examples of sustainable tourism activities

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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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
• community-based tourism
• conservation
• Cultural Heritage
• Eco-friendly travel
• ethical tourism
• Local Communities
• Responsible Tourism

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10 Rewarding Ecotourism Activities to Do Around the World

Posted by Francesca Brooking | Sustainable Travel , Travel | 6

From planting trees to ethical safaris check out this list of 10 ecotourism activities that protect the environment, provide economic benefits to local communities and guarantee an unforgettable trip.

As we become increasingly aware of our environmental footprint, more people are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the planet – including how they travel. 

With it, there’s a growing appreciation for the natural world and interest in authentic, meaningful, immersive experiences. As a result, ecotourism is on the rise and becoming one of the fastest-growing sectors in tourism. 

But what exactly IS ecotourism and how can it be put into practice? Ecotourism is defined as:

‘Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the wellbeing of local people and involves interpretation and education.’ International Ecotourism Society, 2015

Ecotourism is all about using tourism to protect the natural environment, empower local communities and educate travellers. It’s primarily a hands-on and nature-based form of travel. 

Ecotourism activities can look like cycling, hiking, small-group wildlife tours, kayaking and tree planting , alongside low-impact ways to get out in nature and give back to local communities.

The easiest way to build this responsible form of travel into your itinerary is to take part in ecotourism activities. Some are specific to a destination, and others you can do anywhere once you know what to look for!

If you’re looking for adventure and ways to minimise your carbon footprint, read on to discover 10 eco-friendly nature tourism activities.

Each one of these environmentally conscious trips gives back to the planet and guarantees a spectacular holiday. 

Editor’s tip: In my detailed guide , you can read more about the benefits of ecotourism, sustainable tourism, ecotourism examples, and how to be an eco-friendly traveller.

10 Amazing ecotourism activities to do around the world

Don’t have time to read the whole post? Check out the video below for a quick summary of the 10 types of ecotourism activities you can do.

Read on to discover 10 of the best nature-based things you can do that protect the environment and give back to the local community while you’re at. 

I’ve also included top ecotourism destinations around the world you can do these rewarding activities!

1. Do a small-group eco-tour 

Small-group tours are a fantastic way to see the world, particularly if you’re looking for nature, ecotourism and adventure. 

One such tour operator is G Adventures. They offer a range of wildlife experiences called The Jane Goodall Collection , and they’ve all been endorsed by the renowned ethologist herself. 

Each tour has been carefully designed to be ethical and immersive to help travellers see some of the world’s most incredible wildlife responsibly. 

Working in partnership with The Jane Goodall Institute, G Adventures ensures that all tours uphold their Animal Welfare Policy so that all wildlife is protected and respected.

Popular ecotourism holidays include a culture & wildlife experience in Uganda and Rwanda which features the famous mountain gorillas. 

Others include island-hopping in the Galápagos and polar bear spotting in Norway. 

Wildlife-focused travel is always exciting, but sadly not all experiences are ethical.

Going on a tour with a responsible travel company like G Adventures allows you to see some of the most incredible creatures in the natural world as ethically and safely as possible.

These ecotourism tours raise awareness of their subjects and the threats to their habitats. They also empower local communities through employment opportunities which is exactly what eco-friendly travel is about. 

2. Go hiking or trekking 

Some of the best ecotourism activities you can do are hiking and trekking. It’s just you and nature, passing by local communities along the way. 

Depending on your experience level, you can go as beginner-friendly or advanced as you like. Do local one-day hikes or go on multi-day excursions exploring deserts, jungles and mountains! 

The great thing about hiking holidays is that you can do them almost anywhere and get the same level of enjoyment. You don’t need to fly halfway around the world when there is nature to be explored close by.

United Kingdom

Since I’m based in the UK, I would be remiss not to mention some beautiful multi-day walking holidays I have at home. These include but are not limited to:

• Cotswold Way, a 102-mile footpath from Chipping Campden to Bath
• South West Coast Path, running 630 miles from Minehead to Poole Harbour
• Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a 186-mile trail from Amroth to St Dogmael’s
• The West Highland Way, a 96-mile trail from Milngavie to Fort William
• Causeway Coast Way, a 33-mile route from Belfast to Derry Londonderry

For hiking in Europe, consider Los Picos de Europa, a biosphere reserve and mountain range in Northern Spain. One of Europe’s biggest national parks, it’s home to a stunning mountain range of the same name. 

You can take in the scenery on a series of short well-marked hiking circuits, two long-distance hiking trails and four high mountain hikes. 

One of the best places in the world for jungle trekking is the tropical rainforests of Borneo. From orangutans to elephants, this nature lover’s dream is teeming with wildlife. It’s also been around since the dinosaurs. 

I highly recommend you go with an ethical tour so you can safely trek in this unspoilt landscape. 

If you want to do some of the most beautiful hikes in the world with a guide, Much Better Adventures has an extensive collection of trips for every level.

Editor’s tip: Whether hiking, trekking or taking part in any outdoor activity, always stick to the principles of ‘Leave No Trace’ and leave nature exactly as you found it. 

Read Next: Incredible One-Day Walking Trails in the UK

3. Do a cycling holiday

Cycling holidays are becoming an increasingly popular ecotourism activity, and it’s easy to see why. It’s exercise and a good dose of the great outdoors all in one. 

There’s also a certain level of freedom in strapping your bag to your bike and cycling off that you don’t get with driving. Perhaps because you can go places, cars can’t like mountain trails or off-road routes!

It’s more eco-friendly, too (my eco-packing list will make the trip even greener).

Portugal is growing in popularity with cyclists. Most roads are well-kept, and the sunny maritime climate all year round makes it perfect for cycling. 

There’s also a diverse range of landscapes to explore. One of them is the 200km long Ecovia do Litoral cycling trail which takes you all along the Algarve coast to the Spanish border. 

You have rugged, sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, with opportunities to go inland to visit communities typical tourists in the Algarve rarely see. 

Another excellent cycling destination is Wales. It offers an exciting terrain of challenging mountain peaks, cool countryside rides and stunning coastal trails. 

You also have a wealth of dramatic scenery, castles and villages to explore along the way. You can do a self-guided trip or build your route with companies like Wheely Wonderful Cycling. 

They do a range of self-guided eco tours to suit every level. They also transport your luggage for you, so you’re free to ride unencumbered. 

A growing sustainable travel destination, Slovenia has launched a brand new Green Gourmet Route which combines great food and cycling. Honestly, what could be better?

The itinerary is 11 days and takes cyclists through destinations bearing the Slovenia Green label. It runs mainly along paths and features culinary delights such as Michelin-starred restaurants, vineyards, farms and spas.

You can do this eco activity by yourself or with a local tour group.

4. Go kayaking 

Kayaking is an eco-friendly way to enjoy waterways and coastlines because it’s all self-powered. No gas, oil or loud noises are involved, making it unobtrusive to the natural world around you.

You also have time to relax and take in your surroundings. It’s the perfect way to travel slowly.

Below are some amazing ecotourism places that are perfect for kayaking trips. 

During a trip to Costa Rica, I spent a morning exploring the mangroves near San Antonio National Park by kayak with an environmental scientist / tour guide.

I learned about the importance of mangroves as an ecosystem and the life it supports. My guide also highlighted the threats to mangroves and how small-group, low-impact tourism is helping to protect them.

Afterwards, we tucked into a delicious home-cooked lunch. It was one of my favourite ecotourism activities in Costa Rica!

The Norwegian Fjords are one of the most magnificent sites on Earth, and paddling through them allows you to experience every part of this dramatic landscape. 

Don’t miss the stunning Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s 17km long, and the narrowest point is only 250m wide. 

As you paddle through, you’ll be greeted with snow-capped mountains, pretty farms and cascading waterfalls along the way. 

Greece’s Peloponnese Peninsula is a fantastic spot for sea kayaking. The coast is rich with hidden coves, mysterious caves and plenty of ancient history. 

Begin your trip at Voidokilia, one of the best beaches on the peninsula, before paddling towards the beautiful seaside town of Pylos. 

You’ll also come across the formidable sight of Old Navarino Castle, a 13th Century Frankish castle with dramatic views out towards the bay below. 

Read Next: How to Visit Greece on a Budget

5. Go diving or snorkelling

Whether you’re diving or snorkelling, exploring the marine world can be an unforgettable experience. You just need to be aware of how to do it safely and ethically so as not to harm the fragile environment. 

Above all, make sure you’re wearing reef-safe sunscreen to prevent harmful chemicals like oxybenzone from entering the water and bleaching coral reefs. 

Always go with reputable guides that are respectful of marine life and work to protect it. 

Home to some of the healthiest coral reefs in the world, Fiji is popular with scuba divers and snorkellers alike.

For this reason, many local resorts have developed ecotourism activities to help protect the environment from the effects of mass tourism. 

One example is Mantaray Island. The waters in front of the resort are a marine reserve that has allowed life there to flourish. They also carry out yearly environmental surveys to monitor the impact of the resort on the reserve. 

No strangers to a busy tourism scene, Thailand is working hard to mitigate the damage to the marine environment caused by overtourism.

The Smiling Seahorse is a dive company specialising in Liveaboard holidays in the Similan Islands. They have a responsible tourism policy, only use eco-friendly products on the boat and are part of the Manta Trust Operator Wall of Fame.

6. Go dolphin or whale watching

Dolphin and whale watching is another fun water-based activity to do on your travels. It can give you an exhilarating experience and benefit the marine environment if done right.

When choosing to do this activity, look out for responsible travel companies that have a marine biologist onboard the boat or donate a portion of the profits to conservation efforts.

Make sure the dolphins or whales are wild and in their natural habitat. They must be allowed to behave naturally and come and go when they choose. This means no feeding or touching the animals.

The noise of the boat’s engines is also important – particularly for whale sonars!

As for swimming with dolphins , there’s some debate about whether or not it’s truly ethical. Again it’s worth checking how the tour interacts with them before making up your mind.

As a general rule, stick with watching them safely from the boat if you’re unsure!

Below are some incredible ethical places to go dolphin and whale watching.

If you like dolphins and feeding your adrenaline, Sea EO Tours offers speed boat tours in Lisbon.

The 3-hour tour takes up in a speed boat up the Tagus Estuary into the Atlantic Ocean, searching for resident common dolphins and other marine life.

It’s an exhilarating trip, and you can get pretty close to the dolphins. I did it, and although the dolphins were a little slow to appear, we were soon surrounded by a pod of 25 leaping and diving all around the boat.

Afterwards, we glided back down the river, stopping for a quick tipple of sweet wine in front of Belém Tower.

If you need any help booking this tour or any of your Portugal, I recommend Original Travel. They offer some fantastic sustainable self-guided travel itineraries.

You’ll also get access to a travel concierge who can help you every step of the way!

New Zealand

Another great to see dolphins and whales is New Zealand – specifically, Kaikoura on the South Island.

The area is a haven for marine life thanks to a deep water trench which offers a bounty of food for sperm whales, seals and dolphins.

I did a whale-watching boat tour with Whale Watch Kaikoura. During this catamaran ride, I saw sperm whales and, as a bonus, dolphins, seals, penguins and an albatross!

7. Set sail on an eco-friendly cruise 

For the most part, cruises are notoriously bad for the environment.

In 2017, one major cruise corporation was found to emit 10 times more sulphur oxide into the atmosphere around European coasts than more than 260 million cars in Europe! 

At high concentrations, sulphur emissions damage fragile ecosystems, increase human health risks and contribute to acid rain. Now imagine being on deck and breathing that in every day… 

Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten proves that cruising can become an ecotourism excursion. 

Hurtigruten has been a leader in sustainable exploration travel since 1893. They’ve avoided the use of heavy oils for over 10 years, and they’re building the first-ever hybrid electric-powered expedition cruise ships. 

These emissions-free ships are set to be the greenest cruises in history. 

Hurtigruten expeditions take you to some of the farthest corners of the world, including Antarctica, where you get to go whale watching, penguin spotting and explore the vast continent on foot. 

Each trip is designed to be an educational and meaningful experience. 

A dedicated Expedition Team hosts you throughout the journey and provides lectures on wildlife, geography, culture and more to help you understand the places you visit. 

8. Venture on a canopy walk 

Ziplining and canopy walks are thrilling ways to explore forest terrain. What’s more, you’re seeing it all from above – a view which is usually reserved for scientists and researchers. 

One of the best examples of ecotourism in the world is the canopy tour in Costa Rica’s Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. 

Climb high into and above the trees on secure walkways and harnesses. Here, low-hanging clouds kiss the treetops, and you can spot exotic birds and monkeys in the branches. 

To get the adrenaline pumping, swap walking for ziplining and zip past jaw-dropping vistas of ancient forests, waterfalls and valleys. This one is by far the most popular ziplining tour in Monteverde!

These tours are committed to providing incredible experiences whilst raising awareness of the delicate ecosystem of the cloud forest. 

They give you invaluable insight into the balance of nature and what’s being done to protect the inhabitants of this reserve for years to come. 

Costa Rica accounts for 6% of the world’s biodiversity , so it’s vital that we protect it.  

9. Experience tree planting holidays 

Tree planting is an ecotourism holiday that offers a hands-on and rewarding way to give back. Plus, you can see first-hand the positive difference you’re making to the environment. 

Trees for Life is an organisation that’s working to rewild the Scottish Highlands by planting trees and recovering declining forests. 

To date, they’ve planted more than 2 million trees in and around Dundreggan near Loch Ness to restore the Caledonian Forest, which once covered most of Scotland. 

You can take part in voluntary Rewilding Weeks run by Trees for Life and spend a week in the Scottish Highlands planting trees and monitoring wildlife. 

All your food and accommodation are included in a set price, and you’ll get transfers to and from Inverness.

Trees for Life is also involved in other environmental projects, including research into the possibility of bringing the lynx back to Scotland and increasing the red squirrel population. 

Another way you can get involved in rewilding is through an eco-tour with SCOTLAND: The Big Picture.

This charity runs five-day immersive Rewilding Journeys where you’ll see first-hand the key projects involved in restoring the Scottish Highlands.

This ecotourism experience is one of my personal favourites as I was lucky enough to do it myself!

10. Book eco-friendly safaris 

Safaris are understandably one of the biggest bucket list activities. Seeing the ‘Big Five’ (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo) in the wild is a truly unforgettable experience.

However, there’s some debate about whether or not they can be considered ethical. 

Safaris and the term ‘Big Five’ is rooted in trophy hunting and although it’s far better to shoot with a camera than a gun, there is still pressure to find and track animals for tourists to photograph. 

Animals are followed around by noisy jeeps and become accustomed to human interaction. Another problem is animals contracting human illnesses with fatal consequences. 

Luckily, some operators use safari tourism to empower local communities and protect and conserve wildlife. 

One example is Volcanoes Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda, which have restored local wetlands that were previously used as illegal brickworks and now attract 200 different animal species. 

The slightly more budget-friendly Botswana Lodge Safari in the Okavango Delta works with a wildlife rehabilitation centre and provides them with funding and vital equipment. 

Both operators employ trained staff from nearby communities. These ecotourism attractions only run small-group tours so as not to cause any anxiety to the animals. 

Editor’s tip: When choosing an ethical safari, research how they operate and what’s been said about them. Look at how they interact with the wildlife – there should be no opportunities for feeding, touching or getting up close. Observe how they give back to local communities through employment and funding. 

The world’s best ecotourism activities: Final thoughts

I hope these examples of ecotourism activities have inspired your next travel goals!

It’s getting increasingly easier to fill your travel itinerary with nature-friendly experiences that are gentle on the environment.

Ecotourism holiday destinations are also growing around the world as nations get more serious about their impact.

Whether you have a thirst for adventure or want to take things easy, there’s something for everyone.

What’s your favourite ecotourism activity on the list?

Looking for more sustainable travel tips?

• How to Pick an Ethical Travel Activity
• 10 of the Best Solid Toiletries for Sustainable Travel
• Sustainable Travel Packing List 101: Your Complete List for an Eco-Friendly Trip
• Sustainable Travel Tips That Will Help You Travel Greener

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This post may contain affiliate / compensated links. As an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. For full information, please see my disclaimer here .

About The Author

Francesca brooking.

Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. A travel expert with a passion for the planet, Francesca is on a mission to help you travel well. From Costa Rica to Jordan, she's travelled all over the world. When she's not off on an adventure, she's reviewing sustainable travel products and writing travel guides.

Great ideas! Eco friendly is definitely the future of travel. I think the ‘big pause’ of the pandemic has led us all to reflect on this even more, as we see how various ecologically-fragile places in the world have significantly benefited from fewer visitors. It’s so important to consider how our future travels can be more responsible and mindful of our impact on the planet.

Thank you! Absolutely! Some places need tourism more than others for sure.

I’m forever grateful for your commitment to responsible travel. Thank you for the great ideas. I’ll take them all to heart.

Thank you! That’s so nice 🙂

Such a great list! I’d love to do an eco friendly cruise to Antarctica or a safari! I’m sure they would be such magical experiences!

Me too! Two for the bucket list haha.

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Hello, I’m Francesca

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Last Updated on 06/01/2024

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.

Sustainable tourism

Related sdgs, promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable ....

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...

Emerging Issues for Small Island Developing States

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 ...

Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

This Agenda is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. It also seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom, We recognize that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for su...

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...

15 Years of the UNWTO World Tourism Network on Child Protection: A Compilation of Good Practices

Although it is widely recognized that tourism is not the cause of child exploitation, it can aggravate the problem when parts of its infrastructure, such as transport networks and accommodation facilities, are exploited by child abusers for nefarious ends. Additionally, many other factors that contr...

Towards Measuring the Economic Value of Wildlife Watching Tourism in Africa

Set against the backdrop of the ongoing poaching crisis driven by a dramatic increase in the illicit trade in wildlife products, this briefing paper intends to support the ongoing efforts of African governments and the broader international community in the fight against poaching. Specifically, this...

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...

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...

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...

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 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 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 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.

12 innovative sustainable tourism attractions you can visit around the world

Apr 4, 2022 • 5 min read

Check out these innovative sustainable attractions worldwide, like the Jewel at Changi Airport © Travel man / Shutterstock

More and more travelers are looking beyond the most affordable and comfortable way to travel and are putting more thought into how their choices might affect the destination they want to visit. 

As travel priorities shift, on top of having a great time travelers increasingly want to do the right thing by the places they visit. In this extract from Sustainable Escapes , Lonely Planet looks at how 12 worldwide tourist attractions have approached sustainability in an innovative way. 

Jewel at Changi, Singapore, is an indoor oasis

First came Gardens by the Bay with its solar-harvesting Supertrees, and in 2019 Singapore upped its urban garden game with an airport terminal you’ll never want to leave. Harnessing cutting-edge sustainable technology, Jewel at Changi is a green oasis, complete with a hedge maze, a canopy bridge, and the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.

The Points Guy:  8 sustainable travel tips from expert green travelers

New York's Climate Museum aims to inspire action on the climate crisis

New York City ’s Climate Museum has won a legion of fans for over 200 innovative public exhibitions and events it has hosted around the city since 2017. Examples include youth spoken-word programs dedicated to themes of climate change;  Climate Signals , a city-wide public art installation by US artist Justin Brice Guariglia, which flashed climate change alerts in five languages; and Beyond Lies , a public art exhibition by British illustrator and journalist Mona Chalabi, that examines climate disinformation from the fossil fuel industry. 

Cape Town's Table Mountain cableway has been carbon-neutral since 2016

Hiking Table Mountain is a quintessential Cape Town experience. But those who prefer to ride the cable car can still feel good about it. The cableway has been carbon-neutral since 2016, and maintains one of the most cohesive responsible tourism policies around, with careful water management and waste reduction practices in place.

Copenhill, Copenhagen's ski slope, is on top of a power plant

Urban ski slopes typically take the form of emissions-emitting indoor centers. But not Copenhill . Opened in 2019, this artificial ski slope sits atop Amager Bakke, a waste-to-power plant central to Copenhagen ’s goal of becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral city . The complex also has a 280ft (85m) climbing wall (the world’s highest) and, like all good ski resorts, an après-ski bar.

Byron Bay, Australia, has the world's first solar-powered train 

Connecting the center of surf town  Byron Bay  to a vibrant arts estate, the world’s first solar-powered train made its maiden journey on a scenic 1.9 mile (3km) stretch of disused rail line in 2017. In lieu of ticket machines, fares are collected by a conductor on the beautifully refurbished heritage train.

Sustainability is central at the Azurmendi restaurant near Bilbao, Spain

Proving it’s haute to be sustainable, Azurmendi , a three-Michelin-star restaurant near Bilbao , has twice won the sustainable restaurant award from World’s 50 Best Restaurants . The hilltop atrium building harnesses solar and geothermal energy, and guests can tour the on-site greenhouses and vegetable gardens that supply the inventive menus.

England's Eden Project recreates major climate systems

Occupying the site of an excavated china clay pit, the Eden Project education charity and visitor’s center in Cornwall , England , features huge biomes housing exhibitions, gardens, and the largest indoor rainforest in the world. It’s also home to the UK’s longest and fastest zip line, and a play tower for kids designed to introduce little ones to the concept of pollination. 

Ocean Atlas in the Bahamas is an artwork and artificial reef

British sculptor and environmental activist Jason deCaires Taylor is famous for his surreal underwater sculptures that double as artificial reefs. Ocean Atlas  – depicting a young girl supporting the ceiling of the water, much like the mythological Greek Titan shouldered the burden of the heavens – is a 60-plus-ton sculpture in Nassau , intended to symbolize the environmental burden we are asking future generations to carry.

A former nuclear reactor is now a theme park at Wunderland Kalkar, Germany

Following the 1986 Chernobyl disaster , German authorities decided not to put its new multi-billion-euro nuclear reactor near the Dutch border into operation. But it wasn’t a complete write-off. In the 1990s, the site was transformed into Wunderland Kalkar , an amusement park, complete with a swing ride inside the reactor’s cooling tower.

Vena Cava winery in Mexico is constructed from recycled materials

Vena Cava calls itself the hippest winery in Mexico , and when you lay eyes on this all-organic Baja winery – which was constructed from reclaimed fishing boats and other recycled materials – it’s difficult to disagree. Better yet, its cellar door is open for tastings every day of the week.

Minimize your impact when bird-watching from Tij Observatory, Netherlands

Taking its form from a tern’s egg, Tij Observatory is a stunning public birdwatching observatory in Scheelhoek Nature Reserve in Stellendam, the Netherlands , designed to rest as lightly on nature as possible. Built with sustainable wood and clad in thatched reeds, the observatory is reached via a tunnel built from recycled bulkheads to minimize disturbance to birds.

Jubileumsparken is a huge park project in Gothenburg , Sweden

The city of Lund might be getting a bicycle-powered museum in 2024, but there’s another great ecofriendly Swedish attraction you can visit now. Jubileumsparken is the ongoing redevelopment of a Gothenburg port area into an ultra-sustainable leisure hub to meet residents' requests for better access to the river and more green areas in the city. Two baths and a sauna were constructed, with ongoing work to introduce new children's play areas. Gothenburg has been ranked number one sustainable destination in the Global Destination Sustainability Index five times.

You might also like: 10 incredible places to learn to scuba dive    8 rewilding projects you can visit in Europe    The world's eco-luxury resorts that are worth the hype   

This article was first published Oct 5, 2020 and updated Apr 4, 2022.

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The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Tourism in 2024

Welcome to our ultimate guide Sustainable Tourism in 2024. The complete resource for the responsible traveller.

Why do you travel?

Is it to learn about modern and ancient history, diving into the stories that helped shape civilisations?

Is it to wander through impecable landscapes, being constantly inspired by the beauty that lies in this world?

Perhaps you seek to interact with foreign cultures, widening your horizons to understand the diverse nature of humanity.

Whatever your reasons, whether is a combination of all of the above, or purely for the sake of rest and recuperation in gorgeous environments, travelling is one of the greatest experiences you can ever have.

However, the impact of global and domestic tourism can have dire consequences on economies, the environment and local communities, if it is not practised in a sustainable way.

In 2019, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation recorded that around  1.5 billion people travelled internationally.

The number is expected to grow by 4% in 2020.

These numbers of travellers, along with a fast-growing global population, highlight the importance of focusing on sustainable tourism.

As professional travel journalists working extensively in the international tourism industry with a range of clients, from small businesses to national governments to global NGOs, we have come to understand the effects that increased tourist numbers can have on the society and the environment.

We have become huge advocates for sustainable tourism and responsible travel, and it is our goal to instil these ethics into all travellers.

This sustainable tourism hub is our way of providing the ultimate free resource for anybody seeking to become an eco-traveller, and to highlight the benefits and impacts of responsible travel.

The Sustainable Tourism Hub 2024

We first started travelling the world in 2007. Since then we have spent the majority of our time exploring the furthest reaches of the planet, seeking adventure and culture with a focus on sustainability.

After launching our travel business in 2013, we have worked as consultants, been commissioned for special sustainability projects and presented at dozens of conferences, seminars and public events, sharing our expertise with thousands of people on how the importance of ecotourism, and how to be responsible travellers.

Now we are bringing our expertise, and the knowledge of our fantastic team, to you in this sustainable tourism hub.

To jump to the sections in this content hub, click on the green icons.

Jump to a Section

• What is Sustainable Tourism?
• How to be a Responsible Traveller
• The Benefits and Impacts of Tourism
• The Truth About Wildlife Activities and Tourism
• Minimising Your Waste and Footprint as a Traveller
• Choosing Sustainable Tour Operators and Accommodation

The concept of sustainable tourism is not new. While tourism has been around since time immemorial, the idea that it could have negative effects has been explored since at least the 1970s.

As a growing population found itself coming into new wealth, and the cost of travel became cheaper thanks to new technologies, a sudden influx of visitors began to flood every corner of the planet.

In the wake of rising visitor numbers, many communities and destinations started to feel environmental, societal and economic strains when trying to deal with newfound popularity.

Over the following decades, scholars and professional travellers started to develop the principles behind sustainable tourism to encourage awareness of these effects.

Today responsible travel has almost become a buzz word, however, the meaning behind it is extremely important.

But what exactly is sustainable tourism?

Without making things too complicated, the best way to explain the concept is this:

Sustainable tourism  is the concept of visiting somewhere as a tourist and trying to make a positive impact on the environment, society, and economy.

So what does that mean?

Breaking it down shows that the principles of sustainability go beyond the obvious environmental impacts.

The concept goes much deeper to include supporting local economies and communities as well.

This sustainable tourism definition allows for a concise introduction to the complexities of this trend.

If you want to know more, read our following articles addressing exactly ‘What is sustainable tourism?’

Read More of Our Sustainable Tourism Articles

7 ways you can help turn the tide on overtourism.

• Responsible Travel – An Open Letter on Sustainable Tourism
• How to Be a Responsible Traveller

Now that you know what sustainable tourism is, it’s time to learn how to incorporate the principals and practices into your life to become a responsible traveller.

Sustainability is a complex topic, and when you start diving deep into it from a global tourism perspective, you’ll learn that there are dozens of different elements that come together to create positive impacts.

Unless you are looking to form a business in the tourism industry, chances are you are coming at this topic from the point of view of an individual.

And the great thing is that even individuals can have massive positive influences on social, economic and environmental communities when travelling.

The first thing you need to do is learn how to be a responsible traveller, and here’s our top 10 ways to do just that.

• Volunteer some of your time
• Shop locally
• Think before you act with wildlife activities
• Respect the local culture
• Minimise your waste
• Choose sustainable accommodation and tour operators
• Lower your footprint
• Look at the bigger picture when bargaining
• Don’t give to beggars
• Educate others to be responsible travellers

By following these simple principles, you’ll help leave a positive influence on the places you visit.

To learn more about each of these points, have a read of our dedicated article on  how to be a responsible traveller .

Read More of Our Responsible Traveller Articles

• Refusing to Ride – The Real Story Behind Elephant Tourism in India

Learning and implementing the principles of sustainable tourism has a whole range of incredible benefits and impacts.

Once you choose to become a responsible traveller, you’ll start to see how communities, society, economies and environment can be greatly improved through tourism.

Some of the main benefits of sustainable tourism are:

• Local communities will grow in positive way
• It helps to protects the environment
• You will have a deeper understanding of how local people live, work and interact
• You will leave the places that you visit in a better position than when you arrived
• It stimulates local economies

On the other hand, tourism can have negative effects as well.

• Increased strain on the environment
• Higher levels of waste produced
• Local families can be pushed out of their homes due to rising cost of living and increased demand
• Infrastructure can fall apart with large influx of tourists
• Wildlife can be exploited

As you can see, promoting sustainable tourism isn’t just good for all parties involved, it is morally the right thing to do.

Have a read of our articles all about the benefits and impacts of sustainable tourism here.

Read More About the Benefits and Impacts of Tourism

• Cuc Phuong National Park’s Wasted Problems
• South Bohemia Itinerary – Sustainable Tourism in Czech Republic

One of the best parts about travelling overseas is the opportunity to encounter species that you don’t have in your home country.

It is a humbling experience, seeing something as majestic as an elephant, penguin, whale or bear in its natural environment.

However the opportunities to see these in the wild are often expensive, time-consuming or difficult to reach, which has led to the creation of thousands of zoos and aquariums.

While some of these are very sustainable and responsible, with a heavy focus on conservation, some are  far more unscrupulous in their practices .

Animals are often kept in poor conditions, with basic necessities such as food and shelter being pushed aside to increase profit margins.

Wildlife tourism is big business, and unfortunately many places only see dollar signs.

It’s important to do diligent research before visiting a zoo or aquarium, and this is particularly the case in developing nations where ethics and standards may be lower.

Diving deeper into the aspects of wildlife tourism, we come to another element that needs to be addressed, and that’s wildlife activities.

Things like elephant riding, swimming with dolphins, circus performances, petting tigers, aggressive whale shark encounters and Luwak coffee cafes are very controversial, and there is now plenty of peer-reviewed evidence showing that these can cause irreversible harm to the animals.

While it might be tempting to ride an elephant on a trip to Thailand, think about the long-term physical and psychological damage that these gorgeous creatures go through for 30 minutes of entertainment.

We urge you to do appropriate research when it comes to any tours or encounters that involve wildlife.

If in doubt, don’t support any businesses that potentially harm animals.

Read More About Wildlife Tourism and Activities

• Refuse to Ride – The Real Story About Elephant Tourism in India
• Why We Didn’t Do an Elephant Tour in Sen Monorom

With the  global effects of climate change  wreaking havoc on the polar icefields, glaciers, low-lying land and drought-prone nations, the world is finally starting to see the benefits of turning green.

As a traveller, we can also do our part to minimise our carbon footprint and waste by simply following a few simple practices.

Some of these are obvious and easy to implement, while others might cause minor inconvenience while you get used to them.

Here’s some ‘low-hanging fruit’ when it comes to being an eco-traveller.

• Travel with a reusable water bottle
• Bring a packable carry bag so you don’t use plastic bags
• Use a ‘KeepCup’ or reusable coffee cup instead of getting takeaway coffees
• Travel with a metal spork instead of using plastic (you can even bring this as carry-on when flying)
• Say no to single-use plastics like straws

Becoming an eco-traveller can also go beyond just minimising your own waste when you travel.

It can also be about trying to lower your carbon footprint.

• Walk or rent a bicycle to explore cities and towns
• Choose a public bus rather than a taxi to get around
• Try to travel overland wherever possible, minimising the number of flights you take
• Choose to stay in eco-friendly accommodation

If you are required to travel a lot, either because of your job or personal situation, it is worth looking into ways to offset your carbon.

We personally use  Greenfleet  in Australia to offset all of our carbon from travelling.

Read More About Minimising Your Waste as a Traveller

One of the best ways you can be a responsible traveller and promote sustainable tourism is by choosing to spend your money with companies that have the same ethics and practices when it comes to protecting communities, local economies and the environment.

The term ‘eco-friendly’ gets thrown around a lot these days, and it’s far too easy to simply take a company’s word that they are being eco-friendly, simply because they have it published on their website or around their property.

For example, we’ve stayed in an accommodation that had a sign in their hotel bar proudly saying they care about the environment, and as such they are no longer handing out plastic straws with drinks.

Sounded great, until we checked in to our room and found that the bathroom was filled with miniature shampoo bottles, toiletries were individually wrapped in plastic and they cleaned towels every single day, even though we hung them back up again.

Luckily in this day and age of the internet, with online reviews, blogs and travel guides helping to identify these issues, it’s never been easier to research the companies you may end up supporting.

Here’s some ways you can choose sustainable tour operators and accommodation in your travels:

• Do your research by reading blogs, TripAdvisor reviews and check out the company’s website. They should have an ‘environmental policy’ if they are committed to sustainability.
• Be extra vigilant when choosing companies that offer wildlife encounters. Often the more expensive ones have much higher standards, and it’s worth paying more to help protect the animals.
• If you’re unsure about anything, call the company and ask questions. If they can’t answer clearly on their environmental policies, often they are careless about it.

Read More About Choosing Sustainable Tour Operators and Accommodation

What are eco-friendly and sustainable hotels.

• How to Travel to Antarctica Responsibly
• Discovering Sustainability at EcoCamp in Torres del Paine

Check Our Out Complete Archive of Sustainable Tourism Posts

10 important ways to be a responsible traveller in 2024, sustainable tourism in thailand – ecotourism, wildlife and culture guide, enchanting beauty and sustainability in yangshuo, china, refusing to ride: the real story behind elephant tourism in india, access to clean water – can dayone response change the world, why we didn’t do an elephant tour in sen monorom, cuc phuong national park’s wasted problems, from tan hoa village to tu lan caves – the local’s role.

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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.

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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What Is Sustainable Tourism and Why Is It Important?

Sustainable management and socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental impacts are the four pillars of sustainable tourism

• Chapman University

• Harvard University Extension School
• Sustainable Fashion
• Art & Media

What Makes Tourism Sustainable?

The role of tourists, types of sustainable tourism.

Sustainable tourism considers its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts by addressing the needs of its ecological surroundings and the local communities. This is achieved by protecting natural environments and wildlife when developing and managing tourism activities, providing only authentic experiences for tourists that don’t appropriate or misrepresent local heritage and culture, or creating direct socioeconomic benefits for local communities through training and employment.

As people begin to pay more attention to sustainability and the direct and indirect effects of their actions, travel destinations and organizations are following suit. For example, the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment is aiming to see every New Zealand tourism business committed to sustainability by 2025, while the island country of Palau has required visitors to sign an eco pledge upon entry since 2017.

Tourism industries are considered successfully sustainable when they can meet the needs of travelers while having a low impact on natural resources and generating long-term employment for locals. By creating positive experiences for local people, travelers, and the industry itself, properly managed sustainable tourism can meet the needs of the present without compromising the future.

What Is Sustainability?

At its core, sustainability focuses on balance — maintaining our environmental, social, and economic benefits without using up the resources that future generations will need to thrive. In the past, sustainability ideals tended to lean towards business, though more modern definitions of sustainability highlight finding ways to avoid depleting natural resources in order to keep an ecological balance and maintain the quality of environmental and human societies.

Since tourism impacts and is impacted by a wide range of different activities and industries, all sectors and stakeholders (tourists, governments, host communities, tourism businesses) need to collaborate on sustainable tourism in order for it to be successful.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) , which is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of sustainable tourism, and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) , the global standard for sustainable travel and tourism, have similar opinions on what makes tourism sustainable. By their account, sustainable tourism should make the best use of environmental resources while helping to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity, respect the socio-culture of local host communities, and contribute to intercultural understanding. Economically, it should also ensure viable long-term operations that will provide benefits to all stakeholders, whether that includes stable employment to locals, social services, or contributions to poverty alleviation.

The GSTC has developed a series of criteria to create a common language about sustainable travel and tourism. These criteria are used to distinguish sustainable destinations and organizations, but can also help create sustainable policies for businesses and government agencies. Arranged in four pillars, the global baseline standards include sustainable management, socioeconomic impact, cultural impacts, and environmental impacts.

Travel Tip:

The GSTC is an excellent resource for travelers who want to find sustainably managed destinations and accommodations and learn how to become a more sustainable traveler in general.

Environment 

Protecting natural environments is the bedrock of sustainable tourism. Data released by the World Tourism Organization estimates that tourism-based CO2 emissions are forecast to increase 25% by 2030. In 2016, tourism transport-related emissions contributed to 5% of all man-made emissions, while transport-related emissions from long-haul international travel were expected to grow 45% by 2030.

The environmental ramifications of tourism don’t end with carbon emissions, either. Unsustainably managed tourism can create waste problems, lead to land loss or soil erosion, increase natural habitat loss, and put pressure on endangered species . More often than not, the resources in these places are already scarce, and sadly, the negative effects can contribute to the destruction of the very environment on which the industry depends.

Industries and destinations that want to be sustainable must do their part to conserve resources, reduce pollution, and conserve biodiversity and important ecosystems. In order to achieve this, proper resource management and management of waste and emissions is important. In Bali, for example, tourism consumes 65% of local water resources, while in Zanzibar, tourists use 15 times as much water per night as local residents.

Another factor to environmentally focused sustainable tourism comes in the form of purchasing: Does the tour operator, hotel, or restaurant favor locally sourced suppliers and products? How do they manage their food waste and dispose of goods? Something as simple as offering paper straws instead of plastic ones can make a huge dent in an organization’s harmful pollutant footprint.

Recently, there has been an uptick in companies that promote carbon offsetting . The idea behind carbon offsetting is to compensate for generated greenhouse gas emissions by canceling out emissions somewhere else. Much like the idea that reducing or reusing should be considered first before recycling , carbon offsetting shouldn’t be the primary goal. Sustainable tourism industries always work towards reducing emissions first and offset what they can’t.

Properly managed sustainable tourism also has the power to provide alternatives to need-based professions and behaviors like poaching . Often, and especially in underdeveloped countries, residents turn to environmentally harmful practices due to poverty and other social issues. At Periyar Tiger Reserve in India, for example, an unregulated increase in tourists made it more difficult to control poaching in the area. In response, an eco development program aimed at providing employment for locals turned 85 former poachers into reserve gamekeepers. Under supervision of the reserve’s management staff, the group of gamekeepers have developed a series of tourism packages and are now protecting land instead of exploiting it. They’ve found that jobs in responsible wildlife tourism are more rewarding and lucrative than illegal work.

Flying nonstop and spending more time in a single destination can help save CO2, since planes use more fuel the more times they take off.

Local Culture and Residents

One of the most important and overlooked aspects of sustainable tourism is contributing to protecting, preserving, and enhancing local sites and traditions. These include areas of historical, archaeological, or cultural significance, but also "intangible heritage," such as ceremonial dance or traditional art techniques.

In cases where a site is being used as a tourist attraction, it is important that the tourism doesn’t impede access to local residents. For example, some tourist organizations create local programs that offer residents the chance to visit tourism sites with cultural value in their own countries. A program called “Children in the Wilderness” run by Wilderness Safaris educates children in rural Africa about the importance of wildlife conservation and valuable leadership development tools. Vacations booked through travel site Responsible Travel contribute to the company’s “Trip for a Trip” program, which organizes day trips for disadvantaged youth who live near popular tourist destinations but have never had the opportunity to visit.

Sustainable tourism bodies work alongside communities to incorporate various local cultural expressions as part of a traveler’s experiences and ensure that they are appropriately represented. They collaborate with locals and seek their input on culturally appropriate interpretation of sites, and train guides to give visitors a valuable (and correct) impression of the site. The key is to inspire travelers to want to protect the area because they understand its significance.

Bhutan, a small landlocked country in South Asia, has enforced a system of all-inclusive tax for international visitors since 1997 ($200 per day in the off season and $250 per day in the high season). This way, the government is able to restrict the tourism market to local entrepreneurs exclusively and restrict tourism to specific regions, ensuring that the country’s most precious natural resources won’t be exploited.

Incorporating volunteer work into your vacation is an amazing way to learn more about the local culture and help contribute to your host community at the same time. You can also book a trip that is focused primarily on volunteer work through a locally run charity or non profit (just be sure that the job isn’t taking employment opportunities away from residents).

It's not difficult to make a business case for sustainable tourism, especially if one looks at a destination as a product. Think of protecting a destination, cultural landmark, or ecosystem as an investment. By keeping the environment healthy and the locals happy, sustainable tourism will maximize the efficiency of business resources. This is especially true in places where locals are more likely to voice their concerns if they feel like the industry is treating visitors better than residents.

Not only does reducing reliance on natural resources help save money in the long run, studies have shown that modern travelers are likely to participate in environmentally friendly tourism. In 2019, Booking.com found that 73% of travelers preferred an eco-sustainable hotel over a traditional one and 72% of travelers believed that people need to make sustainable travel choices for the sake of future generations.

Always be mindful of where your souvenirs are coming from and whether or not the money is going directly towards the local economy. For example, opt for handcrafted souvenirs made by local artisans.

Growth in the travel and tourism sectors alone has outpaced the overall global economy growth for nine years in a row. Prior to the pandemic, travel and tourism accounted for an $9.6 trillion contribution to the global GDP and 333 million jobs (or one in four new jobs around the world).

Sustainable travel dollars help support employees, who in turn pay taxes that contribute to their local economy. If those employees are not paid a fair wage or aren’t treated fairly, the traveler is unknowingly supporting damaging or unsustainable practices that do nothing to contribute to the future of the community. Similarly, if a hotel doesn’t take into account its ecological footprint, it may be building infrastructure on animal nesting grounds or contributing to excessive pollution. The same goes for attractions, since sustainably managed spots (like nature preserves) often put profits towards conservation and research.

Costa Rica was able to turn a severe deforestation crisis in the 1980s into a diversified tourism-based economy by designating 25.56% of land protected as either a national park, wildlife refuge, or reserve.

While traveling, think of how you would want your home country or home town to be treated by visitors.

Are You a Sustainable Traveler?

Sustainable travelers understand that their actions create an ecological and social footprint on the places they visit. Be mindful of the destinations , accommodations, and activities you choose, and choose destinations that are closer to home or extend your length of stay to save resources. Consider switching to more environmentally friendly modes of transportation such as bicycles, trains, or walking while on vacation. Look into supporting locally run tour operations or local family-owned businesses rather than large international chains. Don’t engage in activities that harm wildlife, such as elephant riding or tiger petting , and opt instead for a wildlife sanctuary (or better yet, attend a beach clean up or plan an hour or two of some volunteer work that interests you). Leave natural areas as you found them by taking out what you carry in, not littering, and respecting the local residents and their traditions.

Most of us travel to experience the world. New cultures, new traditions, new sights and smells and tastes are what makes traveling so rewarding. It is our responsibility as travelers to ensure that these destinations are protected not only for the sake of the communities who rely upon them, but for a future generation of travelers.

Sustainable tourism has many different layers, most of which oppose the more traditional forms of mass tourism that are more likely to lead to environmental damage, loss of culture, pollution, negative economic impacts, and overtourism.

Ecotourism highlights responsible travel to natural areas that focus on environmental conservation. A sustainable tourism body supports and contributes to biodiversity conservation by managing its own property responsibly and respecting or enhancing nearby natural protected areas (or areas of high biological value). Most of the time, this looks like a financial compensation to conservation management, but it can also include making sure that tours, attractions, and infrastructure don’t disturb natural ecosystems.

On the same page, wildlife interactions with free roaming wildlife should be non-invasive and managed responsibly to avoid negative impacts to the animals. As a traveler, prioritize visits to accredited rescue and rehabilitation centers that focus on treating, rehoming, or releasing animals back into the wild, such as the Jaguar Rescue Center in Costa Rica.

Soft Tourism

Soft tourism may highlight local experiences, local languages, or encourage longer time spent in individual areas. This is opposed to hard tourism featuring short duration of visits, travel without respecting culture, taking lots of selfies , and generally feeling a sense of superiority as a tourist.

Many World Heritage Sites, for example, pay special attention to protection, preservation, and sustainability by promoting soft tourism. Peru’s famed Machu Picchu was previously known as one of the world’s worst victims of overtourism , or a place of interest that has experienced negative effects (such as traffic or litter) from excessive numbers of tourists. The attraction has taken steps to control damages in recent years, requiring hikers to hire local guides on the Inca Trail, specifying dates and time on visitor tickets to negate overcrowding, and banning all single use plastics from the site.

Traveling during a destination’s shoulder season , the period between the peak and low seasons, typically combines good weather and low prices without the large crowds. This allows better opportunities to immerse yourself in a new place without contributing to overtourism, but also provides the local economy with income during a normally slow season.

Rural Tourism

Rural tourism applies to tourism that takes place in non-urbanized areas such as national parks, forests, nature reserves, and mountain areas. This can mean anything from camping and glamping to hiking and WOOFing. Rural tourism is a great way to practice sustainable tourism, since it usually requires less use of natural resources.

Community Tourism

Community-based tourism involves tourism where local residents invite travelers to visit their own communities. It sometimes includes overnight stays and often takes place in rural or underdeveloped countries. This type of tourism fosters connection and enables tourists to gain an in-depth knowledge of local habitats, wildlife, and traditional cultures — all while providing direct economic benefits to the host communities. Ecuador is a world leader in community tourism, offering unique accommodation options like the Sani Lodge run by the local Kichwa indigenous community, which offers responsible cultural experiences in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest.

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" 45 Arrivals Every Second ." The World Counts.

Becken, Susanne. " Water Equity- Contrasting Tourism Water Use With That of the Local Community ." Water Resources and Industry , vol. 7-8, 2014, pp. 9-22, doi:10.1016/j.wri.2014.09.002

Kutty, Govindan M., and T.K. Raghavan Nair. " Periyar Tiger Reserve: Poachers Turned Gamekeepers ." Food and Agriculture Organization.

" GSTC Destination Criteria ." Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

Rinzin, Chhewang, et al. " Ecotourism as a Mechanism for Sustainable Development: the Case of Bhutan ." Environmental Sciences , vol. 4, no. 2, 2007, pp. 109-125, doi:10.1080/15693430701365420

" Booking.com Reveals Key Findings From Its 2019 Sustainable Travel Report ." Booking.com.

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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. 

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

Introduction

Ecotourism, also known as sustainable tourism, has gained significant recognition in recent years as a way to travel responsibly and minimize environmental impact. It is a form of tourism that promotes the conservation of natural resources, supports local communities, and educates visitors about the importance of sustainability.

Unlike traditional mass tourism, ecotourism focuses on immersing travelers in natural environments and cultural experiences while maintaining ecological integrity and cultural authenticity. This type of tourism strives to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same natural wonders.

Ecotourism destinations often showcase breathtaking landscapes, unique biodiversity, and cultural heritage. They offer visitors a chance to explore remote areas, engage in outdoor activities, and learn about different ecosystems without disturbing the delicate balance of nature.

By choosing ecotourism, travelers can play an active role in supporting conservation efforts, local communities, and sustainable practices. Through their choices and actions, they contribute directly to the preservation of ecosystems and the well-being of local inhabitants.

In this article, we will explore some inspiring examples of ecotourism destinations from around the world. These destinations have made remarkable strides in promoting sustainability, conservation, and community involvement. Let’s dive into the world of eco-friendly travel and discover the wonders of ecotourism.

Costa Rica: A Model of Ecotourism

Costa Rica is renowned as a global leader in ecotourism, attracting nature enthusiasts from all over the world. With its impressive array of ecosystems, including rainforests, cloud forests, and coastal areas, Costa Rica offers a wealth of opportunities for eco-friendly exploration.

The country has taken significant measures to protect its natural resources and promote sustainable practices. Approximately 25% of Costa Rica’s land is under protected areas, such as national parks, wildlife refuges, and biological reserves. These protected areas serve as habitats for a vast array of flora and fauna, including endangered species like jaguars, toucans, and sea turtles.

One of the standout examples of ecotourism in Costa Rica is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This reserve is famous for its incredible biodiversity, including over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and thousands of plant species. Visitors can explore the cloud forest through well-maintained trails, observation towers, and guided tours, allowing them to witness the beauty and fragility of this unique ecosystem.

Costa Rica is also a pioneer in sustainable practices in the hospitality industry. Many eco-lodges and hotels in the country have adopted practices such as using renewable energy, practicing waste management, and supporting local communities. These accommodations immerse visitors in nature while minimizing their environmental footprint.

Furthermore, Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability extends to its water resources. The country has invested in wastewater treatment systems and promotes responsible water usage. This ensures that both tourists and locals have access to clean water while preserving the natural water sources.

Visitors to Costa Rica can actively engage in ecotourism activities such as hiking, birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and volunteering in conservation projects. They can also participate in educational programs that offer insights into the country’s biodiversity and efforts to protect it. Through these experiences, travelers not only enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica but also contribute to its conservation efforts and support local communities.

Costa Rica serves as an inspiration for other nations seeking to develop their own ecotourism initiatives. Its success highlights the potential for sustainable tourism to protect natural resources, enrich local communities, and provide unforgettable experiences for travelers.

The Galapagos Islands: Preserving Biodiversity through Tourism

The Galapagos Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador, are a renowned ecotourism destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These islands are known for their remarkable biodiversity and their significance to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.

The Galapagos Islands have implemented strict conservation measures to protect their unique ecosystems and delicate species. The islands are home to many endemic species, including the Galapagos giant tortoise, marine iguanas, and various bird species like the famous blue-footed boobies. Efforts to preserve these unique flora and fauna have made the Galapagos Islands a prime example of ecotourism.

Visitors to the Galapagos Islands are required to follow strict guidelines to minimize their impact on the fragile ecosystems. Tourists are guided by licensed naturalist guides who provide insights into the islands’ biodiversity and educate visitors on how to protect these remarkable environments. Small-group tours and limited visitation also help reduce the ecological footprint on the islands.

Various activities await visitors to the Galapagos Islands, including snorkeling, diving, hiking, and wildlife watching. These activities are carefully regulated to ensure that tourists do not disturb the ecosystems or interfere with the natural behavior of the animals.

In addition to wildlife experiences, the Galapagos Islands offer cultural encounters with local communities. Visitors can learn about the rich history and traditional practices of the Galapagos people, gaining a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage intertwined with the islands’ natural wonders.

The revenue generated from tourism helps fund conservation efforts and supports local communities living in the Galapagos Islands. These funds contribute to initiatives such as invasive species control, habitat restoration, and environmental education programs. This demonstrates how sustainable tourism can provide economic opportunities while preserving the natural heritage of an area.

By visiting the Galapagos Islands, travelers not only witness the incredible biodiversity and experience the magic of this unique ecosystem, but they also actively contribute to its preservation. Responsible tourism plays a vital role in raising awareness about the fragility of the Galapagos and the need to protect these pristine islands.

The Galapagos Islands exemplify how ecotourism can balance the needs of conservation, education, and sustainable economic development. Their success sets an example for other destinations seeking to protect their natural resources while offering unforgettable experiences for visitors.

Norway: Sustainable Nature Tourism in the Fjords

Norway is renowned for its stunning fjords, picturesque landscapes, and commitment to sustainability. The country has become a leading destination for sustainable nature tourism, attracting travelers seeking eco-friendly adventures.

The fjords of Norway, with their dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene blue waters, offer breathtaking sights and a sense of tranquility that is hard to match. Recognizing the importance of preserving these natural wonders, Norway has implemented several measures to ensure sustainable tourism practices in the region.

One of the notable initiatives is the development of the Norwegian National Tourist Routes. These routes aim to showcase the beauty of Norway’s landscapes while minimizing the impact on the environment. They provide well-maintained roads and facilities for travelers, along with designated viewpoints and rest areas that blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings.

Norway also encourages sustainable transportation options, such as electric buses and ferries, to reduce carbon emissions and preserve air quality. Tourists can explore the fjords and surrounding areas using these eco-friendly modes of transportation, further minimizing their environmental footprint.

Furthermore, the local communities in the fjord regions actively participate in sustainable tourism practices. They offer authentic experiences that promote cultural exchange and support local businesses. Visitors can learn about traditional Norwegian lifestyles, taste local cuisine, and stay in eco-friendly accommodations, such as cabins or traditional fishing cottages.

In addition, Norway places a strong emphasis on responsible wildlife encounters. Whale watching, bird spotting, and seal safaris are popular activities in the fjords. Tour operators adhere to strict guidelines to ensure that these encounters are conducted in a non-intrusive manner, respecting the natural behaviors and habitats of the animals.

Norway’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond tourism. The country invests heavily in renewable energy, with hydroelectric power being the primary source of electricity. This dedication to clean energy aligns with the overall goal of preserving the natural environment and reducing carbon emissions.

By visiting Norway’s fjords, travelers have the opportunity to witness the grandeur of nature while contributing to its preservation. The revenue generated from sustainable tourism supports conservation efforts, habitat restoration projects, and the overall well-being of local communities.

Through its focus on sustainable nature tourism, Norway demonstrates that it is possible to enjoy the beauty of natural landscapes while minimizing environmental impact. The country serves as a role model for balancing tourism, conservation, and local engagement, showing that responsible travel can create lasting positive impacts.

New Zealand: Conservation-based Adventures

New Zealand, with its diverse landscapes and unique biodiversity, offers travelers unparalleled opportunities for conservation-based adventures. The country has long been committed to preserving its natural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

One of the standout examples of conservation-based tourism in New Zealand is the Department of Conservation (DOC) Great Walks. These multi-day hikes take visitors through some of the most pristine and breathtaking landscapes in the country, including the famous Milford Track and the Routeburn Track. Along these walks, travelers are introduced to the rich flora and fauna of New Zealand, as well as conservation initiatives aimed at protecting these environments.

New Zealand is also known for its commitment to predator-free conservation projects. The country has set ambitious goals to eliminate predators such as rats, stoats, and possums, which threaten native bird species. Tourists can actively engage in these efforts by participating in trapping and monitoring activities or by visiting predator-free islands, such as Kapiti Island and Ulva Island, where native wildlife thrives in a predator-free environment.

Maori cultural tourism is another highlight of conservation-based adventures in New Zealand. The Maori people have a deep connection with the land and a rich cultural heritage that revolves around respect for nature. Visitors can engage in activities such as guided tours to sacred sites, cultural performances, and learning traditional conservation practices from Maori guides.

Moreover, New Zealand has a strong focus on sustainable wildlife encounters. Whether it’s swimming with dolphins, observing seals in their natural habitat, or witnessing the majestic albatross in flight, strict guidelines ensure that these encounters are conducted responsibly, ensuring minimal disturbance to the animals and their habitats.

Furthermore, New Zealand’s commitment to sustainable practices extends to its accommodations and transportation. Many eco-lodges and hotels have implemented energy-saving measures, waste management systems, and locally sourced food options. The country also promotes eco-friendly transportation options, including electric and hybrid vehicles, to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable travel.

By engaging in conservation-based adventures in New Zealand, travelers not only experience the awe-inspiring landscapes and unique wildlife but also actively contribute to the preservation of these natural wonders. The funds generated from tourism are often reinvested in conservation efforts and community-based initiatives, ensuring the long-term sustainability of these areas.

New Zealand serves as an inspiration for other countries seeking to integrate conservation and sustainable tourism. By combining adventure, cultural experiences, and a strong focus on conservation, New Zealand showcases how tourism can contribute to the protection of natural heritage while offering unforgettable experiences for visitors.

Bhutan: Prioritizing Happiness and Nature

Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom, stands out as a unique example of prioritizing happiness and nature through its approach to sustainable tourism. The country measures its progress not only in terms of economic growth but also based on its Gross National Happiness (GNH) index, which focuses on the well-being and happiness of its citizens, as well as the preservation of its natural environment.

Bhutan’s commitment to environmental conservation is deeply ingrained in its policies and practices. The country is carbon negative, meaning it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits. It achieves this through extensive forest protection, responsible hydropower development, and strict regulations on tourism and development.

One of the exceptional aspects of tourism in Bhutan is the policy of high-value, low-impact tourism. Visitors are required to book through a licensed tour operator and pay a daily fee, which includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and a sustainable development fee. This fee directly supports the country’s efforts in conservation, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Tourists are also encouraged to engage with local communities, promoting cultural understanding and benefiting the livelihoods of the Bhutanese people.

Bhutan’s stunning landscapes, including pristine forests, majestic mountains, and vibrant valleys, make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. Travelers can explore national parks, such as the Jigme Dorji National Park and the Royal Manas National Park, which are home to several rare and endangered species, including tigers, snow leopards, and black-necked cranes.

Bhutan’s commitment to sustainable tourism also extends to its cultural heritage. The country has a rich tradition of Buddhism, which plays a crucial role in shaping the sustainable way of life. Tourists can visit ancient monasteries, partake in meditation retreats, and witness colorful religious festivals that celebrate Bhutan’s spiritual traditions.

Another notable aspect of Bhutan’s tourism strategy is its focus on maintaining a low volume of visitors. This ensures that the country can manage its resources and preserve the delicate balance between tourism and conservation. By limiting tourist numbers, Bhutan can provide a more authentic and immersive experience for visitors, allowing them to truly appreciate the pristine natural beauty and cultural richness of the country.

By prioritizing happiness and nature, Bhutan exemplifies a holistic approach to sustainable tourism. The country demonstrates that true prosperity can be achieved by embracing environmental conservation, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering the well-being of its people.

Visiting Bhutan offers a unique opportunity to witness a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and sustainability. It allows travelers to not only experience the splendor of the Himalayas but also to contribute directly to the preservation of Bhutan’s rich heritage and natural wonders.

Bhutan’s innovative and holistic approach to tourism serves as an inspiration for other countries seeking to achieve a balance between economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability.

Ecotourism offers a transformative way of traveling that not only allows us to explore and appreciate the natural wonders of the world but also ensures their preservation for future generations. The examples highlighted in this article demonstrate the power of sustainable tourism to protect biodiversity, support local communities, and promote responsible practices.

Countries like Costa Rica have set a remarkable example by dedicating significant portions of their land to protected areas and promoting sustainable practices in the hospitality industry. The Galapagos Islands have showcased the importance of strict guidelines and limited visitation to preserve fragile ecosystems and endemic species. Norway has demonstrated how sustainable nature tourism, combined with efforts to reduce carbon emissions, can create a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

New Zealand’s conservation-based adventures and Bhutan’s focus on happiness and nature provide unique models for integrating sustainable practices and cultural heritage into tourism experiences. These destinations exemplify how responsible travel can contribute to both the well-being of local communities and the preservation of natural resources.

Through conscious choices in our travel activities and support for ecotourism initiatives, we can make a positive impact on the planet. By engaging in activities that respect and protect the environment, supporting local businesses and communities, and promoting conservation efforts, we can help forge a sustainable future for the destinations we visit.

As travelers, we have the power to drive change and make a difference. By embracing ecotourism, we can contribute to the preservation of our planet’s most precious ecosystems and cultural heritage. Let us embark on journeys that ignite our sense of wonder, deepen our connection with nature, and inspire collective action towards a more sustainable and harmonious world.

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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 .

Top 5 Eco-Friendly Tourism Activities that Everyone Can Enjoy

June 7, 2023 | The Aerial, BVI

If you’re an eco-minded person who loves to travel, you should plan your next vacation by choosing a destination that offers plenty of fun and exciting eco-friendly tourism activities—think wildlife viewing, scenic hikes, kayaking, scuba diving , and much more!

Eco-tourism is a form of responsible tourism that supports the preservation of natural resources and wildlife. Additionally, eco-tourism aims to minimize the negative environmental impact of tourism while promoting the well-being of local communities. By participating in eco-friendly tourism activities, you can help to preserve natural areas and support sustainable development. 

1. Go on a Scenic Hike

Scenic hiking and ecotourism go hand in hand. Hiking offers an environmentally friendly way for nature lovers to explore nearby natural landscapes and unique ecosystems, along with breathtaking views from specific lookout points. If you travel to a tropical destination in the British Virgin Islands, such as The Aerial, BVI , an all-inclusive resort on Buck Island, you will be able to explore miles of hiking trails on foot, enjoy some bird watching, and discover the native fauna and flora.

While your local guide may encourage eco-friendly practices while out on a hike, it’s equally important to hold yourself accountable for your impact. In order to ensure responsible travel practices while hiking, you should: 

• Carry a reusable water bottle
• Pack snacks in eco-conscious materials such as stainless steel, bioplastics, bamboo, and/or gelatin films
• Never dispose of wrappers, napkins, or other waste on trails
• Resist any urge to disturb wildlife. Try to be quiet, and give any animals you come across space.

As you can see, hiking is one of the simplest ways to experience the beauty of nature and a great way to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders of the world without raising your carbon footprint.

2. Participate in Sustainable Tourism Ocean Activities

Whether you are looking to save turtles in Sri Lanka or participate in reef conservation and cleanup activities as part of a vacation crafted around ecotourism in the Caribbean , sustainable ocean activities—by definition—promote the conservation and protection of ocean resources. 

Many eco-focused resorts, including The Aerial, BVI, give you the opportunity to see marine life and give back to the community by participating in reef clean-ups, turtle tagging, and more. Other examples of sustainable ocean activities may include:

• Sustainable fishing, clear-bottom kayaking, paddle boarding , and coral reef diving
• Eco-friendly boating combined with whale or dolphin watching, or sailing excursions on a wind-powered sailboat 
• Eco-trips to local beaches with ocean clean-up initiatives
• Conscious hikes along the coastline to learn about marine coastal ecosystems

Most communities that live by the sea rely on the ocean for their livelihood. It’s important, therefore, to choose eco-tourism activities that not only aim to preserve the biodiversity of the ocean but also strive to support the local community. 

3. Visit Historical Landmarks for Environmental and Cultural Awareness

A fun and educational form of ecotourism can be to visit historical landmarks at your destination to understand the unique history of the local people. Visiting museums, cultural centers, and even tourist attractions is a great way to become acquainted with local history and heritage. Learning about a place’s traditions and habits can also help to foster an appreciation for a community’s way of life. 

These are a few other community-based activity ideas:

• Visit historical buildings that tell a story and are an important part of a place’s history.
• Take a walking or bike tour to visit historical neighborhoods, view street art, and visit various monuments and statues of significance. 
• Shop local and purchase souvenirs and crafts from local artisans.
• Join a community group or volunteer at a local event to build a sense of connection between you and the community you are visiting.

4. Eat Fresh, Locally Sourced Meals 

Whether you are traveling with your family, your significant other, or by yourself, eating fresh, locally sourced meals is an activity that supports local farmers and the community at the destination of your choice. Eating local also reduces carbon emissions by minimizing the distance between farm and plate.

As an added bonus, eating fresh-farm or island-to-table food has a multitude of benefits for your health. Research shows that regular consumption of organic food can reduce allergic diseases and obesity. That’s because local produce is often picked at peak freshness and local game such as fish, poultry, or beef is often sourced directly from unfertilized, pesticide-free land. 

5. Choose Green Accommodations

In addition to participating in eco-friendly activities at your destination, you can practice sustainable travel by choosing to stay at eco-friendly hotels, resorts, or retreats that work in harmony with the surrounding landscapes and look after the natural world. 

Some of the most beautiful eco-resorts in the world offer a variety of amenities and features that support ecotourism efforts and natural environments. These are some of the key features of eco-friendly accommodation providers:

• The property, ground, and rooms have been designed to blend harmoniously with the natural environment with the use of eco-friendly materials for construction and decor.
• The provider uses renewable energy sources and implements efficient water and waste management systems.
• The provider strives to reduce its carbon footprint by holding events or organizing initiatives that give you the opportunity to participate in local conservation efforts.
• The menu features locally sourced, fresh organic food options.

From small-scale family bed and breakfasts to luxurious eco-resorts, green accommodations offer the possibility of an exciting and nature-filled sustainable vacation. 

Ecotourism Activities: Saving the Planet One Trip at a Time 

Participating in ecotourism activities is an exciting way to get to know a new place. As well, given the fact that ecotourism activities can greatly reduce the negative impact tourism has on the environment, it’s safe to say that ecotourism is the best option for traveling. 

Ultimately, small actions can make a big difference. You can help make that difference by planning a getaway that includes lots of eco-friendly tourism activities that help support local communities, creating a more vibrant and sustainable future.

5 Examples of Sustainable Activities That Travel Lovers Can do From Home

Are you feeling isolated during the pandemic isolation times? If so, you are not alone!

Do not worry, there are many examples of  sustainable activities  – even those related to travel – which can be participated in at home.

In unprecedented moves which have disrupted travel around the world simultaneously, many travellers have now found themselves scrambling to change or cancel travel arrangements made prior to the enactment of the travel bans. The travel and tourism industry has been deeply affected by the disruption to the industry. A high ratio of the global population is employed, directly or indirectly, by the travel and tourism industry. According to UNWTO , the travel and tourism industry currently employs 1 out of 11 people, globally. With this many people relying on tourism for employment, it is a good thing to protect people by continuing tourism activities in the future.  With this fact in mind, it is preferable that the traveller postpone their travel plans as opposed to cancelling them outright.

While you are having some time at home, why not make good use of that time to do some planning for future travels or information sharing about your previous travels?

Travel activities at home?

Some examples of sustainable activities  which can be done from home are to:

1. Create a travel wish-list

Create a travel wish list, where one can create a vision board of sorts with photos from magazines or printouts of online destination information. Try to envision your ideal trip and plan accordingly!

2. Complete your travel album

Take the time to go through all of your travel photographs and organise them, put them into an album or even share them with friends and family. Artistic scrapbooking are a popular pastime, as is uploading cherished photos to selected groups of family or friends – to share some good memories.

3. Share information about your previous travels

Share about your experiences on social media, like facebook. Or you can even start writing a blog! If you have been meaning to leave online reviews for travel or tourism related businesses, but have not yet had the time to do so, now is a good time for sharing your thoughts.

Travel anxiety is quite a common feeling in the current environment of social distancing. Many travel companies including airlines and hotels are offering free ticket or booking changes to later dates in order to better accommodate their customers in this time of global uncertainty.

Other examples of home-based sustainable activities 

4. planting a home garden.

If you have been waiting for the perfect reason to do some home gardening, this is it. Easy to do for both a small flat or home with a garden, planting own grown plants is suitable for every living situation.  Having fresh herbs or greens for snacking is always a good option for sustainable living. It helps to clean the air and offers clean food without having to visit the food shop!

5. Repurposing old clothing

If you have worn or broken cotton clothing items, those can be repurposed for use as dish cloths or dust cloths. It is quite simple, only needed to wash the item and cut into smaller sized pieces that are suitable for wiping or drying. These work well as a sustainable alternative to single-use wipes as the cloths can be washed and reused many times. The cotton fabric is soft, so as not to leave scratches on any of the surfaces.

These are only a few ideas for ways you can participate in sustainable activities from home. Make good use of the time you have at home, to do some projects and plans, learn a new hobby or revisit an old one!

Would you like to receive more inspiration directly to your email inbox? Click here to join our newsletter!

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Travelers urged to keep it local in the name of sustainable tourism

by University of South Australia

From rolling vineyards to stunning beaches, there's no shortage of beauty to discover in our own backyards.

A tourism expert from the University of South Australia is urging travelers to support local destinations and experiences close to home, instead of long-haul international trips, to lessen the impacts of tourism on the environment.

Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Tourism Management Dr. Freya Higgins-Desbiolles says we should be considering more localized travel and doing everything we can to reduce unnecessary emissions.

She says space travel , private jet travel and mass travel to remote and extreme environments such as Antarctica are "unethical" and contribute to a culture of privileged over-consumption.

"In these conditions, it is hard to justify tourism to Antarctica. We have to question our use of cruising or flights in our tourism consumption," she says.

"We need to create a cultural shift that sees tourism consumption as a luxury to be savored and not something we can have every year or multiple times a year, like many have come to expect in the Global North. Shifting to an appreciation of local leisure and domestic travels and lower expectations of long-haul international travel is a must."

The Global North, i.e., the northern hemisphere, is responsible for 92% of global emissions.

In recent research, Dr. Higgins-Desbiolles responds to University of Cumbria's Professor Jem Bendell's "deep adaptation" analysis, which argues that civilizational collapse is likely or even already underway due to the continued reliance on fossil fuels and emissions, a view shared by others including naturalist David Attenborough and the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

The work is published in the Journal of Tourism Futures .

Dr. Higgins-Desbiolles outlines how tourism is contributing to the depletion of natural resources, pollution, over-consumption and environmental destruction. She also reflects on the 2023 Hawaii wildfires on the island of Maui that claimed 100 lives and destroyed the town of Lahaina. Residents lacked the water resources to fight the fires due to years of overconsumption by golf courses, hotels and tourism corporations.

She recommends that travelers be more considerate in their choices of holiday destinations and reflect on the impact of their activities on the environment.

"Tourism should be defined by the local community , with decision-making controlled at the lowest level and an emphasis on the interrelationships between people, place, ecology and all living things. We need to slow down—stay longer, stay local, be thoughtful with our holiday choices," she says. "There are so many resources out there like Rise Travel Institute or The Travel Foundation that shed light on sustainable, responsible and just tourism.

"It's about respecting the destination, looking out for codes of responsibility, and making yourself aware of the culture and what challenges the communities you're visiting are facing. I encourage people to try being more conscious on their next trip—stay in one place longer, travel more slowly, go for nature walks, engage with the culture, try to leave the destination a better place than how you found it."

Tourism Research Australia forecasts that over the next five years, domestic travel will see only moderate growth, largely due to increased competition from international outbound travel, which is set to continue to climb.

The tourism industry contributes 8% of total global carbon emissions, yet the Tourism Panel on Climate Change—an international body of climate scientists and tourism experts—focuses on profit-first climate-resilient tourism, rather than addressing the contribution of the industry to environmental destruction.

Dr. Higgins-Desbiolles says it's up to everyone to make more environmentally conscious travel decisions.

"We must see all governments willing to legislate and regulate tourism better. For example, France has passed legislation banning short-haul flights—the transport method contributing the second most to emissions—when a train journey of less than 2.5 hours is available," she says.

"Meaningful change is needed at every level; governments, organizations and travelers need to put their focus towards sustainable and climate-just tourism."

Provided by University of South Australia

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Sustainable Tourism – A Pathway to Sustainable Development

The expansion of tourism has brought forth substantial repercussions on both natural and human landscapes, prompting a paradigm shift towards sustainable development. The concept of sustainability, though rooted in earlier decades, has gained widespread acceptance as the guiding principle for the industry's future trajectory. Sustainable tourism transcends mere economic viability, embracing ecological integrity, long-term resilience, and its pivotal role in broader sustainable development agendas (Butler, 2001). It strives to foster practices within the tourism domain that yield positive outcomes across economic, societal, and environmental realms (UNWTO, 2024). Achieving sustainable tourism necessitates concerted efforts from diverse stakeholders, coupled with robust political leadership to ensure inclusivity and consensus. The remarkable growth of tourism over the years has not only fueled economic prosperity but has also emerged as a primary engine for job creation and wealth distribution. Statistical evidence from 2017 reveals that the tourism sector made a direct contribution of approximately 2.6 trillion US dollars to the global economy, highlighting its immense economic significance (UNEP & WTO, 2015).

This positive impact of sustainable tourism on the global economy has been halted by the pandemic and geopolitical conflicts. The pandemic has affected sustainable tourism and development in economic, environmental, social, and policy areas. The sudden halt in travel and tourism caused significant job losses, business closures, and revenue shortages, threatening sustainable tourism programs globally (Higgins-Desbiolles, 2020). This halt jeopardized ecological and wildlife conservation efforts that depend on the tourism industry. In addition, the pandemic showed the vulnerability of tourist-dependent communities, emphasizing the necessity for diversified economic strategies and sustainable tourism practices that stress local empowerment and equitable benefit-sharing (Guo et al., 2023).

Similarly, Geopolitical unrest in the world affects sustainable development and in turn sustainable development. Endangerment of cultural heritage sites, local communities are displaced, experience economic instability, and lose their means of subsistence. Tourists are deterred from visiting conflict zones due to the inherent dangers involved, which decreases visitor counts and revenue streams. This further undermines sustainable development initiatives and further weakens local economies. Moreover, the presence of geopolitical tensions may impede cross-border collaboration on sustainable tourism initiatives and disrupt global cooperation, thereby restricting the flow of information, and resources. Ultimately, broader endeavors toward sustainable development are impeded by the instability and insecurity caused by geopolitical unrest and conflicts; this perpetuates cycles of poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation in the regions impacted (Georgescu et al., 2024).

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established to guide global efforts toward sustainability, underscore the pivotal role of sustainable tourism as an effective pathway to achieving sustainable development. Specifically, SDG 8, with its Target 8.9, emphasizes the importance of promoting sustainable tourism to generate inclusive and sustainable economic growth, productive employment, and decent work for all (Venugopalan, 2021). Sustainable tourism development entails satisfying the present requirements of tourists and local people while preserving resources for future generations (Nguyen et al., 2022). This strategy prioritizes the balanced and coordinated growth of tourist activities in alignment with society, the economy, resources, and the environment. It represents a practical implementation of sustainable principles within the tourism industry (Wu et al., 2022).

To attain sustainable tourism, it is imperative to establish a comprehensive plan for sustainable tourism development. This plan should consider various factors including social engagement, the competency of state managers, the quality of tourism services, the caliber of human resources, infrastructure development, and the quality of tourism resources (Vu & Hartley, 2022). Furthermore, sustainable tourism should actively contribute to fulfilling the requirements of visitors, conserving the environment, improving the welfare of local populations, stimulating economic growth, and advocating for local culture (Tovmasyan, 2022). Engaging stakeholders, such as local communities, tourism companies, and tourists, is essential to guarantee that development yields favorable outcomes for all parties involved (Slivar, 2018).

Effective governance is crucial for the sustainable development of tourism, as it requires the implementation of policies and management practices that can effectively address global environmental concerns and support sustainable growth in the industry (Guo et al., 2019). Furthermore, the sustainable tourism sector greatly relies on community participation, where the active engagement of the community in shaping the policies for the growth of the tourism industry is essential for achieving success (CHAMIDAH et al., 2020). Destinations might strive to achieve 'responsible' tourism by embracing a vocabulary that promotes sustainable and responsible tourist practices (Mihalič et al., 2016). In conclusion, sustainable tourism serves as a pathway for sustainable development by promoting responsible practices that balance economic growth, environmental conservation, and socio-cultural well-being. By incorporating principles of sustainability into tourism development, destinations can ensure long-term benefits for all stakeholders involved, contributing to the overall goal of achieving sustainable development.

Recognizing that Discover Sustainability is an essential forum for discussing finance policy developments and interdisciplinary research that addresses all seventeen Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations. The purpose of the journal is to educate the public, policymakers, and researchers on how to sustain planetary and human health to ensure the well-being of present and future generations while adhering to the constraints of the natural world. This will be accomplished through this topical collection that aims to contribute to the literature on sustainable development goals, including the concepts, theories, and practices, to provide insights into the current state of the field. This topical collection welcomes research, reviews, perspectives, comments, brief communications, case Studies, registered reports, and data notes from across the full range of disciplines concerned with sustainability.

The Collection shall appreciate multi-study submissions, while quantitative, and qualitative studies will also be accepted.

• Financial mechanism to support Sustainable tourism

• Tourism resilience and economic recovery post-crisis

• The role of tourism in expanding protected areas

• Improvement in environmental accounting techniques in sustainable tourism

• Trends and patterns in sustainable tourism research over the past 25 years

• Community-based tourism development and its impact on sustainability

• Sustainable tourist motivation and its influence on sustainable practices

• Biodiversity conservation and ecotourism in the context of sustainability

• Visitor satisfaction monitoring in sustainable tourism destinations

References:

Butler, R. W. (2001). Seasonality in tourism: Issues and implications. In Seasonality in tourism (pp. 5–21). Routledge.

CHAMIDAH, N., GUNTORO, B., & SULASTRI, E. (2020). Marketing Communication and Synergy of Pentahelix Strategy on Satisfaction and Sustainable Tourism. The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business, 7(3), 177–190. https://doi.org/10.13106/jafeb.2020.vol7.no3.177

Georgescu, I. A., Oprea, S. V., & Bâra, A. (2024). An analysis of the geopolitical and economics influence on tourist arrivals in Russia using a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model. Kybernetes.

Guo, Q., Yin, S., Liu, Y., & Liu, H. (2019). Growth Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Small Tourism Enterprises: A Case Study of Hongcun Village. Tropical Geography, 39(5), 759–769. https://doi.org/10.13284/j.cnki.rddl.003131

Guo, Y., Zhu, L., & Zhao, Y. (2023). Tourism entrepreneurship in rural destinations: measuring the effects of capital configurations using the fsQCA approach. Tourism Review, 78(3), 834–848. https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-07-2022-0333

Higgins-Desbiolles, F. (2020). The “war over tourism”: challenges to sustainable tourism in the tourism academy after COVID-19. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 29(4), 551–569. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2020.1803334

Mihalič, T., Šegota, T., Knežević Cvelbar, L., & Kuščer, K. (2016). The influence of the political environment and destination governance on sustainable tourism development: a study of Bled, Slovenia. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 24(11), 1489–1505. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2015.1134557

Nguyen, T. Q. T., Johnson, P., & Young, T. (2022). Networking, coopetition and sustainability of tourism destinations. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 50, 400–411. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2022.01.003

Slivar, I. (2018). Stakeholders in a Tourist Destination – Matrix of Possible Relationships Towards Sustainability. Open Journal for Research in Economics, 1(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.32591/coas.ojre.0101.01001s

Tovmasyan, G. (2022). Promoting female entrepreneurship in tourism for sustainable development. Marketing and Management of Innovations, 1(1), 18–36. https://doi.org/10.21272/mmi.2022.1-02

UNEP, & WTO. (2015). Making Toruism More Sustainable. Unep, 53(9), 11–12.

UNWTO. (2024). TOURISM NEWS International Tourism to Reach Pre-Pandemic (Issue 34).

Venugopalan, T. (2021). Tourism and Sustainability in India – Exploring Sustainability of Goa Tourism from the Perspective of Local Community. European Journal of Business and Management Research, 6(3), 34–41. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejbmr.2021.6.3.852

Vu, K., & Hartley, K. (2022). Drivers of Growth and Catch-up in the Tourism Sector of Industrialized Economies. Journal of Travel Research, 61(5), 1156–1172. https://doi.org/10.1177/00472875211019478

Wu, D., Li, H., & Wang, Y. (2022). Measuring sustainability and competitiveness of tourism destinations with data envelopment analysis. Journal of Sustainable Tourism. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2022.2042699

László Vasa

Dr. László Vasa, Professor, Széchenyi István University, Hungary. After his degrees in agricultural economics, German-Hungarian translation and international MBA studies, he completed his PhD and habilitation at Széchenyi István University, Hungary. He worked as an associate professor at this university, where he also acted as the vice dean for international affairs of the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences. László is a research professor of the Széchenyi István University and a private professor. His main fields of research are economics of transition, Post-Soviet studies and international issues of agricultural economics.

Gagan Deep Sharma

Dr. Gagan Deep Sharma, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, India Gagan's fields of research interest include Energy Economics, Behavioral Economics, Financial Economics, and Critical Literature Reviews. He is currently the Associate Editor of JPA (Wiley), and CG (Emerald); and Editorial Board member of IJoEM (Emerald). His prominent publications are in Energy Economics, RSER, TFSC, JBR, Energy Policy, JEMA, IEEE-TEM, etc. His area of specialization is sustainable development, energy economics, green finance, neuro-finance, and evolutionary economics. He has more than 20 years of experience in Teaching, Research and Industry.

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Travellers urged to keep it local in the name of sustainable tourism

19 June 2024

From rolling vineyards to stunning beaches, there’s no shortage of beauty to discover in our own backyards.

A tourism expert from the University of South Australia is urging travellers to support local destinations and experiences close to home, instead of long-haul international trips, to lessen the impacts of tourism on the environment.

Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Tourism Management Dr Freya Higgins-Desbiolles says we should be considering more localised travel and doing everything we can to reduce unnecessary emissions.

She says space travel, private jet travel and mass travel to remote and extreme environments such as Antarctica are “unethical” and contribute to a culture of privileged over-consumption.

“In these conditions, it is hard to justify tourism to Antarctica. We have to question our use of cruising or flights in our tourism consumption,” she says.

“We need to create a cultural shift that sees tourism consumption as a luxury to be savoured and not something we can have every year or multiple times a year, like many have come to expect in the ‘Global North’. Shifting to an appreciation of local leisure and domestic travels and lower expectations of long-haul international travel is a must.”

The ‘Global North’ i.e. northern hemisphere, is responsible for 92% of global emissions .

In a recent research , Dr Higgins-Desbiolles responds to University of Cumbria’s Professor Jem Bendell’s “deep adaptation” analysis which argues that civilisational collapse is likely or even already underway due to the continued reliance on fossil fuels and emissions, a view shared by others including naturalist David Attenborough and the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Dr Higgins-Desbiolles outlines how tourism is contributing to the depletion of natural resources, pollution, over-consumption and environmental destruction. She also reflects on the 2023 Hawaii wildfires on the island of Maui which claimed 100 lives and destroyed the town of Lahaina. Residents lacked the water resources to fight the fires due to years of overconsumption by the golf courses, hotels and tourism corporations.

She recommends travellers be more considerate with their choices of holiday destinations and reflect on the impact of their activities on the environment.

“Tourism should be defined by the local community, with decision-making controlled at the lowest level and an emphasis on the interrelationships between people, place, ecology and all living things. We need to slow down – stay longer, stay local, be thoughtful with our holiday choices,” she says.

“There are so many resources out there like Rise Travel Institute or The Travel Foundation that shed light on sustainable, responsible and just tourism.

“It’s about respecting the destination, looking out for codes of responsibility, and making yourself aware of the culture and what challenges the communities you’re visiting are facing. I encourage people to try being more conscious on their next trip – stay in one place longer, travel more slowly, go for nature walks, engage with the culture, try to leave the destination a better place than how you found it.”

Tourism Research Australia forecasts that over the next five years, domestic travel will see only moderate growth, largely due to increased competition from international outbound travel, which is set to continue to climb .

The tourism industry contributes 8% of total global carbon emissions, yet the Tourism Panel on Climate Change – an international body of climate scientists and tourism experts – focuses on profit-first climate resilient tourism, rather than addressing the contribution of the industry to environmental destruction.

Dr Higgins-Desbiolles says it’s up to everyone to make more environmentally conscious travel decisions.

“We must see all governments willing to legislate and regulate tourism better. For example, France has passed legislation banning short-haul flights – the transport method contributing the second most to emissions – when a train journey of less than 2.5 hours is available,” she says.

“Meaningful change is needed at every level: governments, organisations and travellers need to put their focus towards sustainable and climate just tourism.”

ENDS. ………………………………………………………

Media contacts:

Melissa Keogh, Communications Officer, UniSA E: [email protected] M: +61 403 659 154

Maddie Rawlings, Communications and News Support Officer, UniSA E: [email protected]

Researcher contact: Dr Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, Senior Lecturer in Tourism Management, UniSA E: [email protected]

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It’s been a record-setting year for global travel – here’s how we make tourism inclusive and sustainable

Inclusive and sustainable travel and tourism includes supporting micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses. Image:  Unsplash/Michael Barón

.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo{-webkit-transition:all 0.15s ease-out;transition:all 0.15s ease-out;cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:none;color:inherit;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:hover,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:focus,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-focus]{box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(168,203,251,0.5);} Nicola Villa

.chakra .wef-1nk5u5d{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;color:#2846F8;font-size:1.25rem;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-1nk5u5d{font-size:1.125rem;}} Get involved .chakra .wef-9dduvl{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;font-size:1.25rem;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-9dduvl{font-size:1.125rem;}} with our crowdsourced digital platform to deliver impact at scale

• The global travel sector is experiencing a robust recovery, with tourists increasingly spending more on travel.
• Despite the overall positive outlook, some destinations struggle with operational challenges, including workforce issues and resource management amid rising tourist numbers and environmental concerns.
• The travel and tourism sector’s potential for advancing socio-economic prosperity is particularly impactful through the support of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises.

The global travel sector forecast is in and it's sunny skies ahead. Through March 2024, consumer spending on travel remains strong, and passenger traffic has soared. Empowered by a strong labour market worldwide, tourists will be on the roads, air and seas once again, with more of people’s budgets on travel.

The latest report from the Mastercard Economics Institute, Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries , reveals that 2024 has already witnessed multiple record-setting days as consumer spending on leisure travel remains strong. The data shows that post-pandemic travellers continue to seek unique experiences rooted in local cultures while increasingly prioritizing spending on memorable events across sports, music and festivals.

The Mastercard Economics Institute’s analysis reveals that travellers also seek opportunities to extend their stays, prioritizing leisure for longer. For the first 12 months between March 2019 and February 2020, a trip’s average length of stay was about four days. As of March 2024, the average length of a leisure trip has edged closer to five days, which translates into an economic boost for the destinations and communities hosting them.

Have you read?

These are the top 10 countries for travel and tourism, what is travel and tourism’s role in future global prosperity, travel & tourism development index 2024, tackling tourism’s challenges.

Yet, while the overall outlook for travellers looks bright, that’s not the case for all destinations. Some tourism hotspots and lesser-known locales are facing growing challenges around operating conditions. The World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 highlights the ongoing constraints facing the global travel and tourism sector – including the lack of investment in skilled and resilient workforces and issues around resource management – cultural and natural – as destinations grapple with higher tourist visitor numbers and rising environmental concerns.

The report offers travel and tourism decision-makers recommendations around how the sector can take a more active role in tackling social challenges across socio-economic prosperity, peace and cultural exchange. As the industry accounts for approximately one-tenth of global gross domestic product and employment , the public and private sectors must work together to ensure future tourism development is, first and foremost, inclusive and sustainable.

Supporting the backbone of travel and tourism

As the TTDI 2024 notes, one area where the sector’s potential in advancing socio-economic prosperity can be particularly impactful is in the economic empowerment of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, more than 80% of travel and tourism businesses fall under this category.

Policies and investments promoting the adoption of digital solutions and enhancing digital skills development while improving access to credit can provide a major boost to tourism-focused MSMEs.

In Costa Rica, the Instituto Costariccense de Turismo, a member of Mastercard’s Tourism Innovation Hub , is championing such an approach to ensure increased tourist traffic results in better opportunities for MSMEs. Last year, the institute launched Tico Treasures , a platform facilitating tourist connections with Costa Rica’s Crafts with Identity programme, a group of 17 artisan collectives across the country. The platform allows visitors to discover local Costa Rican products, learn about artisan communities and then purchase and ship the goods back to their home country – all through one experience.

The programme is an example of public-private collaboration, including backing from Correos de Costa Rica, Banco de Costa Rica and the Instituto Costariccense de Turismo. Its objectives are multifold: delivering more authentic experiences for tourists, expanding citizens’ access to the digital economy and contributing to MSME resilience.

Protecting future environments

There are also novel approaches to solving destinations’ sustainability challenges underway. A key role of the Travel Foundation , a global non-government organization, is to facilitate innovative public-private collaborations in tourism that accelerate and scale sustainable solutions. One notable example is in Scotland, where the national tourism organization VisitScotland is partnering with the Travel Corporation, a global tour operator, to help decarbonize the destination supply chain. Both organizations are pooling their insights, data and expertise to support local businesses, develop new ideas for reducing carbon footprints and identify barriers to a green transition.

The learnings from this and other projects led by the Travel Foundation will be shared to influence future policy, investment and product development decisions at national and global levels. By combining public sector resources and capabilities with private sector technological expertise, travel and tourism decision-makers can enact policies and programmes that balance tourism growth with environmental protection, providing a nuanced approach that works for unique destinations.

It’s an important time for the sector – to leverage travel and tourism’s robust recovery and advance socio-economic prosperity, fuelling a more inclusive future for our treasured destinations. By accelerating collaboration between governments, destination management organizations and technology companies, we can ensure destinations, the communities that power them and the environments they inhabit are at the heart of all future tourism development.

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.

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.chakra .wef-1dtnjt5{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;} More on Trade and Investment .chakra .wef-17xejub{-webkit-flex:1;-ms-flex:1;flex:1;justify-self:stretch;-webkit-align-self:stretch;-ms-flex-item-align:stretch;align-self:stretch;} .chakra .wef-nr1rr4{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;white-space:normal;vertical-align:middle;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:0.75rem;border-radius:0.25rem;font-weight:700;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;line-height:1.2;-webkit-letter-spacing:1.25px;-moz-letter-spacing:1.25px;-ms-letter-spacing:1.25px;letter-spacing:1.25px;background:none;padding:0px;color:#B3B3B3;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;}@media screen and (min-width:37.5rem){.chakra .wef-nr1rr4{font-size:0.875rem;}}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-nr1rr4{font-size:1rem;}} See all

How an affordable cross-border delivery service will unlock the promise of millions of SMEs in Southeast Asia

Pete Chareonwongsak

June 17, 2024

IDEA: Investing in the Digital Economy of Azerbaijan

Digitalization is disrupting global trade – here's how AI can help customs and businesses to respond

Sebastian Klotz, Steve Barr and Jimena Sotelo

June 6, 2024

TradeTech is revolutionizing global trade

June 5, 2024

US hikes tariffs on Chinese imports, and other global trade stories to read this month

Guillaume Dabré

May 24, 2024

Are these five trends disrupting or driving logistics growth?

Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani