highly vulnerable to climate change while at the same time contributing to it. Threats for the sector are diverse, including direct and indirect impacts such as more extreme weather events, increasing insurance costs and safety concerns, water shortages,  biodiversity loss and damage to assets and attractions at destinations, among others.

Global Tourism Plastics Initiative

The problem of plastic pollution in tourism is too big for any single organisation to fix on its own. To match the scale of the problem, changes need to take place across the whole tourism value chain.

Hotel Energy Solutions (HES)

Hotel Energy Solutions (HES) is a UN Tourism -initiated project in collaboration with a team of United Nations and EU leading agencies in Tourism and Energy . 

Observatories (INSTO)

The UN Tourism International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) is a network of tourism observatories monitoring the economic, environmental and social impact of tourism at the destination level. 

When responsibly planned and managed, tourism has demonstrated its capacity to support job creation, promote inclusive social integration, protect natural and cultural heritage, conserve biodiversity, generate sustainable livelihoods and improve human wellbeing.  As the sector is experiencing tremendous growth, collective efforts to ensure its long-term sustainability are essential.

Resource Efficiency in Tourism

The report aims to inspire stakeholders and encourage them to advance the implementation of the SDGs through sustainable tourism.

Small Islands Developing States (SIDS)

Small Island Developing States face numerous challenges. For a significant number, their remoteness affects their ability to be part of the global supply chain, increases import costs - especially for energy - and limits their competitiveness in the tourist industry. Many are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change - from devastating storms to the threat of sea level rise.

Travel facilitation

Travel facilitation of tourist travel is closely interlinked with tourism development and can be a tool to foster increased demand and generate economic development, job creation and international understanding.

UNGA Sustainable Tourism Resolutions

The UN Tourism is regularly preparing reports for the General Assembly of the United Nations providing updates on sustainable tourism policies both from UN Tourism member States and States Members of the United Nations, as well as relevant agencies and programmes of the United Nations system.

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Ecotourism examples around the world: the 10 best places to visit and adventure

The word ‘ecotourism’ is thrown around a lot more these days. But what is ecotourism? Why is it important? And where can you find these ecotourism destinations?

Kate Maskedtravelsx

Feb 02, 2024

What is ecotourism?

Over the upcoming years, you’re probably going to hear about ecotourism more and more. Not sure what it actually means? Let’s clear that up! The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as:  ‘Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.’

Put simply, it's about travelling to destinations where we make a positive long-term impact on the environment and the local communities.

These ecotourism places tend to not be the typical tourist hotspots. Mass tourism is the opposite of what we’re getting at here. Ecotourism is usually on a small scale , so that the negative impacts of travel are minimised as much as possible.

Why is ecotourism important?

Travelling is great! We all love to hop on a plane, explore new cultures and discover hidden gems. But all of these things are contributing to the destruction of our planet. Completely stopping travel isn’t a solution, but we can actively choose to reduce the impact that our travel has on the planet.  

Ecotourism is important because it promotes this awareness . It encourages people to learn about and conserve our diverse landscapes, wildlife and cultures .

Hopefully we’ve convinced you that ecotourism is the way forward. If so, here are some of the best ecotourism destinations to visit.

Top 10 ecotourism examples

Costa Rica is one of the most well-known examples of ecotourism . It’s a tropical destination boasting rainforests, cloud forests, countless beaches, volcanoes and mountains . Nature and the ‘pura vida’ lifestyle, meaning pure life, are truly at the heart of Costa Rica. 

Evidenced by the fact that over 25% of the country is made up of national parks , wildlife reserves and protected lands.

Corcovado National Park is almost the epitome of ecotourism. Being one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, Costa Rica is keen to protect it. To do this, they’ve limited the daily number of visitors and you must have a guide to visit.

You can also get involved in ecotourism in Costa Rica by volunteering! You can learn about a sustainable and eco-friendly way of life on this ecological farm.

Iceland is a dream destination for so many of us. That’s a good and a bad thing for Iceland. With the number of tourists increasing each year, they’ve seriously had to consider how to keep tourism sustainable and responsible.

But it’s also up to us as the traveller. Instead of staying in big hotels, opt for one of the many eco-friendly accommodation options. Doing a tour? Choose one where you’ll be travelling by bike, horse or hiking.

Iceland has an abundance of geothermal energy, which is used to heat water in houses and hotels. It can also be harnessed to create natural spas like the Blue Lagoon.

You might have never heard of Palau before, but this little island in the Pacific Ocean is revolutionising ecotourism .

If you visit Palau responsibly and sustainably, you’ll be rewarded. Palau has introduced an app-based rewards system where you earn points every time you help to preserve its fragile ecosystem. 

Some of these things include signing the Palau Pledge upon arrival, wearing reef-safe suncream, eating sustainably-sourced local food and learning about Palau’s culture.

Every time you tick something off the list, you’ll get closer to unlocking an exclusive activity such as diving. Ultimately the main reward is knowing that you’re truly caring and helping a culturally-rich and magnificent place on earth.

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos have played a vital role in educating the world about our world, inspiring Charles Darwin to come up with the Theory of Evolution . This research and education is still an integral part of the Galapagos Islands today.

These islands off the coast of Ecuador are invaluable, so steps have been taken to protect it. These include a $100 conservation fee, limiting the number of visitors and planning boat routes so there aren’t too many people in one place.

Fun fact: The Galapagos Islands were the first place added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Galapagos Islands are truly magical and probably somewhere you’ll want to spend longer in. If that’s the case, consider teaching for a non-profit organisation to extend your time and help the community. Find other ecotourism job opportunities .

Kenya is arguably one of the best ecotourism examples in Africa . The government even created an organisation called ‘Ecotourism Kenya’.

Their work involves promoting sustainable tourism that will conserve Kenya’s natural environment and improve the livelihoods of local communities .

Being home to 54 national parks,  over 1 million tourists every year visit Kenya in the hopes of catching a glimpse of ‘The Big 5’. This has encouraged the government to stop illegal poaching, ban single-use plastics and plastic bags whilst promoting sustainable tourism .

What better way to learn about a place than fully immersing yourself by volunteering? There are over 150 volunteering opportunities on Worldpackers in Kenya, including farming , social media help for an NGO and providing social work .

Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most incredible places in the world. If you have the chance to visit, do it, and do it sustainably!

Luckily there are plenty of countries that you can visit the Amazon from - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.

However, the survival of the Amazon and its indigenous groups largely depends on the success of ecotourism. In 2021, the Amazon saw the highest rates of deforestation yet. Despite increasing awareness of climate change, deforestation isn’t decreasing.

Ecotourism is needed to educate people around the world on the global importance of the largest rainforest in the world. The income from tourism is also vital for the survival of indigenous people and conservation projects.

There’s nothing like disconnecting from the world and surrounding yourself in nature. Volunteering in the Amazon is the perfect way to do this, whilst contributing to its conservation. Check out these awesome opportunities in the Amazon in Peru and Ecuador .

Bhutan is one of the best ecotourism examples in the world, albeit an expensive one!

Since 1991, Bhutan has been charging visitors a daily Sustainable Development Fee. Originally $65/day, it has now jumped to $200/day in 2022 . Whilst this seems like a lot of money, the extraordinary outcomes prove that it’s worth it.

The money is used on projects such as offsetting Bhutan’s carbon footprint from tourism, supporting community education, organic farming and upskilling workers in the tourism industry .

It has led to Bhutan being the first carbon-negative country in 2017 . The country takes in more carbon dioxide than it produces!

Keep reading: Discover India's top 3 best ecotourism . 

Slovenia needs to receive more recognition for its efforts in ecotourism. 60% of the country is covered in forest and 54% of its land is protected . Tourists flock to Slovenia to see its natural beauty, whether it’s to hike one of its spectacular mountains, or to row across Lake Bled.

They’ve also made it easier for you to choose sustainable options. If an accommodation or tourism service has a Slovenia Green Label , you know that you’re helping to preserve local traditions and protect the environment .

Green camping or glamping in Slovenia is also a great way to get close to nature and support conservation efforts.

Are you desperate to visit Slovenia now? Check out this ultimate guide to visiting Slovenia .

In 2020, Chile was named the World’s Leading Nature Destination . It’s not a surprise, as it is home to 41 National Parks, 45 Reserves and 17 Natural Monuments.

A large part of Chile's conservation efforts is down to the founder of the clothing brand North Face and his wife. They purchased land and then donated it back, which has led to the creation/expansion of 15 national parks, 2 marine national parks, and over 44 million acres of land and sea being protected.

Some great ecotourism destinations to visit in Chile include Huilo Huilo, one of Chile’s most popular waterfalls; and Chiloé Island, where the local community is working hard to build sustainable tourism.

There are over 100 Worldpackers volunteering opportunities in Chile . It’s a great way to practise your Spanish, learn about the culture and help a community.

Norway is one of the most breath-taking places on earth. It’s home to picturesque fjords, glacier lakes, snow-capped mountains and endless beaches . It's an ecotourism haven. 

And the Norwegian government wants to keep it that way. They’ve done a great job at preserving their coastline by regulating hunting, fishing and oil companies .

Many activities in Norway have ecotourism at the heart of them. There are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in nature, whether it be river rafting , caving , dog sledding or hiking .

Norway can be an expensive place to visit, so why not exchange your skills volunteering in return for free accommodation?

How can you travel more responsibly?

Everyone has a part to play in ecotourism. It’s up to the governments of countries to promote and fund it, but it’s also up to us to actively make responsible choices .

Here are some things you can consider when booking your next trip:

• Visit places where less tourists go
• Stay at local and eco-friendly accommodations. Green Key  is a great website to find these
• Eat local with local ingredients
• Respect the environment - stay on paths, don’t leave rubbish, avoid touching wildlife
• Opt for walking, cycling or public transport instead

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Kate Woodley

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Kate is a Management Consultant (and now writer) who decided to take a 2 year career break and travel the world. She shares her travels around the world and shows people the fun of solo travelling!

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Eco tourism destinations around the world

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What Is Ecotourism? Definition, Examples, and Pros and Cons

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Ecotourism Definition and Principles

Pros and cons.

• Examples of Ecotourism
• Frequently Asked Questions

Ecotourism is about more than simply visiting natural attractions or natural places; it’s about doing so in a responsible and sustainable manner. The term itself refers to traveling to natural areas with a focus on environmental conservation. The goal is to educate tourists about conservation efforts while offering them the chance to explore nature.

Ecotourism has benefited destinations like Madagascar, Ecuador, Kenya, and Costa Rica, and has helped provide economic growth in some of the world’s most impoverished communities. The global ecotourism market produced $92.2 billion in 2019 and is forecasted to generate $103.8 billion by 2027.

A conservationist by the name of Hector Ceballos-Lascurain is often credited with the first definition of ecotourism in 1987, that is, “tourism that consists in travelling to relatively undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with the specific object of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural manifestations (both past and present) found in these areas.”

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of ecotourism since 1990, defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education [both in its staff and its guests].”

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) looks at ecotourism as a significant tool for conservation, though it shouldn’t be seen as a fix-all when it comes to conservation challenges:

“There may be some areas that are just not appropriate for ecotourism development and some businesses that just won’t work in the larger tourism market. That is why it is so important to understand the basics of developing and running a successful business, to ensure that your business idea is viable and will be profitable, allowing it to most effectively benefit the surrounding environment and communities.”

Marketing an ecosystem, species, or landscape towards ecotourists helps create value, and that value can help raise funds to protect and conserve those natural resources.

Sustainable ecotourism should be guided by three core principles: conservation, communities, and education.

Conservation

Conservation is arguably the most important component of ecotourism because it should offer long-term, sustainable solutions to enhancing and protecting biodiversity and nature. This is typically achieved through economic incentives paid by tourists seeking a nature-based experience, but can also come from the tourism organizations themselves, research, or direct environmental conservation efforts.

Communities

Ecotourism should increase employment opportunities and empower local communities, helping in the fight against global social issues like poverty and achieving sustainable development.

Interpretation

One of the most overlooked aspects of ecotourism is the education component. Yes, we all want to see these beautiful, natural places, but it also pays to learn about them. Increasing awareness about environmental issues and promoting a greater understanding and appreciation for nature is arguably just as important as conservation.

As one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry, there are bound to be some downsides to ecotourism. Whenever humans interact with animals or even with the environment, it risks the chance of human-wildlife conflict or other negative effects; if done so with respect and responsibility in mind, however, ecotourism can reap enormous benefits to protected areas.

As an industry that relies heavily on the presentation of eco-friendly components to attract customers, ecotourism has the inevitable potential as a vessel for greenwashing. Part of planning a trip rooted in ecotourism is doing research to ensure that an organization is truly providing substantial benefits to the environment rather than exploiting it.

Ecotourism Can Provide Sustainable Income for Local Communities

Sustainably managed ecotourism can support poverty alleviation by providing employment for local communities, which can offer them alternative means of livelihood outside of unsustainable ones (such as poaching).

Research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that communities in regions surrounding conservation areas in Costa Rica had poverty rates that were 16% lower than in areas that weren’t near protected parks. These protected areas didn’t just benefit from conservation funds due to ecotourism, but also helped to reduce poverty as well.

It Protects Natural Ecosystems

Ecotourism offers unique travel experiences focusing on nature and education, with an emphasis on sustainability and highlighting threatened or endangered species. It combines conservation with local communities and sustainable travel , highlighting principles (and operations) that minimize negative impacts and expose visitors to unique ecosystems and natural areas. When managed correctly, ecotourism can benefit both the traveler and the environment, since the money that goes into ecotourism often goes directly towards protecting the natural areas they visit.

Each year, researchers release findings on how tourist presence affects wildlife, sometimes with varying results. A study measuring levels of the stress hormone cortisol in wild habituated Malaysian orangutans found that the animals were not chronically stressed by the presence of ecotourists. The orangutans lived in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, where a local community-managed organization operates while maintaining strict guidelines to protect them.

Ecotourism May Also Hurt Those Same Natural Ecosystems

Somewhat ironically, sometimes ecotourism can hurt ecosystems just as much as it can help. Another study in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution found that ecotourism can alter animal behaviors in ways that put them at risk. If the presence of humans changes the way animals behave, those changes may make them more vulnerable by influencing their reaction to predators or poachers.

It's not just the animals who are at risk. As ecotourism activities become too popular, it can lead to the construction of new infrastructure to accommodate more visitors. Similarly, more crowds mean more pressure on local resources, increased pollution, and a higher chance of damaging the soil and plant quality through erosion. On the social side, these activities may displace Indigenous groups or local communities from their native lands, preventing them from benefiting from the economic opportunities of tourism.

Ecotourism Offers the Opportunity to Experience Nature

Renown conservationist Jane Goodall has a famous quote: “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, shall all be saved.” It can be difficult to understand something that we haven’t seen with our own eyes, and ecotourism gives travelers the opportunity to gain new experiences in natural areas while learning about the issues they face. 

Ecotourism also educates children about nature, potentially creating new generations of nature lovers that could someday become conservationists themselves. Even adult visitors may learn new ways to improve their ecological footprints .

EXAMPLES OF ECOTOURISM

The East African country has some competitive advantages over its neighbors thanks to its rich natural resources, paired with the fact that it has allocated over 25% of its total area to wildlife national parks and protected areas. Because of this, an estimated 90% of tourists visit to Tanzania seeking out ecotourism activities. Ecotourism, in turn, supports 400,000 jobs and accounts for 17.2% of the national GDP, earning about $1 billion each year as its leading economic sector.

Some of Tanzania’s biggest highlights include the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro , and Zanzibar, though the country still often goes overlooked by American tourists. Visitors can take a walking safari tour in the famous Ngorongoro Conservation area, for example, with fees going to support the local Maasai community.

The country is also known for its chimpanzees , and there are several ecotourism opportunities in Gombe National Park that go directly towards protecting chimpanzee habitats.

Galapagos Islands

It comes as no surprise that the place first made famous by legendary naturalist Charles Darwin would go on to become one of the most sought-after ecotourism destinations on Earth, the Galapagos Islands .

The Directorate of the Galapagos National Park and the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism require tour providers to conserve water and energy, recycle waste, source locally produced goods, hire local employees with a fair wage, and offer employees additional training. A total of 97% of the land area on the Galapagos is part of the official national park, and all of its 330 islands have been divided into zones that are either completely free of human impact, protected restoration areas, or reduced impact zones adjacent to tourist-friendly areas.

Local authorities still have to be on their toes, however, since UNESCO lists increased tourism as one of the main threats facing the Galapagos today. The bulk of funding for the conservation and management of the archipelago comes from a combination of governmental institutions and entry fees paid by tourists.

Costa Rica is well-known throughout the world for its emphasis on nature-based tourism, from its numerous animal sanctuaries to its plethora of national parks and reserves. Programs like its “Ecological Blue Flag” program help inform tourists of beaches that have maintained a strict set of eco-friendly criteria.

The country’s forest cover went from 26% in 1983 to over 52% in 2021 thanks to the government’s decision to create more protected areas and promote ecotourism in the country . Now, over a quarter of its total land area is zoned as protected territory.

Costa Rica welcomes 1.7 million travelers per year, and most of them come to experience the country’s vibrant wildlife and diverse ecosystems. Its numerous biological reserves and protected parks hold some of the most extraordinary biodiversity on Earth, so the country takes special care to keep environmental conservation high on its list of priorities. 

New Zealand

In 2019, tourism generated $16.2 billion, or 5.8% of the GDP, in New Zealand. That same year, 8.4% of its citizens were employed in the tourism industry, and tourists generated $3.8 billion in tax revenue.

The country offers a vast number of ecotourism experiences, from animal sanctuaries to natural wildlife on land, sea, and even natural caves. New Zealand’s South Pacific environment, full of sights like glaciers and volcanic landscapes, is actually quite fragile, so the government puts a lot of effort into keeping it safe.

Tongariro National Park, for example, is the oldest national park in the country, and has been named by UNESCO as one of only 28 mixed cultural and natural World Heritage Sites. Its diverse volcanic landscapes and the cultural heritage of the indigenous Maori tribes within the create the perfect combination of community, education, and conservation.

How to Be a Responsible Ecotourist

• Ensure that the organizations you hire provide financial contributions to benefit conservation and find out where your money is going.
• Ask about specific steps the organization takes to protect the environment where they operate, such as recycling or promoting sustainable policies.
• Find out if they include the local community in their activities, such as hiring local guides, giving back, or through initiatives to empower the community.
• Make sure there are educational elements to the program. Does the organization take steps to respect the destination’s culture as well as its biodiversity?
• See if your organization is connected to a non-profit or charity like the International Ecotourism Society .
• Understand that wildlife interactions should be non-invasive and avoid negative impacts on the animals.

Ecotourism activities typically involve visiting and enjoying a natural place without disturbing the landscape or its inhabitants. This might involve going for a hike on a forest trail, mountain biking, surfing, bird watching, camping, or forest bathing . 

Traveling in a way that minimizes carbon emissions, like taking a train or bike instead of flying, may also be part of an ecotourism trip. Because these modes of travel tend to be slower, they may be appreciated as enjoyable and relaxing ecotourism activities.

The Wolf Conservation Center ’s programing in New York State is an example of ecotourism. This non-profit organization is dedicated to the preservation of endangered wolf species. It hosts educational sessions that allow visitors to observe wolves from a safe distance. These programs help to fund the nonprofit organization’s conservation and wildlife rehabilitation efforts.

Stonehouse, Bernard. " Ecotourism ." Environmental Geology: Encyclopedia of Earth Science , 1999, doi:10.1007/1-4020-4494-1_101

" What is Ecotourism? " The International Ecotourism Society .

" Tourism ." International Union for Conservation of Nature .

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" Galapagos Islands ." UNESCO .

" About Costa Rica ." Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington DC .

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5 Examples of Sustainable Tourism around the World

Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world and can provide an essential economic boost for countries pitching themselves as holiday destinations. Tourism, however, has historically had devastating effects on the environment, people and their cultural identities.

Enter the concept of sustainable tourism, which according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation must:

• Conserve environmental resources and protect biodiversity
• Respect and preserve the cultures of host communities whilst benefiting them
• Address the needs of the visitors and industry whilst providing socio-economic benefit to all

In order for tourism to continue and for us to live within our planetary bounds and respect all people, the only option is for the world to move away from unconscious, mass tourism and learn from the existing examples of thriving sustainable tourism models.

What are some examples of sustainable tourism?

• 1. Controlled tourism in Bhutan

Bhutan, located in the East of the Himalayas, is known as one of the happiest countries in the world. The country remains relatively untouched by colonialism which has ensured that the people’s sustainable way of life has remained in tact. Bhutan’s tourism operates on the principle of “high value, low impact”. This has been achieved by enforcing strict entry requirements and a daily visitor tariff. The daily tariff includes necessary expenses for the visit such as accommodation, a licensed tour guide, meals and hiking equipment. A large portion of the tariff, however, is used to maintain and develop the country’s infrastructure, as well as contribute towards Bhutan’s free health care and education.

• 2. A solar powered resort in Fiji

Six Senses Fiji , located on the tropical Malolo Island, is a five star resort with sustainable luxury and cultural awareness at its core. The resort runs on 100% solar power, equipped with rainwater capture and its own onsite water-filtration site to eliminate the use of single-use plastic bottles. The resort aims to be as low-waste as possible, encouraging the principles of reuse whilst also practicing recycling and composting with a “worm-based septic system” and growing as much of its own herbs and vegetables as possible. All handiwork and artwork at the hotel has been produced by local villagers and the hotel supports the Rise Beyond the Reef Charity which aims to bridge “the divide between remote communities, government and the private sector in the South Pacific, sustainably creating a better world for women and children.”

• 3. A community run backpacker in South Africa

Mdumbi , a backpackers on the Wild Coast of South Africa, aims to promote “community involvement and sustainable eco-tourism”. The backpacker prides itself in being fused with the amaXhosa culture of the Eastern Cape, situated deep in the heart of a traditional village. With a number of sustainability interventions onsite such as energy efficiency, solar power and waste management, Mdumbi has a unique ownership model, with the local employees, the amaxhosa community association, and TransCape (Mdumbi’s affiliated NPO) all holding shares in the business. Mdumbi’s NPO, TransCape, aims “ to provide access to the resources, support, and knowledge necessary for communities to initiate the process of change towards a better quality of life.” In 2017, the Backpacker was also awarded a silver prize by the World Responsible Tourism Awards for best in poverty reduction.

• 4. Conservation ‘Voluntouring’ in Belize

• 5. A sustainable tour operator come foundation in Switzerland

The Swiss Foundation for Solidarity in Tourism (SST) is a non-profit foundation that grew out of one of the leading tour operators in Switzerland. The foundation, founded in 2001, supports projects and organisations in Switzerland and worldwide which look to improve the livelihoods of people in tourist destinations, contribute to sustainable tourism development and contribute to “intercultural understandings” between travellers and locals. By providing grants to deserving projects, the foundation hopes to further develop sustainable tourism online and on the ground.

These are but a few of many varying examples of models for sustainable tourism development. As the world moves towards sustainability in every facet and every industry, there is no doubt that the tourism industry will need an unprecedented overhaul in order to move towards low-impact and meaningful travel experiences that do not detriment people or the world on which we rely.

Interested in doing your bit for sustainable tourism? Why not look at studying a sustainable tourism degree or look into sustainable tourism master programs? Here at SUMAS we offer a master of international sustainable tourism management and other courses fit to prepare you for a career in sustainable tourism anywhere in the world.

• Reference Links

http://sdt.unwto.org/content/faq-climate-change-and-tourism http://sdt.unwto.org/content/about-us-5 https://inhabitat.com/100-solar-powered-fiji-resort-combines-5-star-luxury-with-sustainability/ https://epicureandculture.com/bhutan-tourism-model/ https://www.sixsenses.com/resorts/fiji/sustainability https://www.mdumbi.co.za/about_us https://www.sstfoundation.org/ https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/sustainable-tourism.htm

Description

Publications.

Tourism is one of the world's fastest growing industries and an important source of foreign exchange and employment, while being closely linked to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of many countries, especially developing countries. Maritime or ocean-related tourism, as well as coastal tourism, are for example vital sectors of the economy in small island developing States (SIDS) and coastal least developed countries (LDCs) (see also: The Potential of the Blue Economy report as well as the Community of Ocean Action on sustainable blue economy).

The World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities".

Based on General assembly resolution 70/193, 2017 was declared as the  International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

In the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development SDG target 8.9, aims to “by 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”. The importance of sustainable tourism is also highlighted in SDG target 12.b. which aims to “develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”.

Tourism is also identified as one of the tools to “by 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries” as comprised in SDG target 14.7.

In the Rio+20 outcome document The Future We want, sustainable tourism is defined by paragraph 130 as a significant contributor “to the three dimensions of sustainable development” thanks to its close linkages to other sectors and its ability to create decent jobs and generate trade opportunities. Therefore, Member States recognize “the need to support sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building that promote environmental awareness, conserve and protect the environment, respect wildlife, flora, biodiversity, ecosystems and cultural diversity, and improve the welfare and livelihoods of local communities by supporting their local economies and the human and natural environment as a whole. ” In paragraph 130, Member States also “call for enhanced support for sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building in developing countries in order to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development”.

In paragraph 131, Member States “encourage the promotion of investment in sustainable tourism, including eco-tourism and cultural tourism, which may include creating small- and medium-sized enterprises and facilitating access to finance, including through microcredit initiatives for the poor, indigenous peoples and local communities in areas with high eco-tourism potential”. In this regard, Member States also “underline the importance of establishing, where necessary, appropriate guidelines and regulations in accordance with national priorities and legislation for promoting and supporting sustainable tourism”.

In 2002, the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg called for the promotion of sustainable tourism development, including non-consumptive and eco-tourism, in Chapter IV, paragraph 43 of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.

At the Johannesburg Summit, the launch of the “Sustainable Tourism – Eliminating Poverty (ST-EP) initiative was announced. The initiative was inaugurated by the World Tourism Organization, in collaboration with UNCTAD, in order to develop sustainable tourism as a force for poverty alleviation.

The UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) last reviewed the issue of sustainable tourism in 2001, when it was acting as the Preparatory Committee for the Johannesburg Summit.

The importance of sustainable tourism was also mentioned in Agenda 21.

For more information and documents on this topic,  please visit this link

UNWTO Annual Report 2015

2015 was a landmark year for the global community. In September, the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a universal agenda for planet and people. Among the 17 SDGs and 169 associated targets, tourism is explicitly featured in Goa...

UNWTO Annual Report 2016

In December 2015, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. This is a unique opportunity to devote a year to activities that promote the transformational power of tourism to help us reach a better future. This important cele...

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The 2012 UNEP Foresight Process on Emerging Global Environmental Issues primarily identified emerging environmental issues and possible solutions on a global scale and perspective. In 2013, UNEP carried out a similar exercise to identify priority emerging environmental issues that are of concern to ...

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Towards Measuring the Economic Value of Wildlife Watching Tourism in Africa

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Status and Trends of Caribbean Coral Reefs: 1970-2012

Previous Caribbean assessments lumped data together into a single database regardless of geographic location, reef environment, depth, oceanographic conditions, etc. Data from shallow lagoons and back reef environments were combined with data from deep fore-reef environments and atolls. Geographic c...

Natural Resources Forum: Special Issue Tourism

The journal considers papers on all topics relevant to sustainable development. In addition, it dedicates series, issues and special sections to specific themes that are relevant to the current discussions of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)....

Thailand: Supporting Sustainable Development in Thailand: A Geographic Clusters Approach

Market forces and government policies, including the Tenth National Development Plan (2007-2012), are moving Thailand toward a more geographically specialized economy. There is a growing consensus that Thailand’s comparative and competitive advantages lie in amenity services that have high reliance...

Road Map on Building a Green Economy for Sustainable Development in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Grenada

This publication is the product of an international study led by the Division for Sustainable Development (DSD) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) in cooperation with the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and the Ministry of Environment, Foreig...

Natural Resources Forum, a United Nations Sustainable Development Journal (NRF)

  Natural Resources Forum, a United Nations Sustainable Development Journal, seeks to address gaps in current knowledge and stimulate relevant policy discussions, leading to the implementation of the sustainable development agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable...

UN Ocean Conference 2025

Our Ocean, Our Future, Our Responsibility “The ocean is fundamental to life on our planet and to our future. The ocean is an important source of the planet’s biodiversity and plays a vital role in the climate system and water cycle. The ocean provides a range of ecosystem services, supplies us with

UN Ocean Conference 2022

The UN Ocean Conference 2022, co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Portugal, came at a critical time as the world was strengthening its efforts to mobilize, create and drive solutions to realize the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

58th Session of the Commission for Social Development – CSocD58

22nd general assembly of the united nations world tourism organization, world tourism day 2017 official celebration.

This year’s World Tourism Day, held on 27 September, will be focused on Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development. Celebrated in line with the 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the Day will be dedicated to exploring the contribution of tourism to the Sustainable Deve

World Tourism Day 2016 Official Celebration

Accessible Tourism for all is about the creation of environments that can cater for the needs of all of us, whether we are traveling or staying at home. May that be due to a disability, even temporary, families with small children, or the ageing population, at some point in our lives, sooner or late

4th Global Summit on City Tourism

The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the Regional Council for Tourism of Marrakesh with support of the Government of Morroco are organizing the 4th Global Summit on City Tourism in Marrakesh, Morroco (9-10 December 2015). International experts in city tourism, representatives of city DMOs, of

2nd Euro-Asian Mountain Resorts Conference

The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and Ulsan Metropolitan City with support of the Government of the Republic of Korea are organizing the 2nd Euro-Asian Mountain Resorts Conference, in Ulsan, Republic of Korea (14 - 16 October 2015). Under the title “Paving the Way for a Bright Future for Mounta

21st General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization

Unwto regional conference enhancing brand africa - fostering tourism development.

Tourism is one of the Africa’s most promising sectors in terms of development, and represents a major opportunity to foster inclusive development, increase the region’s participation in the global economy and generate revenues for investment in other activities, including environmental preservation.

• January 2017 International Year of Tourism In the context of the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the International Year aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behavior towards a more sustainable tourism sector that can contribute to the SDGs.
• January 2015 Targets 8.9, 12 b,14.7 The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development commits Member States, through Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.9 to “devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”. The importance of sustainable tourism, as a driver for jobs creation and the promotion of local culture and products, is also highlighted in Sustainable Development Goal target 12.b. Tourism is also identified as one of the tools to “increase [by 2030] the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries”, through Sustainable Development Goals Target 14.7.
• January 2012 Future We Want (Para 130-131) Sustainable tourism is defined as a significant contributor “to the three dimensions of sustainable development” thanks to its close linkages to other sectors and its ability to create decent jobs and generate trade opportunities. Therefore, Member States recognize “the need to support sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building that promote environmental awareness, conserve and protect the environment, respect wildlife, flora, biodiversity, ecosystems and cultural diversity, and improve the welfare and livelihoods of local communities” as well as to “encourage the promotion of investment in sustainable tourism, including eco-tourism and cultural tourism, which may include creating small and medium sized enterprises and facilitating access to finance, including through microcredit initiatives for the poor, indigenous peoples and local communities in areas with high eco-tourism potential”.
• January 2009 Roadmap for Recovery UNWTO announced in March 2009 the elaboration of a Roadmap for Recovery to be finalized by UNWTO’s General Assembly, based on seven action points. The Roadmap includes a set of 15 recommendations based on three interlocking action areas: resilience, stimulus, green economy aimed at supporting the tourism sector and the global economy.
• January 2008 Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria The Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria represent the minimum requirements any tourism business should observe in order to ensure preservation and respect of the natural and cultural resources and make sure at the same time that tourism potential as tool for poverty alleviation is enforced. The Criteria are 41 and distributed into four different categories: 1) sustainability management, 2) social and economic 3) cultural 4) environmental.
• January 2003 WTO becomes a UN specialized body By Resolution 453 (XV), the Assembly agreed on the transformation of the WTO into a United Nations specialized body. Such transformation was later ratified by the United Nations General Assembly with the adoption of Resolution A/RES/58/232.
• January 2003 1st Int. Conf. on Climate Change and Tourism The conference was organized in order to gather tourism authorities, organizations, businesses and scientists to discuss on the impact that climate change can have on the tourist sector. The event took place from 9 till 11 April 2003 in Djerba, Tunisia.
• January 2002 World Ecotourism Summit Held in May 2002, in Quebec City, Canada, the Summit represented the most important event in the framework of the International Year of Ecosystem. The Summit identified as main themes: ecotourism policy and planning, regulation of ecotourism, product development, marketing and promotion of ecotourism and monitoring costs and benefits of ecotourism.
• January 1985 Tourism Bill of Rights and Tourist Code At the World Tourism Organization Sixth Assembly held in Sofia in 1985, the Tourism Bill of Rights and Tourist Code were adopted, setting out the rights and duties of tourists and host populations and formulating policies and action for implementation by states and the tourist industry.
• January 1982 Acapulco Document Adopted in 1982, the Acapulco Document acknowledges the new dimension and role of tourism as a positive instrument towards the improvement of the quality of life for all peoples, as well as a significant force for peace and international understanding. The Acapulco Document also urges Member States to elaborate their policies, plans and programmes on tourism, in accordance with their national priorities and within the framework of the programme of work of the World Tourism Organization.

Small Towns, Big Impact: 10 Examples Of Sustainable Tourism in Picturesque Locations

• Small towns like Giethoorn, Hallstatt, and Cinque Terre showcase sustainable tourism practices with car-free streets, eco-friendly transportation, and a focus on waste management, preserving natural beauty while promoting responsible travel.
• Travelers can appreciate the commitment to sustainability in towns like Sintra, Gimmelwald, and Bled, where eco-friendly transportation, regional products, and conservation efforts ensure a minimal impact on the environment and support local communities.
• Tasiilaq and Portree exemplify sustainable living with self-sufficiency, renewable energy sources, traditional practices, and preservation of cultural heritage, setting a standard for eco-conscious practices and responsible exploration.

Sustainable tourism has never been so discussed, and people have been significantly seeking trips that support sustainable tourism . Luckily, many small towns are committed to sustainability , promoting responsible travel practices that respect local communities, protect fragile ecosystems, and preserve cultural heritage.

When it comes to eco-friendly tourism, small towns have a lot to teach the world. From car-free streets and efficient public transportation to encouraging local producers, these places prove that finding a balance between tourism and preservation is possible.

Embracing sustainable tourism is an ethical choice and a crucial step towards ensuring a harmonious coexistence between humans and the environment, forging a path to a more balanced and resilient world. Here are 10 examples of sustainable tourism in some of the world's most scenic towns.

RELATED: Here Are 10 Ways You Can Be Eco-Minded When Visiting National Parks Sustainably

Giethoorn, The Netherlands

Giethoorn, often called the "Venice of the North," is a picturesque village in the Netherlands. The only way to navigate this town where cars aren't allowed is by bike, boat, or foot.

Giethoorn stands out as a model of sustainable tourism, promoting eco-friendly practices such as electric boat transportation and maintaining a car-free town center. This commitment to preserving its idyllic waterways and natural surroundings has earned Giethoorn a reputation as a leading example of how tourism and environmental conservation coexist.

Visitors can explore this tranquil village while appreciating its dedication to sustainability.

• Population: 2,135

There are no train stations in Giethoorn , and the closest station is located in Steenwijk, where travelers can get a bus or rent a bike.

Hallstatt, Austria

Travelers spending the weekend in Hallstatt , Austria, will discover more than a breathtaking Alpine scenery, but a place committed to sustainability.

This village has implemented various eco-friendly initiatives, such as restricting car access in the center during the daytime. It's a way to encourage cycling and promote renewable energy sources.

Additionally, Hallstatt emphasizes waste management and conservation of its pristine environment. Visitors can explore the village's stunning lakeside setting and charming architecture while appreciating its dedication to preserving natural beauty for generations to come.

• Population: 734

Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre is arguably Italy's most stunning coastal area . Despite its popularity and increasing number of tourists, the country created rules to mitigate the environmental impact. Initiatives focus on waste management, protecting the marine environment, and educating both residents and visitors about sustainable practices.

The use of cars is limited, with an efficient train system connecting the villages. Businesses focus on sustainability, promoting local products like wine producers , farmers, and fishermen.

• Population: 3,500

Sintra, Portugal

Sintra is a lovely town in Portugal where travelers can spend at least two days . It attracts visitors due to its colorful constructions and history heritage, as it's a UNESCO World Heritage site.

When visiting, many travelers might not be aware of Portugal's efforts to make it a sustainable destination, as it ranks among the world's 100 Green Destinations . The town promotes eco-friendly transportation and encourages visitors to explore on foot or via electric trams, and strict zoning laws prevent overdevelopment, ensuring the historic charm remains intact.

Local businesses emphasize regional products, reducing the carbon footprint. Efforts are made to manage waste effectively, and conservation programs protect the lush surrounding forests.

• Sustainable accommodations: Penha Longa , Rosegarden House

RELATED: 10 Countries In Europe Perfect For Sustainable Tourism

Gimmelwald, Switzerland

Gimmelwals is located 300 meters above sea level, and its small-scale tourism bolsters the local economy and fosters a sense of community. Tourism became possible by creating an efficient local train and cable car. Nestled in the Swiss Alps, the villages in this region are entirely car-free , which helps to preserve the clean mountain air.

Hiking trails lead through pristine landscapes, and traditional wooden chalets seamlessly blend with the scenery. Locally-owned accommodations and eateries prioritize regional fare, reducing food miles.

• Population: 130
• Sustainable accommodations: Pension Gimmelwald , Mountain Hostel Gimmelwald

Bled, Slovenia

Bled, Slovenia, has been committed to sustainable tourism for many years. It also ranks among the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations thanks to initiatives such as efficient public transportation, allowing travelers to leave their cars behind.

Some areas in the city have walking-only areas so people won't damage the site. The pristine Lake Bled is central to the community's commitment to conservation, with electric boats available, leaving no environmental footprint.

Bled's compact size encourages exploration on foot or by bike, minimizing reliance on motorized transportation. Additionally, efforts to preserve cultural heritage and support the local economy further contribute to its sustainable ethos.

• Sustainable accommodations: Hotel & Glamping RIBNO Bled

Jalapão, Brazil

Located in the heart of Brazil, Jalapão has been recently discovered by the tourism hub. This paradise is home to South America's largest savanna, waterfalls, vast fields of golden grass, dunes, and natural water springs where it's impossible to sink.

The best thing about Jalapão is that locals run tourism, including tourism agencies, hotels, and restaurants in local communities. The locals are committed to preserving the fragile ecosystem, and it's forbidden to use sunscreen when entering the natural water springs as it can affect the fish.

• Recommended agency: Jalapão Brasil

Portree, Scotland

Portree is a coastal town that thrives on renewable energy sources, harnessing wind and water power. Locals are also committed to sustainability and are familiar with eco-conscious practices, from recycling initiatives to community gardens.

Portree's compact layout encourages walking or cycling, reducing car needs. The town's rich Gaelic heritage is preserved through cultural events and initiatives.

Accommodations often prioritize energy efficiency and local sourcing. By harmonizing with its breathtaking natural surroundings, Portree showcases a model of sustainability for small communities worldwide.

• Sustainable accommodations: Skeabost Country House Hotel

Tasiilaq, Greenland

Tasiilaq, Greenland, is home to several Viking settlements , and it's a beacon of sustainable living in the Arctic. With a mere 2,000 residents, this remote town champions self-sufficiency. Energy is primarily sourced from renewable hydroelectric power, minimizing reliance on fossil fuels.

Locals engage in traditional hunting and fishing practices, respecting ecological balance. The Visit Greenland's website highlights the country has been recognized as an "Eco-tourism and Responsible Travel Destination."

• Sustainable accommodations: The Red House

RELATED: Eco-Tourism For Dummies: 10 Ways To Get Involved With Sustainable Missions While Traveling Abroad

Tahoma, California ( Vikingsholm)

Nestled in the picturesque town of Tahoma, Vikingsholm, located on the shores of Lake Tahoe, California, embraces the historic Scandinavian-style mansion and showcases early 20th-century architectural brilliance while prioritizing eco-conscious practices. Surrounded by the Emerald Bay State Park, it encourages responsible exploration and education on local flora and fauna. Visitors can access the site through emission-reducing shuttle services, minimizing individual carbon footprints. Vikingsholm serves as a testament to preserving natural beauty while offering a glimpse into the past.

They encourage visitors to take the Traveler Responsibility Pledge .

Now boarding: Faces, places, and trends shaping tourism in 2024

After falling by 75 percent in 2020, travel is on its way to a full recovery by the end of 2024. Domestic travel is expected to grow 3 percent annually and reach 19 billion lodging nights per year by 2030. 1 Unless otherwise noted, the source for all data and projections is Oxford Economics. Over the same time frame, international travel should likewise ramp up to its historical average of nine billion nights. Spending on travel is expected to follow a similar trajectory, with an estimated $8.6 trillion in traveler outlays in 2024, representing roughly 9 percent of this year’s global GDP.

About the authors

This article is a collaborative effort by Caroline Tufft , Margaux Constantin , Matteo Pacca , and Ryan Mann , with Ivan Gladstone and Jasperina de Vries, representing views from McKinsey’s Travel, Logistics & Infrastructure Practice.

There’s no doubt people still love to travel and will continue to seek new experiences in new places. But where will travelers come from, and where will they go? We developed a snapshot of current traveler flows, along with estimates for growth through 2030. For the purposes of this report, we have divided the world into four regions—the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa.

Our analysis identifies three major themes for industry stakeholders to consider:

• The bulk of travel spending is close to home. Stakeholders should ensure they capture the full potential of domestic travel before shifting their focus to international travelers. And they should start with international travelers who visit nearby countries—as intraregional trips represent the largest travel segment after domestic trips.
• Source markets are shifting. Although established source markets continue to anchor global travel, Eastern Europe, India, and Southeast Asia are all becoming fast-growing sources of outbound tourism.
• The destinations of the future may not be the ones you imagine. Alongside enduring favorites, places that weren’t on many tourists’ maps are finding clever ways to lure international travelers and establish themselves as desirable destinations.

The bulk of travel spending is close to home

International travel might feel more glamorous, but tourism players should not forget that domestic travel still represents the bulk of the market, accounting for 75 percent of global travel spending (Exhibit 1). Domestic travel recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic faster than international travel, as is typical coming out of downturns. And although there has been a recent boom in “revenge travel,” with travelers prioritizing international trips that were delayed by the pandemic, a return to prepandemic norms, in which domestic travel represents 70 percent of spending, is expected by 2030.

The United States is the world’s largest domestic travel market at $1 trillion in annual spending. Sixty-eight percent of all trips that start in the United States remain within its borders. Domestic demand has softened slightly, as American travelers return abroad. 2 Dawit Habtemariam, “Domestic U.S. tourism growth levels off as Americans head overseas,” Skift, August 18, 2023. But tourism players with the right offerings are still thriving: five national parks broke attendance records in 2023 (including Joshua Tree National Park, which capitalized on growing interest from stargazers indulging in “dark sky” tourism 3 Scott McConkey, “5 national parks set attendance records in 2023, and the reasons may surprise you,” Wealth of Geeks, April 16, 2024. ).

China’s $744 billion domestic travel market is currently the world’s second largest. Chinese travelers spent the pandemic learning to appreciate the diversity of experiences on offer within their own country. Even as borders open back up, Chinese travelers are staying close to home. And domestic destinations are benefiting: for example, Changchun (home to the Changchun Ice and Snow Festival) realized 160 percent year-on-year growth in visitors in 2023. 4 Shi Xiaoji, “Why don’t Chinese people like to travel abroad anymore? The global tourism industry has lost 900 billion yuan. What is the situation?,” NetEase, February 12, 2024. In 2024, domestic travel during Lunar New Year exceeded prepandemic levels by 19 percent.

China’s domestic travel market is expected to grow 12 percent annually and overtake the United States’ to become the world’s largest by 2030. Hotel construction reflects this expectation: 30 percent of the global hotel construction pipeline is currently concentrated in China. The pipeline is heavily skewed toward luxury properties, with more than twice as many luxury hotels under construction in China as in the United States.

India, currently the world’s sixth-largest domestic travel market by spending, is another thriving area for domestic travel. With the subcontinent’s growing middle class powering travel spending growth of roughly 9 percent per year, India’s domestic market could overtake Japan’s and Mexico’s to become the world’s fourth largest by 2030. Domestic air passenger traffic in India is projected to double by 2030, 5 Murali Krishnan, “Can India’s airports cope with rapid passenger growth?,” Deutsche Welle, February 7, 2024. boosted in part by a state-subsidized initiative that aims to connect underserved domestic airports. 6 “India is seeing a massive aviation boom,” Economist , November 23, 2023.

When travelers do go abroad, they often stay close to home (Exhibit 2).

Europe and Asia, in particular, demonstrate strong and growing intraregional travel markets.

Recognizing this general trend, stakeholders have been funneling investment toward regional tourism destinations. An Emirati wealth fund, for instance, has announced its intent to invest roughly $35 billion into established hospitality properties and development opportunities in Egypt. 7 Michael Gunn and Mirette Magdy, “UAE’s $35 billion Egypt deal marks Gulf powers’ buying spree,” Bloomberg, April 27, 2024.

Europe has long played host to a high share of intraregional travel. Seventy percent of its travelers’ international trips stay within the region. Europe’s most popular destinations for intraregional travelers are perennial warm-weather favorites—Spain (18 percent), Italy (10 percent), and France (8 percent)—with limited change to these preferences expected between now and 2030.

Despite longer travel distances between Asian countries, Asia’s intraregional travel market is beginning to resemble Europe’s. Intraregional travel currently accounts for about 60 percent of international trips in Asia—a share expected to climb to 64 percent by 2030. As in Europe in past decades, Asian intraregional travel is benefiting from diminishing visa barriers and the development of a low-cost, regional flight network.

Thailand is projected to enjoy continued, growing popularity with Asian travelers. Thailand waived visa requirements for Chinese tourists in 2023 and plans to do the same for Indian tourists starting in 2024. It has aggressively targeted the fast-growing Indian traveler segment, launching more than 50 marketing campaigns directed at Indians over the past decade. The investment may be paying off: Bangkok recently overtook Dubai as the most popular city destination for Indian tourists. 8 “Bangkok overtakes Dubai as top destination for Indians post visa relaxation, reveals Agoda,” PR Newswire, January 18, 2024.

A McKinsey ConsumerWise survey on consumer sentiment, conducted in February 2024, suggests that Chinese travelers are also exhibiting high interest in international travel, with 36 percent of survey respondents indicating that they intend to spend more on international travel in the next three months. 9 Daniel Zipser, “ China brief: Consumers are spending again (outside of China) ,” McKinsey, April 8, 2024. Much of this interest is directed toward regional destinations such as Southeast Asia and Japan, with interest in travel to Europe down from previous years. 10 Guang Chen, Zi Chen, Steve Saxon, and Jackey Yu, “ Outlook for China tourism 2023: Light at the end of the tunnel ,” McKinsey, May 9, 2023.

Given travelers’ preference for proximity, how can tourism stakeholders further capitalize on domestic and intraregional travel demand? Here are a few strategies:

• Craft offerings that encourage domestic tourists to rediscover local gems. Destinations, hotels, and transportation providers can encourage domestic tourists to integrate lesser-known cultural landmarks into their trips to visit friends and relatives. In France, the upscale hotel chain Relais & Châteaux markets historic properties that lie far from classic tourist sights—such as Château Saint-Jean in rural Auvergne—as a welcome escape from the bustle of Paris. In Mexico, the Pueblos Mágicos program has successfully boosted domestic tourist visits to a set of “magical towns” that showcase Mexican heritage.
• Fold one-off domestic destinations into fuller itineraries. Route 66 in the United States is a classic road trip pathway, which spurs visits to attractions all along the highway’s length. Tourism stakeholders can collaborate to create similar types of domestic itineraries around the world. For instance, Mexico has expanded on its Pueblos Mágicos concept by branding coordinated visits to multiple villages as “magical routes.” In France, local tourism boards and vineyards have collaborated to promote bucket list “wine routes” around the country.
• Make crossing borders into neighboring countries seamless. Removing logistical barriers to travel can nudge tourists to upgrade a one-off trip to a single attraction into a bucket list journey across multiple, less-trodden destinations. In Africa, for example, Ethiopian Airlines is facilitating cross-border travel to major regional tourist sites through improved air connectivity. In Asia, Thailand has announced its intent to create a joint visa easing travel among Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Source markets are shifting

The United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, and France remain the world’s five largest sources of travelers, in that order. These countries collectively accounted for 38 percent of international travel spending in 2023 and are expected to remain the top five source markets through 2030. But interest in travel is blossoming in other parts of the world—causing a shift in the balance of outbound travel flows (Exhibit 3).

North Americans’ travel spending is projected to hold steady at roughly 3 percent annual growth. US consumers voice growing concerns about inflation, and the most cost-constrained traveler segments are reducing travel, which is affecting ultra-low-cost airlines and budget hotels. Most travelers, however, plan to continue traveling: McKinsey research suggests that American consumers rank international and domestic travel as their highest-priority areas for discretionary spending. Instead of canceling their trips, these consumers are adapting their behavior by traveling during off-peak periods or booking travel further in advance. Travel spending by Europeans paints a slightly rosier picture, with roughly 5 percent projected annual growth. Meanwhile, the projected 12 percent annual growth in Chinese travelers’ spending should anchor substantial increases in travel spending across Northeast Asia.

Alongside these enduring traveler segments, new groups of travelers are emerging. Eastern Europe, India, and Southeast Asia are still comparatively small source markets, but they are developing fast-growing pools of first-time tourists (Exhibit 4).

India’s breakneck GDP growth of 6 percent year over year is bolstering a new generation of travelers, 11 Benjamin Laker, “India will grow to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027,” Forbes , February 23, 2024. resulting in a projected annual growth in travel spending of 9 percent between now and 2030. Indian air carriers and lodging companies are making substantial investments to meet projected demand. Budget airline IndiGo placed the largest aircraft order in commercial aviation history in 2023, when it pledged to buy 500 Airbus A320 planes 12 Anna Cooban, “Biggest plane deal in history: Airbus clinches massive order from India’s IndiGo,” CNN, June 19, 2023. ; that same week, Air India nearly equaled IndiGo’s order size with purchase agreements for 250 Airbus and 220 Boeing jets. IndiGo later added an order for 30 additional Airbus A350 planes, well suited to serving both domestic and international routes. 13 “Airbus confirms IndiGo's A350 aircraft order,” Economic Times , May 6, 2024. The Indian Hotels Company Limited is ramping up its hotel pipeline, aiming to open two new hotels per month in the near future. International players are not sitting on the sidelines: seven hotel chains are launching new brands in India in 2024, 14 Peden Doma Bhutia, “Indian Hotels expansion plans: 2 new brands launching, 2 hotels opening every month,” Skift, February 2, 2024. including Marriott’s first Moxy- and Tribute-branded hotels in India and entrants from Hilton’s Curio and Tapestry brands. 15 Forum Gandhi, “Check-in frenzy: International hotel giants unleash fresh brands in India’s booming hospitality landscape,” Hindu Businessline , February 13, 2024. Development focus has shifted away from major metropolises such as Mumbai and Delhi and toward fast-developing, smaller cities such as Chandigarh and Hyderabad.

Southeast Asian travel spending is projected to grow at roughly 7 percent per year. Pockets of particularly high growth exist in Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. To capitalize on this blossoming source market, neighboring countries are rolling out attractive visa arrangements: for example, China has agreed to reciprocal visa waivers for short-term travelers from Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. 16 Julienna Law, “China launches ‘visa-free era’ with Southeast Asia. Will travel retail boom?,” Jing Daily , January 30, 2024.

Travel spending by Eastern Europeans is expected to grow at 7 percent per year until 2030—two percentage points higher than spending by Western Europeans. Areas of especially high growth include the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland, where middle-class travelers are increasingly venturing farther afield. Major tourism players, including the TUI Group, have tapped into these new source markets by offering charter flights to warm-weather destinations such as Egypt. 17 Hildbrandt von Klaus, “TUI develops Czech Republic as a new source market,” FVW, December 22, 2023.

Although the number of travelers from these new source markets is growing, their purchasing power remains relatively limited. Compared with Western European travelers (who average $159 per night in total travel spending), South Asians spend 20 percent less, Eastern Europeans spend 40 percent less, and Southeast Asians spend 55 percent less. Only 3 percent of the current Asian hotel construction pipeline caters to economy travelers, suggesting a potential supply gap of rooms that could appeal to budget-constrained tourists.

While acknowledging that historical source markets will continue to constitute the bulk of travel spending, tourism players can consider actions such as these to capitalize on growing travel demand from newer markets:

• Reduce obstacles to travel. Countries can look for ways to strategically invest in simplifying travel for visitors from growing source markets. In 2017, for example, Azerbaijan introduced express processing of electronic visas for Indian visitors; annual arrivals from India increased fivefold in two years. Requirements regarding passport photocopies or in-person check-ins can similarly be assessed with an eye toward reducing red tape for travelers.
• Use culturally relevant marketing channels to reach new demographics. Unique, thoughtful marketing strategies can help destinations place themselves on first-time travelers’ bucket lists. For example, after the release of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara , a popular Bollywood movie shot in Spain with support from the Spanish Ministry of Tourism, Indian tourism to Spain increased by 65 percent. 18 “ Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara part of syllabus in Spain colleges,” India Today , June 6, 2004.
• Give new travelers the tech they expect. Travelers from newer source markets often have access to tech-forward travel offerings. For example, Indian travelers can travel anywhere within their country without physical identification, thanks to the Digi Yatra app. The Southeast Asian rideshare app Grab has several helpful travel features that competitors lack, such as automated menu translation and currency conversion. Tourism stakeholders should consider how to adapt to the tech expectations of newer travelers, integrating relevant offerings that ease journeys.
• Create vibrant experiences tailored to different price points. Crafting lower-budget offerings for more cost-constrained travelers doesn’t need to result in giving them a subpar experience. Capsule hotels, in which guests sleep in small cubbies, began as a response to the high cost of accommodations in Japan, but they have become an attraction in their own right—appearing on many must-do lists. 19 Philip Tang, “24 of the best experiences in Japan,” Lonely Planet, March 23, 2024.

The places you’ll go: The destinations of the future may not be the ones you imagine

The world’s top ten destination countries (the United States, Spain, China, France, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Italy, Thailand, Japan, and India, in that order) currently receive 45 percent of all travel spending, including for domestic travel. But some new locales are gaining traction (Exhibit 5).

A significant number of travelers are expanding their horizons, booking journeys to less visited countries that are near to old standbys. For instance, Laos and Malaysia, which both border Thailand—an established destination that is home to Bangkok, the world’s most visited city 20 Katherine LaGrave, “This is the world’s most visited city,” AFAR , January 31, 2024. —are up a respective 20 percent and 17 percent, respectively, in year-over-year international travel spending.

The world’s top ten destination countries currently receive 45 percent of all travel spending, including domestic-travel spending. But some new locales are gaining traction.

Several other countries that have crafted thoughtful tourism demand generation strategies—such as Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda, and Vietnam—are also expected to reap benefits in the coming years. Vietnam logged a remarkable 40 percent increase in tourism spending in the five years before the pandemic. Postpandemic, it has rebounded in part by waiving visa requirements for European travelers (while indicating intent to offer similar exemptions in the future for Chinese and Indian travelers). 21 Ashvita Singh, “Vietnam looks to offer visa-free entry to Indians: India report,” Skift, November 20, 2023. The Philippines has made a concerted effort to shift its sun-and-beach branding toward a more well-rounded image, replacing its long-standing “It’s more fun in the Philippines” tourism slogan with “Love the Philippines.” Peru is highlighting less visited archeological sites while also marketing itself as a top-notch culinary destination through the promotion of Peruvian restaurants abroad. Rwanda is investing in infrastructure to become a major African transit hub, facilitated by Qatar Airways’ purchase of a 60 percent stake in the country’s major airport. 22 Dylan Cresswell, “Rwanda plots ambitious tourism recovery,” African Business , July 28, 2022. Rwanda has also successfully capitalized on sustainable tourism: by charging $1,500 per gorilla trekking permit, for instance, it has maximized revenue while reducing environmental impact.

Tourism players might consider taking some of these actions to lure tourists to less familiar destinations:

• Collaborate across the tourism ecosystem. Promotion is not solely the domain of destination marketing organizations. Accommodation, transportation, and experience providers can also play important roles. In Singapore, for instance, the luxury resort Marina Bay Sands partners extensively with Singapore Airlines and the Singapore Tourism Board to offer compelling tourism offerings. Past collaborations have included flight and stay packages built around culinary festivals. 23 “Singapore Tourism Board, Marina Bay Sands & UOB partner to enliven Marina Bay precinct,” Singapore Tourism Board news release, January 25, 2024.
• Use infrastructure linkage to promote new destinations. By extending route options, transportation providers can encourage visitors to create itineraries that combine familiar destinations with new attractions. In Asia, Thailand’s tourism authority has attempted to nudge visitors away from the most heavily trafficked parts of the country, such as Bangkok and Phuket, and toward less popular destinations.
• Deploy social media to reach different demographics. Innovative social media campaigns can help put a destination on the map. Australia launched its “Ruby the kangaroo” campaign in China to coincide with the return of postpandemic air capacity between the two places. A video adapted for Chinese context (with appropriate gestures and a hashtag in Mandarin) garnered more than 20 million views in a single day on one of China’s largest social media platforms. 24 Nicole Gong, “Can Ruby the kangaroo bring Chinese tourists hopping back to Australia?,” SBS, June 5, 2023.
• Embrace unknown status. “Off the beaten path” messaging can appeal to widely traveled tourists seeking fresh experiences. Saudi Arabia’s “#WhereInTheWorld” campaign promoted the country’s tourist spots by acknowledging that they are less familiar to travelers, using a series of images that compared these spots with better-known destinations.

As tourism stakeholders look to the future, they can take steps to ensure that they continue to delight existing travelers while also embracing new ones. Domestic and intraregional tourism remain major opportunities—catering to local tourists’ preferences while building infrastructure that makes travel more seamless within a region could help capture them. Creative collaboration among tourism stakeholders can help put lesser-known destinations on the map. Travel tides are shifting. Expertly navigating these currents could yield rich rewards.

Caroline Tufft is a senior partner in McKinsey’s London office, Margaux Constantin is a partner in the Dubai office, Matteo Pacca is a senior partner in the Paris office, Ryan Mann is a partner in the Chicago office, Ivan Gladstone is an associate partner in the Riyadh office, and Jasperina de Vries is an associate partner in the Amsterdam office.

The authors wish to thank Abdulhadi Alghamdi, Alessandra Powell, Alex Dichter, Cedric Tsai, Diane Vu, Elisa Wallwitz, Lily Miller, Maggie Coffey, Nadya Snezhkova, Nick Meronyk, Paulina Baum, Peimin Suo, Rebecca Stone, Sarah Fellay, Sarah Sahel, Steffen Fuchs, Steffen Köpke, Steve Saxon, Sophia Wang, and Urs Binggeli for their contributions to this article.

This article was edited by Seth Stevenson, a senior editor in the New York office.

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New Land Purchase Gives Wills Mountain State Park a Path for Public Access

Environmental cleanup and ecological survey will take time, but officials look forward to opening the long-inaccessible park

The view from Wills Mountain State Park. Photo by Joe Zimmermann/Maryland DNR

Just past the stone ruins of an old hotel, Maryland Park Service Ranger Cliff Puffenberger came to a clearing.

The edge of an outcrop revealed green mountains that filled the horizon and birds of prey that swept over rocky cliff faces. The expansive view, which stretched from Pennsylvania to West Virginia, overlooked the nearby city of Cumberland and the roads and rail lines that made it a hub of transportation in western Maryland.

“This is a magical place, it really is,” Puffenberger, manager of the nearby Rocky Gap State Park, said.

The lookout is part of Wills Mountain State Park, a scenic stretch of land in Allegany County that’s been officially inaccessible to the public for decades. But a new property acquisition by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will open the way for public access.

In March, the department purchased the former Artmor Plastics Corporation property, which spans 48.53 acres, for $250,000. The area, which is adjacent to the previously acquired park property, includes a private road up the mountain that will enable the state to open Wills Mountain State Park to the public. 

Though this is a critical first step, department officials said the park will still take some time to officially open as staff improves access to the site and gathers ecological and historical information about the park land.

Many look forward to the long-awaited opening, which represents a chance to preserve an ecologically rich area while offering recreational and economic opportunities to the community.

“Wills Mountain creates greater opportunities for diversifying our outdoor recreation in Allegany County,” said Ashli Workman, director of tourism for Allegany County. “This is really important for our destination, as this supports economic and community development. It means more people coming here, spending money, investing in, and exploring western Maryland.”

A historic linen postcard illustrates the view of the Lover’s Leap area of Wills Mountain, which overlooks a valley known as “the Narrows.”

Wills Mountain officially became a state park in 1998, when the Maryland Department of Natural Resources purchased the bulk of the current park property—about 305 of the current 520 acres. However, with the land located almost entirely on the ridge of the mountain and surrounded by private property on all sides, there was no way at that time to open the park to the public. In the years since, the department has added additional properties to the park and sought out areas that could allow for access.

Named after the possibly mythic 18th century stories of a Native American man named Will, the site has been at various points a center of activity that has since fallen into disuse.

It was once the site of a stately hotel, the Wills Mountain Inn, which boasted a grand ballroom and 46 bedrooms. Visitors drove their Model As up the steep mountain road backwards to prevent the gravity-fed engines from stalling out. The inn later became a sanitorium, which burned down in 1930.

The other prominent plot on the mountain was a textile factory during World War II and briefly a mountaintop nightclub—the Taberna Monteum—before Cumberland businessman Art Morgan bought the land and opened his Artmor Plastics factory in 1966.

Vacant since 2013, the Artmor Plastics building is now an imposing, abandoned structure, covered in vines and graffiti. Black vultures and turkey vultures perch together on the exposed roof, part of which collapsed after a 2015 fire.

“The cleanup of Artmor is going to be a significant process,” Sarah Milbourne, western region manager of the Maryland Park Service, said. “We need to make sure the buildings are removed in an environmentally safe way and then address lingering contamination.”

Vultures roost on the roof of the Artmor Plastics factory building, which once produced bowls, textiles, and other materials. Maryland Department of the Environment staff found presence of hazardous chemicals at the site after a 2015 fire. Photo by Joe Zimmermann

During the property acquisition process, an environmental assessment revealed evidence of hazardous materials left from previous industrial use of the site, said LeeAnne Chandler, chief of planning for Maryland Park Service.

The Maryland Department of the Environment has accepted the Artmor land into its Voluntary Cleanup Program, a program established to encourage the cleanup and redevelopment of properties with known hazardous substance contamination, Chandler said.

The next step will be for the Department of Natural Resources to prepare and submit a “response action plan” to the Department of the Environment, she said. Once that plan is approved, DNR can move forward with road construction, building demolition, and site remediation. 

“Our hope is to eventually build a parking lot for park visitors in the vicinity of the old factory,” Chandler said.

Safety concerns related to the Artmor facility are part of the reasons why the Park Service has been increasing signage around the area letting people know that Wills Mountain State Park is closed and not to use the area, Puffenberger said. Wills Mountain currently falls under the management of Rocky Gap State Park. Maryland Natural Resources Police officers are also enforcing the closure by issuing warnings and citations.

Many visitors and residents have accessed the park over the years even though it’s closed, likely parking offsite and walking past the locked gate, he said. People hike the trails, and it’s a prominent place for outdoor rock climbing as well as bird watching.

The other reason the Department of Natural Resources is ramping up trespassing enforcement is that department staff have started an ecological review of the park in anticipation of its opening, officials said.

“Wills Mountain is a unique habitat in Maryland and it’s home to a number of rare and endangered species,” said Katharine McCarthy, a DNR ecologist and habitat conservation manager. “We have this important opportunity to document these species now before the park opens, so we know how we can protect them and access the space responsibly. Our surveys this spring have already revealed a rare plant, racemed milkwort, that was not previously known from the park.”

An ecological review is standard before the opening of a state park, she said, and requires that people not use the area so biologists can study how undisturbed animals and plants are living within the park’s boundaries. Because of the uniqueness of the site, the review will likely  take at least one year to complete, after which the department’s biologists will issue a report and recommendations to the Park Service.

The Tuscarora sandstone and poor, dry soils support a barrens habitat at Wills Mountain, McCarthy said. The park supports a wide range of mammals, including black bears, fishers, Allegheny woodrats, Appalachian cottontail, and bobcats. A number of rare plants are also found in the park, from wild bleeding heart to umbrella sedge.

A trail camera catches a coyote and bobcat sharing a moment at Wills Mountain. Porcupines, bears, fishers, and other animals have made use of the area. Maryland DNR photo

Bald eagles investigate carrion at the park, which hosts many raptors as well as migrating birds. Maryland DNR photo

Megan Zagorski, the department’s western region ecologist, said acoustic recordings at the park have documented northern long-eared bat, eastern small-footed bat, tricolored bat, and either little brown bat or Indiana bat, which are difficult to distinguish by sound. Two of these bat species are federally endangered and others are state endangered or rare.

The cliff faces and rocky talus areas are beneficial habitats that may allow bats to survive the devastating white-nose syndrome, by giving them more space to spread out than they have when hibernating in caves and providing microclimates that may be less suitable to fungal growth, Zagorski said.

The cliffs are also one of only two known natural rock nesting sites in Maryland for peregrine falcons. Though the falcons will raise young on buildings and artificial edifices, this natural nesting is an important development for the species that bounced back from a steep decline caused by past use of the pesticide DDT, which was banned in 1972, Zagorski said.

The outdoor climbing in the area is of particular concern to biologists. The state has a mandate to protect these birds, which are a species of concern in Maryland, and Milbourne said department staff want to determine how rock climbing can continue without disturbing the peregrine falcons or other legally protected species before opening the area to climbing.

Striking that balance between human recreation activities and sustainable animal habitat is going to be a priority throughout the park, Milbourne said. The remoteness of the park is part of what has allowed species to thrive there, and she said the Department of Natural Resources wants to be careful in continuing to provide these species places to thrive when the park opens to the public.

Chandler, who worked on the 2022 opening of Bohemia River State Park, said site remediation and ecological review are standard procedures for opening a new park.

Though members of the climbing community and others have expressed frustration with the park closure, Chandler said taking time before parks open is a necessary part of the process. She pointed to Wolf Den Run State Park , the only Maryland state park to allow off-road vehicles, as an example of a park that took time to open but ultimately benefited both the recreational community and the ecology of the area.

“In the long run, it’s a much better experience, and we were able to build sustainable trail systems and ensure that inviting people out to the site is not going to create significant environmental harm,” she said.

A historic photo shows the Wills Mountain Inn atop the cliff. The stone foundation of the building still stands.

Part of building a new park will also involve bringing in the history of the area and the community. Kara Rogers Thomas, a sociology professor at Frostburg State University, teaches a class on Experiencing Appalachia, where students have conducted research projects on different parts of Wills Mountain. They then hand off their work to the Park Service.

“The students are really excited to be part of the work in being involved at this early stage of a new state park,” she said. “It’s also great to honor the rich history of Cumberland and Wills Mountain and keep that history at the forefront of the park.”

By Joe Zimmermann, science writer with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

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Why travel companies are guaranteeing the weather

Weather guarantees incentivize travelers to book trips without worrying about rain, heat or a northern lights no-show.

Travelers can control nearly every detail for their trip: where to stay, when to eat, what to see and how to get around. Weather, on the other hand, just does its own thing.

To convince vacationers who may be too afraid of a washout to book a trip, travel companies are sweetening the deal. Rain ruined your golf game? Get a refund. Northern lights a no-show on your cruise? Sign up for another — free. Subpar snow on the slope? Trade in your lift ticket for another day.

Such promises aren’t ubiquitous, and they often come with fine print or at additional expense. But as climate change leads to an increase in extreme weather events, more travel industry players are trying to ease the blow of a rainy spell, scorching afternoon or even disappointing lack of natural phenomena.

“The experience matters so much more than the money to people,” said Nick Cavanaugh, founder and CEO of Sensible Weather , which pays travelers if the forecast meets certain conditions. “For many trips, the weather is the make-or-break for the experience.”

Weather guarantees are different from traditional travel insurance policies, which typically covers costs if a vacation has to be canceled or cut short because of a covered emergency such as illness, injury or natural disaster, said Jenna Hummer, spokeswoman for the travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth. Insurance policies can cost roughly 5 to 10 percent of the cost of a trip.

“That would be super frustrating if you spend X amount of money and go on a beach vacation and it rains the entire time,” she said. “Unfortunately, travel insurance does not cover loss of enjoyment.”

Guarantees for northern lights, powdery snow

Individual hotels, ski resorts, destinations, cruise lines and others have all offered their own twists on weather guarantees.

In 2019, the Italian island of Elba promised a free overnight stay (which is no longer in place) on days when it rained for more than two hours during peak activity times.

The InterContinental Singapore advertises a Rain Resist Bliss package for certain suites, good through the end of the year, that gives a one-night rebate if plans are disrupted by rain. Many ski resorts allow visitors to get a rain check on lift tickets if the snow doesn’t meet expectations.

SeaWorld offers a “Weather-or-Not Assurance” for its marine-themed parks and other brands that guests can return free within a year if extreme weather, including heat, puts a serious dent in their plans.

Holland America Line dangles a “glacier guarantee” for Alaska cruises, promising a credit for a future cruise equal to 15 percent of their fare if a voyage unexpectedly skips a glacier visit. At least two other cruise lines, Norway-based Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages , make a “Northern Lights Promise” for a free cruise if no aurora occurs during a sailing at certain times of year.

“The northern lights is a bucket-list [event] for so many travelers,” said Anders Lindström, spokesman for Hurtigruten, which has offered its promise for nearly a decade. “We know people book with us for the northern lights.”

He said chances are high for viewing the phenomena in Arctic Norway between October and March; travelers “almost never” have to take the cruise line up on its free-cruise offer — and if they did, they would still have to pay for flights to get to the ship. Still, Lindstrom says the guarantee helps guests have confidence to book in the first place.

“We’re not in charge of the weather,” he said. “I wish we were.”

Bad forecast = money back

Sensible Weather, which started offering weather promises in 2021, has sold more than 100,000 guarantees covering rain since then. The company partners with 3,500 businesses including campsites, tour operators, hotels, golf courses, attractions and others; those businesses allow customers to buy a “Weather Guarantee” as part of the checkout process. Sensible Weather mostly covers rain and, at ski resort partners, too much snow, but it started offering heat protection earlier this year. Cavanaugh said he is also interested in potentially adding air quality, following last year’s inundation of wildfire smoke.

The cost to insure against bad conditions is generally 5 to 10 percent of what a traveler is spending, Cavanaugh said. The parameters — for example, how many hours the rain forecast needs to be to get reimbursement — are set when the purchase is made. If the forecast meets that requirement, customers automatically get reimbursed, even if they move forward with their plans in the rain. The thresholds and prices vary according to the risk, and of course the weather could be good, which means no money would get returned.

“You can still go jet-skiing in the rain,” Cavanaugh said. “You cannot go jet-skiing in the rain and take the money we give you and go get a massage.”

The company provided some examples of how the coverage works: a couple who paid $12.78 to protect their $115 cost to camp for a June night in Tennessee was guaranteed a 100 percent payout if it rained for at least three hours. They got that $115 back after the rain lasted four hours.

In Utah, the cost was $3 to protect a one-night, $122 hotel stay in August with the promise that one hour of rain would result in reimbursement. The customer got $122 back after rain fell for an hour.

Because payments are made based on forecasts, people get their money back even if predicted weather doesn’t show.

“It’s a win-win,” Cavanaugh said. “We’re trying to get people money as soon as possible, ideally before the bad thing happens, to sort of maximize the probability that you have a good day.”

A newer company, WeatherPromise , also promises guarantees against rain for a price.

Campspot , a site that lets travelers book camping and RV sites, partnered with Sensible Weather last year after customer research revealed unpredictable weather “was the most stressful part” about booking a trip and camping, said Jeff Bettin, vice president of commercial strategy and performance.

He said the company found that customers were more likely to book after the guarantee was introduced.

“We think it’s potentially providing more confidence to get over that mental hurdle: ‘Oh, what if it rains?’" he said. “Now you have some peace of mind.”

Policies cover comfort

Collective Hill Country , a glamping site in Texas, is the first partner to offer guests the heat option as the outdoor hospitality company seeks to extend the dates it operates in the summer. Chief hospitality officer Vanessa Vitale Hughes said that the property already offers air conditioning, running water, showers, steel pools and foods appropriate for warm weather.

“I think that we’ve done a very good job of ensuring comfort in all types of conditions,” she said. “And I think it also depends a little bit on the guest — which is why any type of weather guarantee is an extra layer of protection for those who need it.”

The company has offered the rain protection at its property in New York City as “kind of an extra raincoat, if you will,” Hughes said, and got good feedback.

She said that in Texas, if the weather reaches temperatures set by the policy, guests will still be able to take part in whatever activities they’re comfortable doing — they'll just get money back for the day.

Carolin Lusby, an associate professor at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University and co-director of the Global Sustainable Tourism program there, said there are some travelers who would be most likely to opt to purchase weather promises. Potential customers include families and those who are risk-averse, big spenders who have more to lose from a disruption.

Lusby, who is organizing a conference about sustainability and climate change, said she expects the warming earth to continue to affect travelers in meaningful ways.

“It’s changing weather patterns," she said. “It’s something that’s going to impact us for sure.”

More travel news

How we travel now: More people are taking booze-free trips — and airlines and hotels are taking note. Some couples are ditching the traditional honeymoon for a “buddymoon” with their pals. Interested? Here are the best tools for making a group trip work.

Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .