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How tourism can support innovative carbon removal technologies

'sustainable travel: where next' season 2 now online, can luxury travel be sustainable, give back to the destinations you love.

Travel brings us up close to some of our planet’s most stunning natural wonders and connects us with cultures around the globe.

It also has the power to change places and the lives of the people who live there –  for better or worse.

Our Mission

Protect and Conserve

Our priorities.

With your help, we’re taking on tourism’s most pressing and transformative impacts, and working towards a future where travel is beneficial for people and places around the world.

Safeguard Nature

Conserve the fragile ecosystems that tourism depends on

Combat Climate Change

Reduce tourism’s carbon footprint to address the sector’s contribution to climate change

Empower Communities

Celebrate local cultures and improve the livelihoods of host communities

Tackle Waste and Pollution

Lessen the amount of waste and pollution resulting from tourism

Pledge to Travel Better

We’re building a movement of people committed to traveling responsibly and respecting the places they visit. Are you with us?

It Takes All of Us

Local Communities

We work alongside communities to ensure tourism meets local needs and protects their natural and cultural heritage

Destination Leaders

We provide guidance to governments and destination managers to help them implement sustainable tourism policies and solutions

Tourism Businesses

We engage businesses in sustainable practices that contribute to the well-being of the communities and resources they depend on

We are building a movement of travelers that advocate for sustainable tourism by equipping them with information to make responsible choices

Protect the Places You Love

It’s up to us – passionate adventurers and conscientious businesses – to defend the destinations we care about. Join us to give back to the places and planet that fuel your explorations.

News & Stories

What is biochar and how is it a tool for sustainable tourism?

Kudos Travel Technology partners with Sustainable Travel International to implement its Climate Impact APIs to scale carbon mitigation efforts

Sustainable Travel International expands Climate Impact Portfolio to include Innovative Technologies

Climate Impact Update – Q3 2023

Orbit World Travel Announces Ground Breaking Partnership with Sustainable Travel International to Power Green Business Travel at Scale

Second season of Sustainable Travel: Where Next? docu-series debuts for World Tourism Day

Climate Impact Update – Q2 2023

Key Takeaways From the Webinar: Betting on Blue Carbon

Climate Impact Update – Q1 2023

Internova Travel Group Enlists Prime Numbers Technology and Sustainable Travel International for Carbon Offsets

Can Luxury Travel Be Sustainable?

How to make business travel more sustainable.

Getting to know Amanda Yankow

Sustainable Travel International announces Road to Net Zero webinar series

Climate Impact Update – Q4 2022

Sustainable Travel International announces second season of SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL: WHERE NEXT? documentary series to debut in September 2023

A new community sports center opens in Borba, Brazil

Training Brazilian communities on the art of beekeeping

Sustainable Travel International releases SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL: WHERE NEXT? an inspiring new documentary series that showcases stories of transformation in travel

Travel Curious Pledges to Offset 150% of their CO2e Footprint

Reuters Events partners with Sustainable Travel International to make Responsible Business Europe 2022 a carbon-neutral event

Internova Travel Group enhances its sustainable travel initiative

‘Sustainable Travel: Where Next?’ Trailer Released

St. Kitts Resident Survey Shows Local Desire for Community-Centric Tourism

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All About Sustainable Travel, Top Green Destinations, and Smart Tips

Sustainable travel is needed now more than ever. But what is it and how can you do it? Let’s first take a look at why it’s important.

The global tourism industry is responsible for a whopping 8% of all greenhouse gas emissions, and that number keeps climbing, according to a report published by Nature Climate Change.

Of that, the Environmental and Energy Study Institute attributes 2.4% of all emissions as a direct result of aviation. To put this into perspective, experts say you’d need to plant a whole acre (4,047 m 2 ) of forest to recoup the carbon output of a single long-haul flight!

On top of all that, people are just waking up to the fact that travel sustainability isn’t only about cutting the carbon dioxide (CO2) we emit. There’s much more to it. It’s also about witnessing nature responsibly, eating ethically while on the move, and engaging and helping local communities.

We’re on that journey here at The Explorer’s Passage , just like everyone else. As an industry award-winning premier adventure travel company, traveling better is a priority of ours. That’s why we want to loop you in on sustainable travel and we’re glad you found this blog.

Ever wonder what sustainability looks like in travel? Curious how industry players are making trips more eco-friendly? Interested in how you can globetrot more responsibly? Want some perfect destination ideas for greener travel? Keep reading to find out!

Inside this Guide

What is sustainable travel, the three pillars of sustainability, sustainable travel initiatives around the world, choosing a responsible travel provider, 10 ways to travel more sustainably, 3 top green destinations for sustainable tourism.

Nailing down a concise definition for sustainable travel is tough. It’s possible to apply the same logic that’s used with renewable energy, in which case sustainable travel is all about ensuring there’s no permanent damage done to the natural world. However, most green travelers also recognize that there’s a need to include communities and cultures in a vision of sustainability and ecotourism.

Meanwhile, some organizations, like The Travel Foundation, paint the picture in more utilitarian terms: “The aim of sustainable tourism is to increase the benefits and to reduce the negative impacts caused by tourism for destinations.”

Generally speaking, you’ll see a few key themes run throughout:

• Safeguarding nature and natural habitats – The idea that travel can only be sustainable if it doesn’t do any permanent harm to the natural world.
• Combating climate change – This includes everything from carbon offsetting flights to traveling overland whenever there’s an option.
• Supporting and empowering local communities – A focus on keeping things local allows communities to benefit from the tourism that happens where they call home.

The Explorer’s Passage prefers to go a step further and say that sustainable travel is not just about mitigating negative impacts, but also about having a positive impact on the destinations we go to. AKA: Not simply leaving only footprints, but also leaving the place where you made those footprints better off than it was before – that’s regenerative travel.

Sound like the way you want to travel? Check out our most popular adventure tour packages !

People, planet, profits – these are the central tenets of sustainability in the modern age. Otherwise known as the social pillar, the environmental pillar, and the economic pillar. Together, they form the backbone of sustainability across sectors from banking to business.

When it comes to travel, a lot of the focus is on the environment, but it’s actually important to focus on all three of these principles. Here’s a look at how:

• Social – The concept here is that every business should have the “support and approval of its employees.” When applied to the world of travel, you could say that every traveler should have the support and approval of the destinations where they go.

That means locals need to be a-okay with travelers or city breakers visiting, and they should have key stakeholder positions to determine who can travel where and when. Also, giving back to these communities ensures the sustainability of future tourism.

• Environment – This is probably the most talked-about aspect of the Three Pillars of Sustainability when it comes to green travel. It’s about protecting the natural world around us by doing all sorts, including cutting carbon footprints right down to using recyclable packaging.
• Economic – The buck shifts to the travel companies here, who need to do their bit to remain profitable while staying true to the two other principles of environmental and social sustainability. This is also about where we put our money. Will we fund local tour companies or global ones without a connection to the place that’s being explored?

Whether its restrictions on how many trekkers can trek a historical trail each day, carbon-negative hotels in lush rainforests, simple CO2 reductions on flights, or travel-funded conservation programs, there are all sorts of sustainability initiatives on the go right now. Here’s a closer look at these few examples:

• Offsetting carbon emissions on flights and other bookings – The goal of carbon offsetting your travel is to mitigate CO2 emissions by funding an unrelated carbon-negative activity. That could be anything from tree planting to supporting renewable energy projects.

The specific carbon offsetting method is usually chosen by the airline or travel company. If your environment-friendly service provider offers such sustainable options, you can simply opt in to participate when you book. We cover more tips for greener travel later on, so keep reading!

• Activity restrictions – To promote eco-friendly travel and better preserve popular locations, there are now limits placed on the number of trekking permits for certain trails. For example, in Alaska, only 50 hikers per day are permitted to enter the famed Chilkoot Trail . And, in Peru, only 200 trekkers per day are permitted to hike the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu .
• Trail maintenance programs – On the Inca Trail, in order to help preserve their sacred sites from overuse, the government of Peru closes the route for the whole of February. Similar protective actions are also common on the Great Walks of New Zealand, the Appalachian Trail, and in oodles of other places around the globe.
• Ban on single-use plastics – The simple act of switching out a disposable plastic bottle for a refillable one can go a long way. This can be done at a company level (we encourage all guests to use sustainable equipment on our treks and trips) or at a personal level (companies like Trash Hero World have been helping backpackers in Southeast Asia go green for some years now).

• Eco-friendly hotels – Many environmentally conscious hotels across the globe are increasing their use of renewable energy. An example would be a hotel that relies on solar panels for their power generation. And don’t be surprised to also see more hotels adopting recycling programs, laundering linen-and-towel-reuse programs, and composting practices.

Other hotels are giving back to the environment by setting aside land for rewilding (also known as land restoration) or running awareness-raising programs in local ecology. Costa Rica is very much leading the way here!

Eco conscious? Us too. We love exploring as much as anybody else, but also realize the environmental and social impact of travel. Evolving the way we all travel is imperative to not only sustaining the natural playgrounds in which we visit, but also to bettering the vibrant communities that live there.

We’re so pleased that sustainable travel is gaining traction. When planning your holiday vacation trips, choose a company that does their part to lessen the impacts of traditional travel.

We, at The Explorer’s Passage, have been in the game for a while now and we do our best to, well, do our best. Our commitment to sustainability is real. Many other travel operators are also doing great things, but here are some of the ways we personally help you travel better when you choose us:

• Carbon footprint offsetting We offer guests the chance to fly carbon neutral. As a proud partner in the Planet Care Program, our green travelers who book through Exito Travel (our air travel partner) can fully offset the CO2 emissions of their flights. This is achieved through Sustainable Travel International’s diverse portfolio of offsetting projects, at no additional cost to guests.

What’s more, The Explorer’s Passage goes beyond carbon neutrality. We actually removed more CO2 from the atmosphere than we put in and committed to offsetting 125% of the carbon footprint from our past Antarctic and Arctic charter trips.

In fact, we co-launched the Polar Carbon Negative Initiative (PCNI) in 2018, which called for all ship operators in the Arctic to also offset 1.25x of their CO2 emissions. We have since expanded this protocol to our other destinations across the globe and have provided tools to our travelers to assist with the offsetting of flights for even more carbon neutrality.

Our CO2 offset reduction program is conducted through participation in a number of renewable energy and environmental projects globally. These include but are not limited to wind farms, hydroelectric projects, solar panel fields, and reforestation efforts. We have set the standard for sustainable travel companies to take responsibility to offset carbon emissions in creative and thoughtful ways.

• Following the strongest guide standards The Explorer’s Passage maintains some of the strongest guide standards and due diligence procedures in the global travel industry. We go through an exhaustive process when launching a new tour destination to ensure our sustainable travel programs are conducted in the right way.

We encourage all tour companies around the world to follow such guidelines, which help us determine everything from the guides we employ to the eco-friendly hotels our patrons stay at, as well as the vehicles we utilize to the very places we conduct our sustainable tours.

• Partnerships with sustainable travel organizations We are a member of a spectacular global organization called Leave No Trace International . Their mission is to educate people to respect nature and to leave it as it was upon arrival. We proudly follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace which are:
• Plan ahead and prepare
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces
• Dispose of waste properly
• Leave what you find
• Minimize campfire impacts
• Respect wildlife
• Be considerate of other visitors

Not only do they provide us with training in environment-friendly travel practices, but they also support a number of green initiatives around the globe, advise policymakers on sustainable governance, and help to develop local sustainability certification programs.

• Giving back locally The Explorer’s Passage aims to effect positive change globally. We’re passionate about reinvesting a portion of our profits to help the environment and local communities.

In fact, we currently have multiple exciting new ecotourism and social impact projects in the works. On the social side, we’re researching ways to provide indigenous groups access to essential needs or tools to improve their current situation and prospects.

On the environmental front, we’re interested in contributing to the restoration of coral reef ecosystems. In the process, we aim to educate others about the importance of preserving and restoring such ecosystems, which leads us to our next point.

• Raising awareness & education We never shy away from talking about the bad side of climate change on our adventures, but we also focus on the good. That could mean hiking out to see a retreating glacier in Patagonia or paying a visit to a tree planting farm in Costa Rica. The whole aim is to raise awareness about what’s going on in the world as the atmosphere warms up, all while encouraging audiences to advocate for potential ways to turn it around.

Each year, we provide a number of eco-friendly tours and experiences across the globe that are centered around sustainability and education. Through the use of workshops, world-class speakers, networking, and deeply immersive environmental education programs, participants return home transformed and ready to make a difference.

In 2022, we safely ran an Antarctic expedition cruise for 160+ participants from 35 nations who experienced the sobering effects of climate change at the edge of the world. Since the expedition, the group has collectively spread awareness globally through presentations to thousands at schools, corporations, and governments. They’ve also begun local initiatives and started green nonprofits, as well as implemented sustainable practices in their own lives through lifestyle changes.

Read more about our mission in articles by Newsweek, National Geographic, and other notable media outlets .

Have you ever asked yourself, “how can I travel more responsibly?” There are so many ways to make your moves more sustainable when taking a trip. Here are 10 to start with:

That goes for vessels too. If you traveled with The Explorer’s Passage on our most recent expedition to Antarctica, then you sailed on a more sustainable modern ship that consumes 60% less energy than other ships of comparable size. Plus, it had the lowest carbon emissions per passenger in the entire industry – now that’s something to feel good about.

So, if you can’t reduce the carbon of your trip another way (by traveling overland, for example), then a simple way to mitigate the environmental damage is usually just the tick of a box when you book flights.

Also, consider participating in offsetting activities such as tree planting – just make sure the trees are native species to the area they’re going.

Also, more and more hotels are running sustainable initiatives so choose places with related certifications whenever possible.

• Reduce, reuse, recycle – Conserve water by taking shorter showers. Use less electricity by turning off lights and electronics when not in use. Limit laundering services by reusing linens and towels. And when it comes to food, only order what you’ll eat and compost if possible. If available at the destinations you visit and accommodations you stay, be sure to participate in recycling programs.

If you have the chance to do so safely, a local clean-up can also be an impactful activity during your sustainable tour. We proudly ran a trip where our travelers assisted in a beach clean-up that removed 1,102 pounds (500 kilograms) of waste from the Patagonian shoreline. This is just the type of regenerative tourism that is critical to the future of travel.

• Choose tour companies with local guides – It’s not always easy to be sure that you’re picking local guides for your destination trip, but it is important if the aim here is to keep tourism money in the hands of the community. That’s why we’d always recommend choosing a tour operator like The Explorer’s Passage – our team of guides is only made up of expert locals which also ensures you a wonderfully authentic experience.

Travel with us and you can be sure that the chow on every adventure will always be sourced and cooked with an eye on sustainability. Cue menus of Nepali dal bhat (a staple rice and lentil dish) in Khumbu teahouses or hearty Peruvian fare on the Inca Trail made by backcountry chefs.

A few years earlier, we partnered with the legendary British conservationist and anthropologist Dr. Jane Goodall and a team of eco champion volunteers to plant over 2,000 trees at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro . The aim? Rewild this incredible part of Africa while also helping green travelers to appreciate the precarious ecological state of the place they’re visiting.

• Choose only responsible wildlife tourism – There’s been a profound change in the way people view wildlife tourism in the last 10 years or so. The days that so-called “elephant sanctuaries” and the like could attract thousands of visitors are ending, as responsible travelers take on a more ethical outlook on the natural world. You can help speed this trend by joining their ranks. Only participate in responsible nature and wildlife ecotourism that’s committed to sustainable practices. If in doubt, don’t do it!

In all our years of adventuring, we’ve seen first-hand and all too often the negative impacts that travel can have. But we firmly believe that it doesn’t have to be that way.

This impressive planet of ours never fails to inspire us with its colossal glaciers, sawtooth peaks, lonely valleys, and primeval jungles. It’s easy to see that, right now, it needs help more than ever. That’s why The Explorer’s Passage takes green travel very seriously, putting sustainability and ecology at the front and center of our curated trips .

For some trip inspiration, we’ve compiled a list of a few perfect destinations for the eco-conscious traveler. Here are some of our favorite tours that you can feel good about taking and a glimpse at how we help lower our footprint:

Costa Rica is right there at the forefront of ecotourism. A whopping 28% of the country as a whole is now protected as either a national park or a nature reserve. Whenever visiting this land of smoke-belching volcanoes and chirping quetzals, it’s super important that we help, not hinder, those national efforts towards environmental preservation. We do that by:

• Choosing sustainable hotels and local service providers who we evaluate on their eco-friendly credentials every year
• Educating green travelers on the history of Costa Rican wildlife, environmental protection, and ways to remain sustainable
• Participating in small, rural impact initiatives
• Participating in Wanna Help! – a campaign that promotes sustainable tourism with a focus on sharing the economic benefits of travel with local communities
• Promoting regional gastronomy – you will eat local on our eco-friendly trips!
• Providing refillable water bottles to all guests
• Offering regular training in sustainable travel practices to our tour guides

Learn more about this wild adventure and book our Costa Rica tour .

The W Trek in Chilean Patagonia

We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again – the W Trek is one of the most eye-wateringly wonderful hiking adventure destinations on the planet. It just so happens to take you through a region that’s on the very frontline against climate change.

Glaciers and icefields here are thought to be at particular risk of rising temperatures. That’s why it’s more important than ever for us to get it right on our vacation tours. We’re dedicated to sustainable tourism best practices to ensure the W Trek can be enjoyed by future generations. As such, our local teams and service providers employ a number of environmental and economic initiatives, including:

• Partnership with AMA Torres del Paine, a non-profit that funds conservation projects throughout the national park
• Educational initiatives to teach green travelers about the traditional baqueano way of life of the Patagonian highlands
• Partnership with those who fund environmental and restoration projects within the communities and reserves of the Torres del Paine
• Dedication to the principles of Leave No Trace on all our treks, reducing the impact of our camping stays

Learn more about this Chilean adventure and book our W Trek tour .

The Inca Trail in Peru

Due to the high trekking numbers on the Inca Trail, the Peruvian government keeps tight restrictions on the iconic route. This has made it all the more important that our trips to this amazing corner of South America have as little impact on the environment as possible.

That’s why we emphasize the concepts of sustainability and responsible trekking on our Peru journeys. How? Here’s just a few ways we run our treks here as sustainably as possible:

• Minimize single-use plastics and ensure all trekkers have refillable water bottles or vessels
• Charge all electrical equipment using portable solar panels
• Strictly ban the collection of plants, rocks, or other ecological material to protect native habitats
• Use only authorized paths so that our treks don’t contribute to the erosion of the ancient trails
• Source sustainable local food ingredients and compost all organic waste
• Pack every piece of litter we accumulate each day
• Focus on minimizing all disruption to local communities within the Sacred Valley, including through proper noise moderation

Learn more about this Peruvian adventure and book our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour .

So there it is – your guide to sustainable travel that sheds light on what we can all do to manage our impact and help the world we call home.

From the very date of The Explorer’s Passage’s foundation, we’ve given our best efforts to do right by sustainability practices. We’re always learning and adapting, ready to develop our tours in a positive way – and we hope you’ll join us! Come be a part of more responsible travel and contact us to plan your next unforgettable adventure!

Why travel with The Explorer’s Passage?

We pride ourselves on delivering extraordinary tours based on travelers’ needs and are humbled by our guests’ testimonials . In fact, our dedication has earned us a 5-star rating on Tripadvisor , and awards by Travel+Leisure Magazine and Newsweek. Check us out and discover why so many green travelers worldwide choose us . We hope to see you soon!

Cheers, Jeff

Jeff Bonaldi Founder & CEO The Explorer’s Passage

About Jeff Bonaldi

Jeff Bonaldi is the Founder and CEO of The Explorer’s Passage, a premier adventure travel company. His mission is to provide travelers with the opportunity to transform their lives and the planet through the power of adventure.

Learn more about Jeff’s story and his company HERE .

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Best of the World: eight sustainable destinations for 2021 and beyond

From carbon-neutral cities in the making to destinations offering a blueprint for sustainable nature and wildlife tourism, these are the pick of the places that aim to safeguard our precious planet’s natural wonders..

Amos Rex contemporary art gallery, Helsinki.

1.  Copenhagen, Denmark

Europe’s sustainable city pioneer

The widespread inequalities revealed by the pandemic have ignited global interest in making cities more resilient, equitable and healthy. One example, Copenhagen, is set to become the world’s first carbon-neutral capital by 2025.

“In Copenhagen we insist on green solutions because they pay off,” the city’s mayor, Frank Jensen, says in We Have the Power to Move the World, the sustainable transport guidebook for mayors produced by C40, a network of cities committed to addressing climate change.

Denmark’s capital has long targeted sustainability. The city has an efficient public transport network, and all its buses are switching from diesel to electric. CopenHill , a waste-to-energy power plant, meanwhile, produces clean energy for 60,000 families and heats 120,000 homes. In 2019, it opened outdoor play areas to the public. These included a rooftop green space and a climbing wall.

Planet-friendly urban planning — such as the cycle paths that over 60 percent of residents use every day — has resulted in Copenhagen having five times more bicycles than cars. A tour on an electric bike easily takes in the city’s most well-known places, from Nyhavn, a former industrial port now lined with restaurants and bars, to Rundetaarn, a 17th-century astronomical observatory housing exhibitions. From National Geographic Traveler Italy

A view over Drake Bay, near Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica.

2.  Costa Rica

Celebrations for the pioneer of sustainable tourism

So, you want to escape? Imagine a country that’s one-quarter national park, a place where you could hike in a rainforest in the morning and surf tropical waves in the afternoon. Imagine an adventure Eden where sustainability was a strategy long before the world caught on, where jaguars prowl in the jungle, harpy eagles fly and Jesus Christ lizards walk on water before your eyes.

That country is Costa Rica. 2021 is the bicentennial of its independence, an anniversary it aims to celebrate by becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral country. Already one of the greenest nations, conservation has been cultivated here since the 1970s, with drives to protect areas, close zoos and reverse deforestation.

For a deep immersion, plot a course for the Osa Peninsula at the tip of Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast; an astonishing 2.5% of the Earth’s biodiversity is squeezed into 0.001% of its surface area. This was one of the last frontiers to be inhabited in Costa Rica, when the discovery of gold prompted a wave of migration in the 1930s. Today, the gold rush has gone, and much of the region is accessible only by boat, horse or hiking trail.

Some 80% of the peninsula is protected; much of it in Corcovado National Park, where visitors can follow guided trails with local groups like Caminos de Osa or Dos Brazos de Rio Tigre . Based out of luxury and backpacker jungle lodges around Drake Bay, activity options range from rainforest hikes to mangrove swamp tours, whale-watching, snorkelling or diving at Isla del Cano and surfing at Cabo Matapalo.

2020 will be remembered as a year with few upsides, but a desire to re-connect with nature and the great outdoors was certainly one. James Thornton of Intrepid Travel , itself a carbon-neutral travel company, says: “Time outdoors after a year of lockdowns and increased screen time will seem more important than ever”.

Costa Rica has been laying the green groundwork for decades. In 2021, its message could be perfectly tailor-made for post-pandemic trips. From National Geographic Traveller UK

3. Helsinki, Finland

Sustainable travel, made easy

Sustainability isn’t just a buzz word in Helsinki. The Finnish capital has vowed to be carbon neutral by 2035 and it’s part of the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance. Helsinki’s bid to go green has also involved tourism, with a campaign by the city’s tourist board to ‘Think Sustainably’, which shows you how to put together the trip of a lifetime while going easy on the planet.

The Think Sustainably microsite on the tourist board’s website has all the information you need — not just pointing you in the direction of where and what is sustainable but explaining why. For example, the ‘what to do’ page carries an interview with a representative from the Amos Rex contemporary art gallery, talking about museum ventilation and renewable energy. Even the Löyly sauna — which has the potential to be the most wasteful of all attractions — has worked out an efficient wood-burning programme to heat the saunas.

As well as highlighting what to see and do, the microsite also shines a sustainable spotlight on places to eat, drink and shop. These include Juuri, a sustainability-focused restaurant which has been working with small, organic producers for 15 years, and sibling restaurant Pikha, which has upped its vegetarian and vegan options, in order to cut down on guests’ carbon footprint. There’s also an innovative burger bar, Bun2Bun, which has swapped beef for vegan ‘mince’, and uses biodegradable cutlery and wrappers. 

Finland’s design scene is of course legendary, and the website has crafted a sustainability checklist, which allows customers to rent merchandise, among other things. But it’s a boon for shoppers, too, directing travellers to places such as Pure Waste, where clothes are made from 100% recycled material, and LUMI, which produces eco-friendly bags and accessories. To get that cosy Nordic feel, Lapuan Kankurit sells handwoven soft furnishings with colour-popping modern patterns. With your sustainable trip mapped out, you’ll feel better about making the journey. From National Geographic Traveller UK

4.  Denver, USA

A green giant in the American West

Despite financial challenges related to Covid-19, Denver is powering forward with its goal of achieving 100 percent renewable electricity by 2023. Among the latest forward-thinking initiatives are 125 miles of new bike lanes by 2023 and solar gardens to be ‘planted’ on municipal parking lots, rooftops and vacant land in 2021.

“Investments in Denver’s clean energy economy will strengthen our community and address multiple concerns, including our carbon footprint,” says Grace Rink, executive director of Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency. Along with producing clean energy for public buildings, vehicle charging stations, and nearby low-income neighbourhoods, the gardens will grow jobs and a paid training program during construction.

Connecting climate action and sustainability to economic prosperity and social justice has helped Denver earn the coveted LEED for Cities Platinum Certification. To encourage business owners to join the effort by putting eco-friendly solutions to work, Colorado’s capital offers free, customised sustainability plans through Certifiably Green Denver. Thanks to the program, nearly 2,000 Denver business owners are creating greener, more efficient operations that use less water and energy, and produce less air pollution and waste.

“We’re so fortunate to live in this beautiful place, and with that fortune comes the responsibility to protect it,” says Adam Schlegel, co-founder of Chook , a Certifiably Green restaurant that champions sustainable food practices.  From National Geographic Traveler US

A green sea turtle swimming above a shallow coral reef, New Caledonia.

5.  New Caledonia

Where marine life thrives in the south Pacific

Humpback whales, green sea turtles and dugongs gather in the waters of New Caledonia. This French territory comprises a group of islands that bejewel the southwest Pacific Ocean, 900 miles off Australia’s east coast.

Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, New Caledonia’s lagoons represent one of the world’s most extensive reef systems, with pristine waters and more than 9,000 marine species. In 2014, the government created the 500,000-square-mile Coral Sea Natural Park, which extends well beyond the UNESCO site. Christophe Chevillon, senior manager at the Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy , says setting up the park was a “critical step for the conservation of New Caledonia’s waters, as well as the protection of the last virgin coral reefs in the world”.

Now, the territory has taken further steps to protect its marine sanctuary. Fishing, nautical sports and boats carrying more than 200 passengers are banned in large swathes, while in some areas all human activity except scientific research is off-limits. A coral farm will open on Lifou Island to restore reefs damaged by tourism.

Inland, the government is promoting ecotours and a new plastic law aiming to ban all disposable plastic products by 2022. From National Geographic Traveler France

6.  Alonissos, Greece

Dive into the Parthenon of shipwrecks

Called ‘the Parthenon of shipwrecks’, the eerie remains of the ancient Peristera ship recently opened as the first underwater museum in Greece accessible to recreational divers. Located below the surface in the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades, the site is thought to hold cargo from a large Athenian barge that sank in the fifth century B.C. Limiting human activity in the 873-square-mile marine park — established in 1992, primarily to save the endangered Mediterranean monk seal — helped keep archaeological looters at bay, preserving the wreck site and its bounty of intact, two-handled wine jars.

To explore the submerged museum in person, you’ll need to be able to dive to depths of 80 feet or more on a guided tour (slated to resume in summer 2021). Or, visit the information centre on the small island of Alonissos and embark on a virtual reality tour of the wreck — no swimming required. From National Geographic Traveler India

Mandrill baboon, Gabon.

Africa’s ‘last Eden’

Gabon is a rare natural beauty. With 13 national parks encompassing 11% of its land, this is a place where elephants and hippos roam free; where dense inland forests, which make up 80% of its landmass, are home to critically endangered western lowland gorillas.

A remote central African spot, not all of Gabon’s national parks are readily accessible, but beach-blessed Loango is a boon for wildlife-lovers. Set on a lush river, just inland from Gabon’s Atlantic coastline, Loango Lodge offers electrifying encounters with a local population of western lowland gorillas. Closely regulated, just one group of four visitors per day is permitted to set out into the forest to try and find them; an exclusive, sustainable wildlife experience that’s hard to top. In the north of the country, near the coastal capital of Libreville, Pongara is one of five national parks protecting important sea turtle habitats. Beachfront Pongara Lodge is the place for front-row views of critically endangered leatherbacks and migratory whales and dolphins. Global investment in the country’s transportation networks should soon make Gabon easier to reach; a sustainable development strategy that also promises to expand eco-tourism — helping ensure the country’s wildest places stay wild. From National Geographic Traveler  Netherlands

8. Freiburg, Germany

Schooling the world on green practices

Tucked away in Germany's southwestern corner, near the French and Swiss borders, lies the vibrant university city of Freiburg, in the state of Baden-Württenburg. Mainly known as the gateway to the Black Forest, Freiburg is remarkably green, both in appearance and in action.

Woodland covers more than 40 percent of the urban area. Renewables, such as solar, biomass, wind and hydroelectricity power the city, which converts its trash into biomass energy. Walking, biking, e-buses and trams are the main modes of transport, boosting chances Freiburg will meet its goals of cutting CO2 emissions in half or more by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

Cooperative housing with solar panels, urban gardens and incentives for living car-free are integral to Freiburg’s Vauban district, built on a reclaimed brownfield site and acknowledged as one of the world’s most sustainable city quarters. Quartier Vauban, meanwhile, has grown into Freiburg’s most densely populated district, proving that if cities build sustainably, people will come. From National Geographic Traveler Germany

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story referred to Freiburg as part of the Swabia region of Germany.

Read more from  Best of the World: 35 incredible trips for 2021 and beyond

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• Environment and Conservation
• Travel and Adventure

7 Best Practices for Promoting Sustainable Tourism

We’ve got something pretty awesome to share with you today. We know how much you love traveling, exploring, and being part of something bigger. So, we’ve compiled a list of 7 best practices on how to promote sustainable tourism. Yep, you heard it right – sustainable travel can be a total game-changer.

Get ready to engage with local communities, support eco-friendly accommodations, and preserve cultural heritage. Together, we can make a difference and create a world we can all proudly belong to. Let’s dive in!

Engage Local Communities

To promote sustainable tourism, it’s important for us to actively engage local communities by collaborating with them in decision-making processes.

Community involvement and local empowerment are key factors in ensuring that tourism benefits the people living in the destinations we visit. By involving the local community in tourism planning and development, we can achieve a more inclusive and sustainable approach.

This means seeking their input, listening to their concerns, and involving them in the decision-making process. We must empower local communities by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and training to actively participate in the tourism industry.

This can include capacity building programs, educational initiatives, and opportunities for entrepreneurship. By working together, we can create a sense of belonging and ownership, where the local community feels valued and empowered, leading to a more sustainable and mutually beneficial tourism experience.

Support Eco-Friendly Accommodations

When it comes to supporting eco-friendly accommodations, there are several points to consider. First, look for green lodging options that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. Second, make eco-conscious hotel choices by researching their practices and certifications.

Finally, consider sustainable accommodation alternatives such as eco-lodges, eco-resorts, or even staying in local homes through platforms like Airbnb .

Green Lodging Options

One of the key ways we can support sustainable tourism is by choosing to stay at eco-friendly accommodations. By opting for green lodging options, we can contribute to sustainable travel and help protect the environment.

Here are three reasons why staying at eco-friendly accommodations is a great choice:

• Reduced carbon footprint : Eco-friendly accommodations prioritize energy efficiency and use renewable energy sources, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By staying at these establishments, we can minimize our carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet.
• Conservation of natural resources: Eco-friendly accommodations often implement water-saving measures, such as low-flow toilets and showerheads, as well as recycling programs. By supporting these initiatives, we can help conserve precious natural resources and promote sustainability.
• Support for local communities: Many eco-friendly accommodations prioritize supporting local communities through initiatives such as sourcing local products and promoting cultural heritage. By staying at these establishments, we can contribute to the local economy and foster a sense of belonging.

Choose eco-friendly accommodations for your next trip and make a positive impact on the environment and local communities. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for tourism.

Eco-Conscious Hotel Choices

Let’s explore our options for eco-conscious hotel choices to support eco-friendly accommodations.

When it comes to sustainable hotel design, there are several factors to consider. Look for hotels that have obtained green building certification, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) . These certifications ensure that the hotel meets strict standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and use of sustainable materials.

By choosing a hotel with these certifications, you can rest assured that you’re supporting an establishment that prioritizes environmental responsibility.

Additionally, look for hotels that implement eco-friendly practices, such as recycling programs, energy-efficient lighting, and organic and locally sourced food options.

Together, we can make a difference by consciously selecting hotels that align with our values of sustainability and conservation.

Sustainable Accommodation Alternatives

To continue our exploration of sustainable tourism practices, let’s now delve into the various alternatives for sustainable accommodations that actively support eco-friendly practices.

When it comes to finding eco-friendly resorts, there are a few options that not only provide a luxurious experience but also prioritize sustainability. These resorts are designed with environmentally friendly materials, utilize renewable energy sources, and implement responsible waste management practices. By choosing eco-friendly resorts, we can support businesses that are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and preserving the natural beauty of the surrounding areas.

Another sustainable accommodation option is sustainable camping. With a wide range of eco-friendly camping gear available, we can enjoy the great outdoors while minimizing our impact on the environment.

Promote Responsible Travel Behavior

Let’s talk about how we can promote responsible travel behavior to ensure a more sustainable tourism industry.

One key aspect is educating tourists on sustainability, raising awareness about the impact of their choices and actions on the environment and local communities.

Additionally, we can encourage eco-friendly transportation options, such as cycling or using public transportation, to reduce carbon emissions and minimize the ecological footprint of travelers.

It’s time for us to take action and make responsible travel a priority for a greener and more sustainable future.

Educate Tourists on Sustainability

We can promote responsible travel behavior by educating tourists on sustainability. By providing them with sustainable travel tips and eco-conscious travel practices, we can empower them to make informed choices that benefit the environment and local communities.

Here are three essential ways to educate tourists on sustainability:

• Raise awareness: Inform tourists about the impacts of their actions on the environment and local cultures. Help them understand the importance of preserving natural resources and supporting local economies.
• Provide resources: Offer practical information and guidelines on sustainable travel practices, such as reducing waste, conserving water and energy, and respecting local customs and traditions.
• Encourage engagement: Inspire tourists to actively participate in sustainable initiatives, such as volunteering for conservation projects or supporting local businesses that prioritize sustainability.

Encourage Eco-Friendly Transportation

One of the key ways to promote responsible travel behavior is by encouraging tourists to use eco-friendly transportation options. By choosing sustainable transportation options, travelers can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the preservation of the environment.

There are various ways to promote eco-friendly transportation, such as providing information on public transportation systems, promoting the use of bicycles or electric scooters for shorter distances, and encouraging carpooling or ridesharing services.

Additionally, it’s essential to educate tourists about the concept of carbon neutral travel and how they can offset their travel emissions by supporting projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

By embracing eco-friendly transportation practices, tourists can actively contribute to sustainable tourism and protect the destinations they visit for future generations to enjoy.

Together, we can create a more sustainable and responsible travel culture.

Preserve Cultural Heritage

Preserving cultural heritage is essential for sustainable tourism as it allows us to safeguard the rich traditions and practices of local communities. By promoting cultural awareness and preserving traditional practices, we can create a sense of belonging and foster a deeper connection between travelers and the destinations they visit.

Here are three ways in which preserving cultural heritage can evoke emotion in the audience:

• Preserving Identity : Cultural heritage allows us to celebrate the unique identity of a community, showcasing their customs, rituals, and art forms. This preservation helps communities feel pride in their heritage and instills a sense of belonging among locals and visitors alike.
• Reviving History : Through the preservation of cultural heritage, we can revive the stories and narratives of the past. This evokes emotions of nostalgia, curiosity, and a desire to learn from the wisdom of our ancestors.
• Supporting Livelihoods : By promoting and preserving cultural heritage, we support local economies and livelihoods. This creates a sense of purpose and fulfillment among community members, fostering a supportive and welcoming environment for visitors.

Preserving cultural heritage not only enriches our travel experiences but also ensures the sustainability of tourism for generations to come. Let’s embrace and protect the cultural tapestry that makes each destination unique.

To further promote sustainable tourism, it’s important to educate tourists on the principles of sustainability and their role in preserving the environment and supporting local communities. Sustainable travel initiatives and environmental awareness campaigns play a crucial role in creating a sense of responsibility among tourists. By educating them on sustainable practices, we can empower them to make informed choices during their travels.

One way to educate tourists is through interactive workshops and seminars that focus on sustainability. These sessions can cover topics such as reducing carbon footprint, conserving water and energy, and supporting local businesses. Additionally, providing tourists with informational brochures and guides that highlight sustainable practices and local initiatives can help raise awareness and encourage responsible behavior.

By educating tourists on sustainability, we can foster a sense of belonging and collective responsibility towards the destinations we visit. Together, we can preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of these places for future generations to enjoy.

Let’s embrace sustainable tourism and make a positive impact on the world.

Collaborate With Local Organizations

To effectively promote sustainable tourism, we collaborate with local organizations, enhancing our efforts to preserve the environment and support community development. By forming strong local partnerships, we’re able to amplify our impact and create a sense of belonging within the community.

Here are three key ways in which our collaboration with local organizations fosters community involvement:

• Economic empowerment: We work closely with local businesses and artisans, promoting their products and services to our tourists. This not only boosts the local economy but also empowers community members to take pride in their work.
• Environmental conservation: Through partnerships with local environmental organizations, we actively participate in conservation efforts. Together, we undertake initiatives such as beach clean-ups, tree planting, and wildlife preservation, ensuring a sustainable environment for both tourists and locals.
• Cultural preservation: We collaborate with local cultural organizations to celebrate and preserve the unique traditions and heritage of the community. Through cultural events, workshops, and interactive experiences, we provide tourists with an authentic and immersive cultural experience while supporting the preservation of local traditions.

Implement Effective Waste Management Systems

Our next step on how to promote sustainable tourism is to establish effective waste management systems. Waste reduction and recycling initiatives are key components in ensuring that tourism activities have minimal negative impact on the environment. By implementing these systems, we can minimize the amount of waste generated and maximize the resources that can be recovered and reused.

This not only helps to conserve natural resources, but also reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve this, we can collaborate with local waste management organizations to develop comprehensive waste management plans that include strategies for waste segregation, recycling, and composting.

Additionally, we can educate tourists and local communities about the importance of waste reduction and recycling, and provide them with the necessary infrastructure and facilities to properly dispose of their waste. Together, we can create a sustainable tourism industry that preserves our natural environment for future generations.

By implementing these 7 best practices for promoting sustainable tourism, we can make a significant impact on preserving our planet and benefiting local communities.

Did you know that for every $100 spent by tourists in developing countries, only $5 remains in the local economy? By engaging local communities and supporting eco-friendly accommodations, we can ensure that more of our tourism dollars go directly to the people who need it most.

Let’s travel responsibly and create a sustainable future for all.

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The Ultimate Sustainable Travel Bucket List: 70 Experiences to Ignite Your Eco-Adventure

If you're passionate about exploring the world while treading lightly on our planet, you're in for a treat. In this blog post, we present to you the ultimate bucket list for a sustainable traveler—a compilation of 70 extraordinary experiences that will ignite your wanderlust and leave a positive impact on the destinations you visit.

As sustainable travel gains momentum, more and more travelers are seeking authentic experiences that align with their values and contribute to the well-being of local communities and the environment. From volunteering with conservation organizations to supporting sustainable agriculture projects, this bucket list is designed to inspire you to embark on transformative journeys that promote responsible tourism, cultural immersion, and ecological preservation.

Whether you're a seasoned sustainable traveler looking for new ideas or a beginner eager to embark on your first eco-adventure, this list has something for everyone. Join us as we explore the diverse realms of eco-friendly accommodations, immersive cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, community engagement, and sustainable practices that will make your travels more meaningful and memorable.

So, dust off your backpack, pack your reusable water bottle, and let's dive into this extraordinary collection of 70 experiences that will transform the way you travel. Get ready to unleash your inner explorer, ignite your passion for sustainability, and create lasting memories while leaving a positive footprint around the globe.

But remember, this is not just a list to tick off; it's an invitation to embark on a journey of personal growth, cultural understanding, and environmental stewardship. Let each experience on this bucket list be an opportunity to deepen your connection with our planet, to foster a sense of global citizenship, and to inspire others to follow in your footsteps.

Are you ready to embark on the ultimate sustainable travel adventure? Let's dive in and discover the wonders that await us on this remarkable journey of exploration and responsible discovery. Together, we can create a world where travel becomes a force for positive change, and where each step we take brings us closer to a more sustainable and interconnected future. Let the sustainable travel adventure begin!

Accommodations:

1.     Stay at a green-certified hotel

2.     Choose a hotel or resort that has a recycling program

3.     Stay in an eco-friendly treehouse or yurt

4.     Stay in an eco-friendly hostel

5.     Go on a farm stay

6.     Book a stay in an eco-lodge

7.     Stay in a glamping tent

8.     Stay in a farm cottage or cabin

9.     Book a stay at an eco-friendly bed and breakfast

10.  Stay in an eco-friendly houseboat or floating cabin

11.  Stay in a sustainable tiny home or cabin

12.  Stay in a sustainable ice hotel or igloo

13.  Stay at an eco-friendly retreat center focused on mindfulness and sustainability

Transportation:

14.  Take public transportation instead of renting a car

15.  Take a bike tour of a city or countryside

16.  Rent an electric or hybrid vehicle

17.  Rent a bike or electric scooter to explore a city

Travel products:

18.  Bring a reusable water bottle and fill up at water stations

19.  Use eco-friendly toiletries and personal care products

20.  Use a reusable shopping bag when buying souvenirs

21.  Use a solar-powered phone charger

22.  Use a refillable coffee mug when buying coffee on the go

23.  Use a bamboo or stainless steel straw instead of plastic

24.  Use a bamboo or other eco-friendly toothbrush

25.  Book a tour with a local eco-tourism company

26.  Visit a farmer's market and buy locally grown produce

27.  Visit a national park or protected area

28.  Attend a sustainable festival or event

29.  Go on a wildlife safari with a responsible operator

30.  Take a hike or trek in the mountains

31.  Attend an eco-fair or green expo

32.  Visit a winery or vineyard that practices sustainable agriculture

33.  Take a guided nature walk or tour

34.  Attend a sustainability conference or seminar

35.  Go on a whale watching tour with a responsible operator

36.  Take a cooking class that focuses on sustainable, local ingredients

37.  Visit a sustainable energy project, such as a wind or solar farm

38.  Attend a workshop on sustainable living or permaculture

39.  Go on a sea kayaking or paddleboarding adventure

40.  Visit a sustainable fishery or aquaculture farm

41.  Visit a sustainable community or intentional living project

42.  Attend a sustainability-themed film festival or screening

43.  Take a yoga or wellness retreat in nature

44.  Go on a cultural exchange program with a focus on sustainability

45.  Visit an eco-friendly theme park or attraction

46.  Attend a zero-waste or plastic-free market

47.  Take a sustainable travel photography workshop or class

48.  Go on a sustainable fishing trip with a responsible operator

49.  Take a hot air balloon ride over a natural landscape

50.  Visit a sustainable, organic coffee farm

51.  Attend a permaculture or sustainable farming workshop

52.  Eat at restaurants that serve locally sourced food

53.  Explore a sustainable urban garden or rooftop farm

54.  Participate in a community-led reforestation or tree-planting project

55.  Explore a sustainable rainforest reserve and participate in a guided tour led by local conservationists

56.  Go on a sustainable sea turtle conservation tour and witness the nesting or hatching process of these magnificent creatures

57.  Attend a sustainable fashion workshop and learn about upcycling, slow fashion, and ethical clothing production.

58.  Explore a sustainable urban development project and discover innovative green architecture and renewable energy solutions.

59.  Support a sustainable agriculture project

60.  Support a local community project or charity

61.  Volunteer with a conservation organization

62.  Support a fair trade organization or product

63.  Support an eco-friendly fashion brand

64.  Support an eco-friendly cleaning product brand

65.  Support a conservation or wildlife sanctuary

66.  Support an eco-friendly pet product brand

67.  Support a sustainable or ethical jewelry brand

68.  Volunteer to assist researchers in collecting data and monitoring endangered species

69.  Support a sustainable beekeeping initiative and learn about the importance of pollinators in ecological systems

70.  Volunteer for a sustainable water management project and assist in initiatives to provide clean and accessible water to local communities

Wander the world, tread lightly.

Driving Green: Your Guide to a Sustainable Road Trip

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30 Sustainable Travel Blogs to Inspire Your Next Trip

by Aiman Zehra | Apr 26, 2022

The Wise Travelers is an eco-friendly travel blog by a Portuguese couple Tiago and Sandrina with a focus on environmental problems related to tourism that affect the local communities and animals. The blog has elaborate itineraries to travel responsibly and a growing collection of amazing photos of beautiful landscapes.

Visit The Wise Travelers blog here.

2. Soul Travel

Soul Travel is an inspiring sustainable travel blog by a UK-based travel writer and corporate tourism professional Ellie. The blog posts and guides on Soul Travel highlight eco-lodges, wellness retreats, community projects that promote gender equality, and other responsible travel experiences.  

Visit the Soul Travel blog here.

3. Sustainable Travel International

Sustainable Travel International has been working since 2002 to provide guidance to destinations and businesses to make tourism sustainable. The blog contains several helpful posts on places, people, and partners that embody sustainable travel and social justice.

Visit the Sustainable Travel International blog here .

4. Ecotourism World

This is an information platform about ecotourism so more travelers can know about sustainable travel and choose sustainability while traveling.  It was launched in 2019 by Kaori Inagaki, a tourism professional and avid traveler with a special interest in sustainability.  The blog contains eco travel advice, eco-lodges and hotel information, and sustainable travel experiences ranging from solo to family tours and affordable as well as luxury options in all regions of the world.  

  Visit the Ecotourism World blog here.

5. Fair Tourism

Fair Tourism is a Netherlands-based sustainable travel organization that has been developing curricula on sustainable tourism for universities and setting up vocational training centers since 1989. The organization was previously known as  REISBEWIJS. You can find travel advice, stories, tips and tricks, videos, and podcasts on sustainable travel on the website.                  

Visit the Fair Tourism blog here.

6. Miss Filatelista

This is a sustainable travel blog by freelance journalist and sustainability activist Lola Méndez. Filatelista means stamp collector in Spanish as she has been collecting passport stamps throughout her travels. On this blog, you can find ways to travel responsibly in the places she has been to as well as about vegan food and yoga retreats.

View the Miss Filatelista Blog here.

7. Community Back Pocket

Community back pocket is a travel blog against tourism leakage by Bex, a sustainable travel enthusiast. Tourism leakage means when the revenue generated from tourism is absorbed by other countries instead of the community where you are traveling. On this blog, you will find worldwide destinations, travel tips, and community characters to help you spend local and travel sustainably.

View the Community Back Pocket blog here.

8. The Altruistic Traveler

Started by Bianca, a freelance journalist, podcast host and blogger, The Altruistic Traveler promotes compassion and ethics in tourism. You can find content about sustainable tourism,spending local, supporting community development and responsible volunteering.

Visit the Altruistic Traveler here.

9. Spin the Windrose

Spin the Windrose is owned and managed by Abbi, a UK based sustainable traveler. You can find content about sustainable living, veganism, thrifting, hiking, and destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania.

Visit Spin The Windrose Blog here.

10. Charlie on Travel

This is a travel blog by Charlie and Luke, a UK couple of sustainable digital nomads and bloggers. You will find green travel resources and guides, ways to offset carbon emissions, destinations, and travel resources such as packing lists, discount codes and house sitting arrangements.

Visit the Charlie on Travel Blog here.

11. A World to Travel

This is a sustainable travel blog by Spanish digital nomads Inma and Jose. You can find sustainable travel itineraries and guides, remote work resources, tips on conscious living and sperb travel photography.  

Visit A World to Travel blog here.

12. Yūgen Earthside

Yūgen Earthside is a sustainable travel one-stop-shop. You can find sustainable tour operators, travel insurance and plan your trip in a responsible and transparent manner using their services. On the blog you can find sustainable destinations, travel experiences, and tips and trends.  

Visit The Yūgen Earthside blog here.

13. Eco BNB

Ecobnb is a network of eco-friendly accommodations worldwide where you can book a sustainable place to stay or list your sustainable accommodation to rent and earn. On the blog you’ll find several destination guides, tips, tricks, trends and discoveries in sustainable living and travel. The servers of this website are powered by Hetzner Online, an on-site renewable energy.  

 Visit the Eco Bnb blog here.

14. Sustainable Travel & Living

This is an online shop for sustainable products for lifestyle and travel made by Lauren, an avid traveler who took up sustainability and minimalism after being a stuff-a-holic earlier. On its Travel Better blog, you can find several practical posts about sustainable living and travel.  

Visit the Sustainable Travel & Living blog here.

15. Green Travel Blog

This is the blog site by Green Pearls® where green hotels, restaurants and destinations are listed. On the Green Travel blog there are green tips, green recipes, ethical fashion and architecture stories.

Visit the Green Travel blog here.

16. The Cayuga Way

This is a travel blog by the Cayuga Collection which is a group of sustainable lodges and hotels in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. The blog contains stories about sustainable tourism, hospitality and community in that region..

Visit the Cayuga Way blog here.

17. Green Suitcase Travel

Green suitcase travel is a travel planning site by a collection of innovators and influencers from different industries. on the blog there are several stories and information about eco-friendly accommodations both luxury and affordable ones as well as destinations, sustainable travel tips and trends., visit the green suitcase travel blog here., 18. i like local.

This is a marketplace for responsible travel in Asia and Africa where the local hosts get 100% of the money they ask for. On the blog, there are travel guides and stories for Asia and Africa.

Visit the I Like Local blog here.

19. Speck on the Globe

This is a blog by an American sustainable travel enthusiast and digital nomad Abbie. On this blog you can find ethical and sustainable tourism stories from her own experiences.

Visit the Speck on the Globe blog here.

20. Every Steph

This is a travel blog by an Italian digital nomad Stefania. Her blog contains travel stories from destinations around the world, hotel reviews and recommendations, fashion advice, travel food guide, and blogging tips.

Visit the Every Steph blog here.

21. Two Dusty Travelers

This is a travel blog by Emily and Aaron, two ethical adventurers. Emily is a registered nurse which is why the blog has a lot of information on medical aspects of tourism, especially medical volunteering abroad. The blog shares ethical travel choices and stories, destinations, and tips on volunteering abroad.

Visit the Two Dusty Travelers blog here.

22. Green means Go Travel

This is a green travel blog by a journalist and content creator, Vanessa. The blog has travel and lifestyle content including personal care, veganism, travel experiences, etc.

Visit the Green means Go Travel blog here.

23. The Shooting Star

It is a travel blog by a digital nomad Shivya Nath. She is the author of a national level best selling book by the same name. The blog has her travel stories, destination guides, sustainable tourism project, travel tips and climate action.

Visit The Shooting Star blog here.

24. Mindful Wanderlust

This is a travel blog by a couple Giselle and Cody. The blog has a lot of content on travel experiences, animal rights, human rights, vegan food and most of all arts.

Visit the Mindful Wanderlust blog here.

25. Small footprints big adventures

This is a blog by a family of four from Australia, Emma, Anthony, Dante and Allegra. The blog is rich in information about sustainable living and travel. You can find product reviews, destination guides, sustainability and minimalism tips and tricks.

Visit the small footprints, big adventures blog here.

26. Green Pick

This is a travel blog by Fanny and Denis, an avid traveling couple. The blog offers green choices for travel including itinerary suggestions, reviews for hotels and restaurants, guidebooks, and discussions on sustainable tourism.

Visit the Green Pick blog here.

27. Ethical Traveler

Ethical traveler is a nonprofit working to protect the environment and human rights with the help of the economic power of tourism. You can find ethical journeys and destinations as well as news and stories about sustainable travel and the organization’s updates. Ethical Travel also has a podcast featuring interviews with adventurers, artists, writers, music, news, and weekly contests.          

Visit the Ethical Traveler blog here.

28. Green Globe Travel

Green Globe Travel is an ecotourism website by a power couple Bret and Mary. The blog is rich in content about ecotourism, sustainable living, cultural preservation and wildlife conservation. You can also find destinations and reviews on travel and products.

Visit the Green Globe Travel blog here.

29. Green Traveler Guides

This is an award winning sustainable travel website. You will find destination guides, tips to plan your trip, green accommodation recommendations, carbon offsets and green travel tips.

Visit the Green Traveler Guides blog here.

30. Good Nature Travel

It is the official travel and adventure blog of Natural Habitat Adventures  and the World Wildlife Fund. It contains wildlife conservation stories, great natural places, and content on how to travel with least possible impact. The blog features a wildlife photo of the week every Friday.

Visit the Good Nature Travel blog here.

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The Rise of Sustainable Travel, the Conscious Traveler, and What Your Brand Needs to Know  

By Evelina Hederer

April 25, 2022

The growing demand for sustainability in travel  

The traveler mindset is changing, and sustainable travel has emerged as a growing trend as travelers hope to lessen the environmental impact of tourism (or overtourism, in some cases). The pandemic seems to have accelerated this trend, with people looking for ways to travel more responsibly, to make meaningful changes to help preserve our planet – especially as demand for travel picks up. At the same time, our partners in the travel industry are also becoming increasingly aware of the impact travel has on the environment. To stay relevant, those in the travel industry must understand the meaning of sustainable travel and adapt to meet the changing expectations of these conscious travelers.  

What is sustainable travel?  

Most people care about the planet and want to do their part when it comes to sustainable tourism, yet the movement isn’t always easy to define. You may also have heard of the terms “green travel,” “green tourism,” “ecotourism,” “responsible travel,” “ethical tourism,” and others. All of these ideas mean more than just re-using your hotel towels for an extra day or opting for a reusable water bottle instead of single-use plastic bottles. 

According to National Geographic , sustainable tourism is a “framework for engaging travelers and the travel industry at large in supporting goals that include protecting the environment, addressing climate change, minimizing plastic consumption, and expanding economic development in communities affected by tourism.” The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) defines it this way: “an aspiration to acknowledge all impacts of tourism, both positive and negative…to minimize the negative impacts and maximize the positive ones.” 

To find out how consumers answer this question, we recently conducted a Sustainable Travel study based on a survey of 11,000 consumers in 11 global markets. Respondents were asked about their attitudes, values, and motivations in making conscientious travel choices. According to the findings, the majority of respondents equate sustainable travel with lessening environmental impact; supporting local economies, cultures, and communities; and visiting lesser-known destinations. 

Who is the eco-conscious traveler?      

The sustainable traveler, or the eco-conscious traveler, then, is the tourist who supports these goals, who makes individual choices according to sustainable tourism practices. That leads to the next question: What are sustainable tourism practices? 

For hotels, it may mean finding ways to conserve energy and water use, serving food that’s local and seasonal, or managing waste more responsibly. For tourists, it may mean researching lodging providers and tour operators to ensure they’re doing these things and conforming to sustainable tourism standards. It may also mean taking the train, instead of a plane; or buying locally made souvenirs, which supports the local economy. 

Green initiatives, sustainable practices, and your brand commitment to sustainability   

The trick, however, is identifying which businesses are truly sustainable. This is the information conscious travelers want to know. According to our study, 90% look for sustainable options when traveling. In fact, 2 in 5 respondents said they have avoided a travel destination or transportation option due to skepticism that the commitment to sustainable practices is real.   

Clearly, businesses must be sincere and transparent to establish trust with consumers. For example, if you’re in the hospitality industry but your hotel is not yet a green hotel, you can still communicate what you’re doing today: whether you’ve signed the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge , any green initiatives you already have in place, steps you’re taking to adhere to the GSTC criteria , or plans you may have to become certified as sustainable.  

Hotel advertising that can reach any traveler, anywhere

Travelers looking to book a hotel use multiple channels to find their ideal place to stay, from social media to travel websites, and more. This is why it’s imperative that you know when — and where — to reach the right traveler. Whether you’re trying to reach early-bird or last-minute bookers, our targeting capabilities can help you connect with the right traveler at the right time.  

How Media Solutions can help you target the eco-conscious traveler  

Some of our partners have already demonstrated a commitment to sustainability and have leveraged Expedia Group Media Solutions to help communicate this via marketing campaigns. One such partner is Iberostar Group, which has been a leader of green tourism for some time, especially as it relates to the oceans and supporting local communities. The brand started its Wave of Change movement in 2017, which is built on three pillars of action: commitment to a circular economy, the responsible consumption of seafood, and coastal health. The brand also joined Expedia Group in signing the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge .  

To highlight these efforts, Media Solutions designed a custom landing page that promotes the brand’s luxury, eco-friendly hotels and its dedication to making a positive impact. To learn more about its efforts, as well as to get tips on how travel brands can do more, read this Q&A with Dr. Megan Morikawa , Iberostar’s Global Director of Sustainability Office. 

Another partner that has prioritized sustainability is VisitScotland , which also signed the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge, as well as the Glasgow Declaration. The tourist board has committed to respect Scotland’s natural landscapes and uses its promotional landing page on Expedia sites to encourage travelers to leave no trace and get to know the locals. 

And then there is Visit Panamá , whose “Live for More” campaign aims to connect conscious travelers with Panama’s cultural roots. The campaign aligns with the country’s Master Plan for Sustainable tourism , which was recognized by UNESCO as an example of innovation and sustainability. To promote its commitment to sustainability, we designed a Travel Spotlight page for the tourist board that showcases Panama’s diverse experiences, hoping to inspire eco-minded travel shoppers to visit. 

We anticipate sustainable tourism will only continue to be front of mind with eco-conscious and conscientious travelers going forward. So, if you’re a hotel, tourist board, or other travel brand aspiring to make a positive impact and want to share your vision through a Media Solutions marketing campaign, reach out to our team of digital media experts. In the meantime, learn more about consumer attitudes toward responsible travel by downloading our Sustainable Travel study. 

Evelina Hederer

Director, business development, expedia group media solutions.

Evelina Hederer is the director of business development for EMEA at Expedia Group Media Solutions. Evelina and her team work with travel brands to deliver creative and innovative digital media campaigns across Expedia Group’s network. Before joining Expedia Group, Evelina worked at the Netherlands Tourism Board, where she was responsible for international partnerships.

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An increasing number of consumers are indicating a preference for more sustainable travel options. Image:  Joshua Earle/Unsplash

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• The Travel and Tourism sector accounts for an estimated 11% of global emissions.
• While surveys reveal that 71% of travellers intend to travel more sustainably, there are still significant gaps between consumers’ intentions and behaviour.
• Here are the roadblocks that get in the way of intention and reality and some ways to generate a more virtuous and sustainable cycle for the industry.

As COP27 kicks off, the urgency and scale of addressing the global climate and environmental challenges are once again taking centre stage. Accounting for an estimated 11% of global emissions, a share that is expected to grow, the Travel and Tourism (T&T) sector will play a critical role in meeting global climate goals.

In this context, governments and investors have mounting pressure on the sector to reduce emissions and increase sustainability through more stringent emissions standards, green tax incentives, and growing ESG-linked investments. Moreover, an increasing number of consumers are indicating a preference for more sustainable travel options.

In response, many travel companies, such as airlines , have made improving sustainability and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions key business goals. However, to achieve these goals and transition into a more sustainable future, T&T companies must successfully develop products that enable more sustainable travel choices.

A rising demand for sustainable travel

Recent studies and survey results indicate that travellers increasingly value sustainable travel, indicating an opportunity for sustainable travel products. In parallel, a survey by Booking.com found that four out of five global travellers agreed that sustainable travel is a priority for them, with 71% intending to travel more sustainably and 78% aiming to stay at a sustainable property at least once a year.

Concerning the environment, specifically, 69% of respondents to an Expedia survey confirmed that they want to lessen their environmental footprint, and 75% said they would like to use more environmentally-friendly modes of transport.

However, while travellers seem to indicate an increased willingness and demand for environmentally-friendly and sustainable products, the uptake of sustainable travel products anecdotally does not show the same accelerated trend just yet. As sustainable offerings are relatively in their infancy, there is limited research on actual purchasing behaviour. Furthermore, recent surveys revealed that travellers prefer companies’ sustainability practices and offerings to be more transparent, intuitive, and easy to access.

Roadblocks to sustainable consumer behaviour

Additionally, industry interviews and research we are conducting have helped identify a range of roadblocks that explain the gap between consumers’ stated intentions and what they are doing in practice.

These roadblocks can be classified or clustered into six main categories:

1) Limited availability - The roadblock of availability centres around the lack of a sustainable product substitute within a company’s offering. This includes limited overall sustainable product options as well as sustainable products that are competitive with more traditional offerings.

2) Lack of awareness - This roadblock refers to travellers’ lack of awareness of sustainability challenges in T&T, sustainability behaviours that can help overcome these challenges, and sustainable products on offer.

3) Low credibility - Low credibility refers to consumers wanting a greater degree of reassurance and information about the claims companies make concerning the sustainability of their products. Product aspects like transparency, coherent reporting, certification and verified labelling are all tied to improving credibility.

4) Price premium - Generally, sustainable travel options are deemed more expensive than their traditional counterparts. As the willingness to pay a premium for a more sustainable product varies by customer segment and is ever-evolving, customers often drop out from purchasing the alternative due to the higher price.

5) Cumbersome purchase experience - Customers are often discouraged from purchasing sustainable products if the process is burdensome and counterintuitive.

6) Lack of rewards/acknowledgment - This roadblock refers to the need to make customers feel rewarded for their efforts, both physical and emotional. Tools in this space help people facilitate the publishing of their sustainability efforts on social media or provide recognition in physical environments.

Addressing the say-do-gaps

Companies that can provide sustainable offerings that address these say-do-gaps will be better positioned to meet customer needs. As a result, a virtuous cycle can be generated in which increased purchase of sustainable products leads to greater company performance, reinforcing further investment into such options. In turn, the increasing supply of sustainable products would make it easier for travellers to behave sustainably, helping the T&T sector in its net zero transition.

To make a case for investment in sustainable travel products, Accenture and the Forum are working to explore the say-do-gap further, provide an overview of existing sustainable travel products and configurations, develop recommendations for creating sustainable products, and present the industry with a call to action. The full report on this topic will be published in December.

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Sustainable Travel- An Eco Green Travel Trend

• Sustainability , Wellness Travel , Wellness Travel and Wellbeing Trends

There’s no doubt that the climate change emergency has brought the topic of sustainable travel to the forefront of everyone’s minds, and it’s vital for each of us to look at how we can be more eco-conscious when thinking about taking trips abroad.

Low-cost airlines pumping damaging CO2 emissions into our atmosphere; deforestation caused by the creation of sprawling holiday resorts; all-inclusive hotels that discourage local spending; and over-tourism of sites like Machu Picchu are all features of the travel industry that prove to be unsustainable.

Tourism accounts for around 8 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to a 2018 study published in the scientific journal, Nature Climate Change , so it is essential we look at how this figure can be reduced, and other ways in which we can lessen our impact on the finite resources and natural beauty of our planet.

While some believe that there is no such thing as sustainable travel, arguing that all leisure travel is superfluous and damaging to the planet, we here at Me Time Retreats prefer to see the possibilities rather than the pessimistic.

It is unrealistic to think that the whole world will stop travelling tomorrow. So, rather than focusing on the negatives, let us think about eco-travel from a positive point of view, looking at what sustainable travel means, highlighting why it’s important, and discovering the ways in which all of us can be more sustainable before, during and after our trips abroad.

It is definitely possible to change the way you go about planning your travel experiences to ensure you have the least impact possible on the planet. All it takes is arming yourself with some knowledge and research about sustainability and eco travel best practise, and trying your hardest to implement this whenever possible.

Read on to find out how you can be a more sustainable traveller, going from commodifying the planet to caring for it instead.

What Is Sustainable Travel?

With numerous terms being used within the sphere of sustainable travel, it’s difficult to know what travel companies mean when they say ‘sustainability’, ‘responsible travel’, ‘eco-tourism’ and ‘green travel’ and which, if any, of these actually prove that travel companies are truly lessening their impact on the planet.

Sustainable travel has been defined by the World Tourism Organization 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”.

It means putting local culture, natural resources and the environment first, rather than focusing on simply creating wealth for large corporations.

In short, it means discovering a way in which we, as travellers, can explore the world long-term without having a negative impact on nature, culture and the local economy.

Why Sustainable Travel Is So Important?

As much as we all love to travel and explore the globe, it is impossible to ignore the fact that mass tourism in its current form is wholly unsustainable. It’s predicted that 40% of the world’s carbon emissions may be generated by tourism by 2050 , a possibility that we simply cannot disregard.

With the number of people travelling expected to increase to 1.8 billion by the year 2030 it is now essential that greener travel initiatives are put in place to ensure that this increase in tourism doesn’t lead to an increase in global destruction.

The 3 Verticals Of Sustainability

Researchers into sustainable travel have broken the problem down into three main sections so that we are able to better understand the issues surrounding mass tourism and work to create actionable resolutions to the problem.

While these three pillars of sustainability were initially aimed at the corporate world (encouraging big businesses to prioritise sustainable processes), they are equally relevant to anybody and everybody hoping to travel in a more eco-friendly and conscious manner.

The three verticals of sustainability are:

• The Environmental or Ecological Pillar – minimising our impact on the environment
• The Social Pillar – having a positive impact on the local community
• The Economic Pillar – supporting the local economy

It is important to keep these three pillars of sustainability in mind when you travel to ensure that each action you take falls under one of these key areas.

The Environmental Pillar

The Environmental Pillar is probably the one that receives the most press as this is the one that is in line with the worrying facts and figures presented to us about climate change on a daily basis. The principles of the Environmental Pillar involve reducing our carbon footprint, minimising our use of single-use plastics, ensuring that we have a minimal effect on wildlife and the natural world and managing water use and waste management effectively.

The Social Pillar

The Social Pillar is a little harder to measure but it is essentially about the way in which travel and tourism have an impact on local people and communities. This covers everything from fair treatment and pays of local labourers creating hotels and lodges, to appreciating local culture (without appropriating it) and supporting local social enterprises, charities and projects that have a positive effect on the community at large.

The Economic Pillar

Last but by no means least is the Economic Pillar. While this traditionally meant sustaining profits (when the Pillars of Sustainability were created with corporations in mind), it can now be used to understand the importance of supporting local businesses and positively contributing to societies when we travel. This includes choosing smaller, family-run properties over large chain hotels, eating at local restaurants, supporting tour guides and buying souvenirs from people who are making them in person rather than purchasing mass-produced products from generic markets.

The Benefits Of Eco-Tourism

While being more sustainable can sometimes involve spending a bit more, this isn’t always the case, and anyway, we at Me Time Away believe that the benefits of ecotourism far outweigh the little extra cost. Not only do you know that you are not playing a part in the destruction of the natural world, but you also get to enjoy a more authentic travel experience.

The memories you make through travel are absolutely priceless and if these involve seeing stunning creatures in the wild, learning about local culture and traditions, eating unique meals and staying in eco-friendly lodges, then you’ll hardly be thinking about the price you paid! Ecotourism not only helps you feel enriched, but it is also extremely valuable for local communities and conservation projects that rely on tourism.

Most Popular Sustainable Travel Trends

Sustainable travel trends are popping up all the time, with so many more people wanting to combine their passion for travel with a more environmentally-conscious way of life. Here are just three trends on the rise:

Eco-mmodation

Research from the 2019 Booking.com Sustainable Travel Report showed that 73% of global travellers intended to stay at least once in an eco-friendly or green accommodation during the year ahead, a figure that has increased year-on-year since 2016. In addition, 70% of global travellers said they would be more likely to book accommodation knowing it was eco-friendly, whether they were looking for a sustainable stay or not.

This shows that choosing eco-friendly accommodation is at the forefront of travellers’ minds. Not only do travellers wish to lessen their impact on the environment through their choice of accommodation, but they wish to feel as though they are having more of an authentic local experience as well as feeling peace of mind when making travel decisions.

Eco accommodation is one choice that travellers feel they have control over when planning their trip, and it is clear than an environmentally-friendly ethos and corporate transparency when it comes to sustainability is important.

Staycations

Choosing a staycation rather than travel abroad is another sustainable travel trend that looks set to rise. With the devastating figures surrounding the global climate crisis, brought to light by eco-warrior Greta Thunberg, and the scientific consensus that climate change is caused by human activity , many people are choosing to ditch foreign travel in favour of more sustainable getaways in their home country.

In 2018, figures reported by Travelodge showed that around 57% of Britons were planning a staycation in the UK. Add that to the Microgapping campaign by VisitBritain – a campaign to persuade Millennials to spend their gap year in the UK – and it’s no wonder that we’ve become known as the ‘staycation nation’.

Reducing Single-Use Plastic

If travellers are choosing to venture abroad, they are attempting to be more sustainable by making eco-conscious choices when it comes to single-use plastic. With figures showing that there may be more plastic in the oceans than fish by the year 2050 , many of us are choosing to use reusable products such as water bottles, coffee cups, tote bags and straws instead of single-use versions that have become commonplace in our throwaway society.

Airlines have been receiving pressure from travellers for years to reduce their use of non-recyclable plastic on planes, and 2018 saw Portuguese company, Hi Fly, become the first to introduce a completely single-use plastic-free flight .

Infamous low-cost airline Ryanair has even pledged to remove all non-recyclable plastic from their head office, bases and planes by 2020, an initiative which may come as a surprise after hearing Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary’s comments that he “does not accept climate change is real” . These introductions are music to their ears of environmentalists who have been campaigning for a reduction of single-use plastic in the travel industry and show an ever-increasing need to listen to the worrying statistics surrounding climate change.

Top 5 Sustainable Travel Destinations

If you want to be a more responsible traveller but are wondering which are the best destinations for sustainable travel, our top five are a good place to start!

Costa Rica has long been a frontrunner when it comes to sustainable travel, with the country offering a plethora of eco-lodges and a strong focus on responsible tourism and wildlife protection. Many of the activities offered by travel companies in Costa Rica place an emphasis on enjoying the natural world without negatively impacting it in any way. This includes hiking, surfing, wildlife safaris and ziplining as well as building lodges into and around natural environments so that guests can soak up the outstanding natural beauty of the country.

The Costa Rica Tourist Institute (ICT) has had a Sustainability Certification Program in place since 1997 (long before the climate crisis was the buzzword that it is today), to ensure that businesses complied with a sustainable model of the natural, cultural and communal reserve management. Their manifesto states that the tourist industry should show a “balanced intention to use appropriately our natural and cultural resources, to improve the quality of life of local communities and to obtain economic success in the activity, which will also contribute to the national development”.

This eco-friendly country has been a beacon of hope and inspiration for other countries wishing to implement sustainable strategies and they continue to push forward with actions to help reduce climate change.

If you’re looking for a country with incredible sustainable travel options, then Costa Rica may well be the one for you!

New Zealand

Similarly to Costa Rica, New Zealand has had sustainable tourism at the forefront of its mind for years. This dedication to the sustainable travel industry in the country can be seen through the Sustainable Tourism Goals and Commitments which include pledges like ‘championing ecological restoration initiatives’ and ‘measuring, managing and minimising their environmental footprint’.

Thanks to New Zealand’s natural beauty and booming outdoor activity industry, travellers can enjoy a whole host of adventures without remotely damaging the environment. These activities include luging (gravity-powered go-karts), bungee-jumping, hiking and kayaking, all of which are favourites among locals and tourists alike.

New Zealand’s sustainable commitments also include the notion of education by encouraging businesses to actively engage with their visitors and communities on the importance of restoring, protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s natural environment.

Slovenia is now well and truly on the sustainability map and it should be top of your list if you’re seeking an eco-friendly destination in Europe. Ever since Slovenia was declared the world’s most sustainable country back in 2016, ticking off a whopping 96 out of 100 sustainability indicators, it has become a firm favourite for those searching for outstanding natural world experiences.

The Ministry of Economic Development and Technology in Slovenia said that the development of sustainable tourism was a key commitment in the development strategy for 2012-2016 and they most definitely proved that it was possible.

Ljubljana, the country’s capital, has made leaps and bounds towards being more sustainable over the past decade, with the introduction of the Bicike (LJ) system (free bicycle-sharing) and making the city centre a car-free zone. Not only does this make the city more environmentally friendly but it becomes a safer and more appealing travel destination too.

Visitors wishing to discover some of Slovenia’s spectacular scenery should plan to combine a trip to Ljubljana with time exploring Lake Bled, the stunning Soča Valley and the remote Kočevje region where you can witness brown bears in the wild.

Tourism in Iceland has exploded over the last few years not least thanks to budget-airline Wow Air operating cheap services between Iceland, Europe, Asia, and North America. While this popularity has mainly been because people want to experience the magic of the natural world (think: glaciers, waterfalls and the Northern Lights), this increase in footfall has led to pressure being put on the local infrastructure and natural environment.

In response to this increased demand and subsequent environmental impact, over 300 Icelandic tourism companies have declared a country-wide responsible tourism initiative that aims to enable tourism to thrive while at the same time lessening the impact on the environment. The harmony between the two is the key here and it shows that the answer to the climate crisis doesn’t necessarily have to mean stopping travel altogether, rather that it is about travelling responsibly and taking conscious action towards a better future.

St. Kitts and Nevis

Despite being a small island destination, St. Kitts and Nevis have made significant steps towards managing sustainable tourism growth and raising local awareness of the importance of sustainable tourism practices. In 2012 the St. Kitts Ministry of Tourism partnered with Sustainable Travel International to evaluate their current practices and see where improvements could be made. Throughout this process, the island aimed to ensure tourism development preserved and benefitted the environment, culture, heritage, and community livelihoods through campaigns, waste management and sustainable business initiatives.

The awareness of sustainable tourism has grown massively in the years since the introduction of these development initiatives and it’s fantastic to see local groups putting sustainable action into place. Examples of this include converting the old sugar railway into a hiking and biking trail, implementing a recycling programme and organising regular beach clean-ups.

What Type Of Resorts And Trips Are Available For Sustainable Travellers?

When looking into where to stay and what resorts and trips are available to sustainable travellers, there are a number of things you might want to consider. Firstly, you’ll want to look at the environmental ethos of a company or hotel, checking out whether they used sustainable materials when building the property and how this impacted the local surroundings . Secondly, you’ll want to look at their consideration of single-use plastics, water usage and respect for local culture , and lastly their preservation of natural resources, contribution to the economic well-being of the community and employment of the local people . All of these things play crucial roles in ensuring that resorts are not only environmentally friendly but are also sustainable in line with the social and economic pillars.

In addition to the type of resort you stay in, you may want to look into the different styles of travel available such as slow travel, mindfulness retreats, responsible wildlife holidays and voluntourism to see where you can lessen your impact on the planet while also having a positive effect on the local community.

We here at Me Time Away aim to create getaways that allow guests to be conscious both of themselves and the environment, by choosing eco-friendly accommodation options, using locally-sourced fresh produce and always remembering to keep the relationship between humanity and the natural environment at the forefront of our actions.

20 Ways To Travel More Sustainably

So now you have more of an understanding about what sustainability is and why it is important, you may be wondering what steps you can take towards becoming a more sustainable traveller. Well, we’re here to tell you that is easier than you might think to make green choices.

Before You Go:

1. use ecosia when searching.

The quickest and easiest way that you can be more sustainable when thinking about planning your next adventure is to use an eco-friendly search engine such as Ecosia . Ecosia is the search engine that uses the profits made by our searches to plant trees. This is at absolutely no expense to the searcher and yet they, and everyone else get to benefit from the increased carbon-dioxide-gobbling, oxygen-providing goodness of trees! You can easily make Ecosia your default search engine, or pin it to your start screen so that you know you are doing your little bit for the planet each time you surf the web.

2. Look For Companies Who Focus On Sustainable Practices

The next thing that you can do to ensure you are a more sustainable traveller is to do your research about travel companies and airlines to see what they are doing to tackle climate change and work towards a more responsible and sustainable travel industry. It can sometimes be hard to understand some of the jargon surrounding sustainable tourism (as we’ll touch on next), but hopefully, this article has helped you have a better idea of what you want to be looking out for when planning a holiday.

One simple thing you can do to check a company’s ethos is to look out for accreditations from governing bodies such as GSTC, Rainforest Alliance, EarthCheck and Green Tourism Business Scheme (UK). If you’re struggling to find the information you need or feel that the content isn’t clear enough, don’t hesitate to contact a company directly to ask about their sustainable practices and credentials.

3. Watch Out For Greenwashing

Greenwashing is a form of PR or marketing in which a company tries to persuade the public that their products, policies or practices are environmentally friendly, or “green”, by using unsubstantiated claims or language framing to their advantage. This is something that happens in a variety of industries from fast fashion to beauty products, and the travel industry is no stranger to a bit of greenwashing either!

Greenwashing can be difficult to identify and police and therefore it is vital that you check the facts before believing what you read on a company website. You can find out whether a hotel or tour operator is accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (an independent body that manages sustainable tourism certification) or check out country-specific criteria and certification around sustainability.

4. Try To Book Direct Flights (If At All)

Another thing to consider when planning your trip is the mode of transport required to get to your chosen destination. It may be that you do not actually need to fly to get to your destination and that taking other forms of public transport would be much greener and perhaps even cheaper! If you do need to fly, try to seek out the most direct route possible, avoiding extra changes or layovers wherever possible. According to NASA, take-off and landing are thought to produce as much as 25% of the total carbon emissions for flights , with taxiing taking up the majority of that, so reducing the number of times you take off and land during any one trip will help to lessen your impact on the planet.

5. Plan Slow Travel

With the rise of low-cost travel and the gig economy making the Digital Nomad life both possible and appealing, there has been a rise in what is called ‘ Binge Flying ’- travelling more than is necessary simply because it’s available.

It seems fairly obvious to state that multi-stop journeys have more of an environmental impact than single destination trips, but many of us are guilty of hopping on a plane without even thinking about the consequences.

Instead of planning an adventure where you flit from place-to-place, why not organise a single stop trip with minimal travel to ensure that your getaway is as sustainable as possible? Wellness and mindfulness retreats allow you to be still and connect with nature, making the most of your environment by taking part in activities that do not have a negative impact on the planet such as walking, meditation, local cooking classes and yoga in wonderful natural shalas.

6. Pack Light

The more you pack, the more a plane, train or car has to carry and the more fuel that is consumed and pumped out into the atmosphere. It, therefore, goes without saying that packing light is good for the environment.

You can save on space and weight by taking eco-friendly toiletries such as shampoo bars or deodorant blocks in place of bottles, or why not tick off two sustainable boxes by waiting until you’re in-country to buy products from local shops? This allows you to give back to the local economy while also saving weight and fuel consumption in your luggage.

When Travelling:

7. fly economy.

When you think about the fact that a business or first-class seat takes up around three-to-five times as much space as an economy flight , it’s not surprising the learn that those flying in these premium classes have a much higher carbon footprint than those flying economy. Add to this the carbon footprint of the exotic food and wine flown in for business and first-class flyers as well as lounges, creature comforts and additional extra perks and you have a whole lot more environmental impact than you do when travelling in economy.

Many airlines have already reduced their offering of throwaway freebies such as headphones, toiletries and face cloths, and with more pressure from the public about the environment it is likely that their single-use plastic policies will change too.

8. Travel Overland (And On Public Transport Where Possible)

If you do have to travel between destinations when you’re away, try to consider the greenest form of transport possible. While taking a private car or plane may save you a little time, it is no doubt doing more damage to the environment than a local bus, shared minibus or train.

Time away from home can be a great opportunity to think about your health – while you’re free from day-to-day routines and pressures – so why not choose to walk or cycle shorter distances instead of hopping in a taxi or tuk-tuk?

9. Avoid Large Resorts And All-Inclusives

When choosing where to stay while you’re away, try to remember the three pillars of sustainability (as mentioned above). Choosing small, local guest houses and hotels is nearly always a more sustainable option both in terms of the environment (large swathes of natural land haven’t been taken up to build new resorts) and in terms of the local economy (you’re putting money into the country and local community rather than to a faceless global corporation).

Unfortunately, all-inclusive are a fairly unsustainable way to go too. While all-inclusive resorts may seem better on the budget, they very rarely put money back into the local community (buying wholesale, Westernised food and discouraging you from eating out locally) and they are known for their extreme waste (often providing way more food than is necessary which is subsequently thrown away).

10. Go Camping

Arguably the most sustainable form of accommodation is camping, providing you bring all the gear you need and take everything with you when you finish. Camping leaves no carbon footprint at all and really allows you to make the most of the great outdoors. There’s something special about sitting around a campfire with friends before listening to the sounds of the forest while you drift off to sleep!

11. Eat Locally

One of the best tips for following all three of the pillars of sustainability is to eat locally. Not only is your food likely to have been sourced from nearby (local and seasonal), but you are getting a taste of local culture while also putting back into the economy.

Stepping into restaurants or street food markets where there are locals eating is the very best way to enjoy an authentic travel experience. Either try your hand at asking what the vendor recommends (bonus points if you try in the native language!) or pick something that someone else is eating and see what comes out!

12. Leave No Trace

The “leave no trace” mantra should really apply to your daily life wherever you are in the world and it’s just as important when you’re in holiday mode. Littering is a sure-fire way to have a negative impact on the planet, whether that be because your rubbish ends up in the ocean, goes to landfill or worse, is eaten by some poor unsuspecting creature who may be injured or poisoned in the process!

If you can try to remember the motto “take only photographs, leave only footprints” while travelling then you’ll be well on your way to a greener, more eco-friendly travel experience.

13. Save Water

While it can be tempting to slip into holiday mode and treat ourselves to extravagant, long showers while we’re away, it is important to consider that clean running water takes a lot of energy to produce. It is also worth pointing out that not everywhere in the world is lucky enough to have a constant, clean water supply, with countries like South Africa struggling massively with water shortages, even in 2019!

Therefore, being present and mindful about the water we consume, is an easy way to be a more environmentally-friendly traveller.

14. Take And Use Reusables

While packing light is important, it’s a good idea to make space for your travel reusables such as a water bottle, metal straw, bamboo cutlery or KeepCup. You’ll be surprised how much these come in handy while on the road and you’ll feel much better about picking up a tasty snack to-go if it doesn’t have to come hand-in-hand with polystyrene packaging and plastic knives and forks!

Water filter bottles such as WaterWell and LifeStraw are also fantastic options for those travelling to countries where you can drink the tap water. These bottles are designed to filter out over 99% of waterborne parasites and bacteria so you can ensure you have fresh, drinkable water wherever you are without having to rely on buying hundreds of plastic bottles!

15. Buy Local And Handmade Souvenirs

Just like eating locally, shopping local is a much more sustainable way to purchase gifts and souvenirs while travelling. Although some markets will try to flog cheap, mass-produced products that have been made in China, if you look a little harder, you’re bound to come across some wonderful, unique items that are being hand-made in-country. These may be hand-whittled wooden crafts, beaded jewellery, hand-dyed fabrics or pieces of art and will serve as a much more authentic reminder of your trip than some generic keyring or magnet.

16. Avoid Items Made Using Animal Products

When shopping locally, it is important to check what items are made from before purchasing, as in some countries it is still common to see products made from ivory or turtle shell, materials that are often unsustainably sourced by harming or killing animals in the process. It is, therefore, best to avoid these products entirely to ensure that you are playing no role in the supply-and-demand chain for these unethical materials.

17. Only Choose Responsible Wildlife Tourism Operators

Wildlife, by its very nature, is unpredictable which is part of the thrill and excitement of safaris or wildlife-focused trips. Therefore, if any tour operator promises up-close encounters or interactive experiences this should come as a bit of a red flag. You shouldn’t want to feed, touch or alter the behaviour of animals in any way, rather witness them in their natural environment and learn about how you can help conserve and protect them to ensure the longevity of the species.

This also goes for snorkelling and diving, doing your best to avoid touching fish or coral when underwater and trying to wear marine-friendly sunscreen (not containing titanium dioxide) wherever possible.

After Travelling:

18. spread the sustainable message.

After you’ve taken your first mindfully sustainable trip abroad (and seen how easily you can make a difference), you’ll no doubt want to start spreading the message far and wide to enable others to make little changes that can help make a big difference to the planet. Sharing your experiences with friends and family is a good way to get people talking and thinking about sustainable travel.

19. Put Pressure On Businesses And Governments

While all the little things you do personally can add up to great things, the real way to make impactful changes to the planet in terms of sustainability is to get businesses and governments on board with your way of thinking. While it may seem obvious that green initiatives and responsible travel should be top of the list of priorities right now (hello climate change!) the only way that the government and businesses are going to change is if we put pressure on them to do so. The more they know that consumers want sustainable options, the more likely they are to put their money where their mouth is.

20. Off-Set Your Carbon Emissions

Last but not least is carbon offsetting. The average carbon footprint of a person in the UK is 6.5 tonnes and 11 tonnes per person in other industrialised countries. Offsetting your carbon is, therefore, an important part of being an environmentally-friendly traveller. You can do this by simply planting trees (if you have some land spare yourself), or by choosing a responsible carbon offsetting company. CarbonFootprint.Com allows you to calculate the carbon footprint of your recent trip and then pay to offset the carbon emissions via worldwide projects that work to plant trees and increase biodiversity.

Hopefully, by now, you have a greater understanding of what sustainable travel is all about and how you can make small changes that will have a big impact on the planet. Let us know your thoughts about climate change and sustainable travel in the comments below.

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Sustainable Travel

This month we want to talk about sustainable transport, to encourage everyone to reduce their carbon footprint and offer some simple ideas to promote greener ways for your guests and visitors to reach you.

August 2019

These feet are made for walking . . .

Firstly, a few stark statistics to get the issue of transport into perspective.

• Flying is by far the most lethal form of transport in terms of carbon emissions: a round trip from New York to California generates 20% of the greenhouse gases emitted by a car over a whole year.
• Transport systems account for 20-25% of the world’s energy consumption and carbon emissions, with road transport a major contributor also to local air pollution.
• Currently 95% of the energy used by transportation comes from petroleum.
• The Mayor of London has pledged that by 2041, 80% of all Londoners’ trips will be made by foot, cycle or public transport.

If air travel is the most damaging in terms of emissions, road travel must be next in line.  But there are plenty of ways to lessen the impact, from the manufacture of lighter buses to changing driving style, reducing tyre friction and of course, the purchase of electric, hybrid and hydrogen-fuelled vehicles, whether for commercial, public or private use. 

Electric rail and tram travel is a solid sustainable option with cycling and walking coming out top in so many ways – zero carbon emissions and health promoting at the same time.  That’s why we suggest if you run a tourism business, whether that’s hospitality based or a visitor attraction, it’s a great idea to encourage visitors to arrive by bike, on foot, or via public transport, with incentives and facilities to back up your pro-green travel values.

There’s no doubt that holidaying locally or at least in your home country, reducing distances travelled and minimising air travel cuts your carbon levels significantly.  Visiting a small geographical area and exploring it thoroughly, by foot, bike or even on horseback is infinitely better for the environment and communities than hopping between major destinations hundreds of miles apart.  Reinforcing this attitude is a great way for Green Tourism members to attract new and repeat business because more and more visitors are now actively looking at sustainability credentials when planning a trip.

Promote activities to your visitors that support local enterprises and do the least damage environmentally: suggest kayaking rather than going on a speedboat tour, for example, or incentivise guests to leave their cars once they’ve arrived by offering a discount on bike hire schemes – this kind of initiative is also a positive way to establish partnerships with like-minded tourism providers in your area.

Lastly, why not take advantage of a brilliant way to encourage electric car use: contact our member Brite Technical Services on [email protected] , and they can help you with funding application towards the cost of purchasing and installing a home charging point – it’s called the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme and is well worth considering if you have a tourist attraction where people come in their cars.

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The awareness campaign to make travel matter.

• January 8, 2021

Travel Matters

My name is Karen Simmonds and I’m the founder of Travel Matters and the Make Travel Matter campaign . I set up my business 21 years ago and the campaign over 11 years ago. Along with my team, we learn, as well as share, best practices within the travel industry.

At Travel Matters, we make it our business to not only organise holidays which minimise on negative impact whilst maximising on quality. But to educate our customers as to how they can continue to make a difference in their future adventures.

We encourage our clients to understand responsible tourism , which we believe is what people do to achieve sustainable tourism . We want people to consider the holistic cost of travelling – financial, environmental, as well as social costs. We advocate that travel should be transforming, creating positive impressions for guests and hosts alike!

In this article

Creating awareness and stimulating debate, giving back to the travel industry, equipping travellers with skills and knowledge, people’s understanding has a positive impact, focus on organic growth, travel as privilege.

“Make Travel Matter” is an awareness campaign to help travellers as well as industry peers. It helps them think about what sustainable travel should look like. We have organised events and developed a guide highlighting the issues of responsible tourism, discussing the social and economic benefits to the communities they are visiting.

We seek to create awareness and stimulate debate about sustainable tourism practices, be it better volunteering or environmental issues and fair trade. We endeavour to demonstrate our commitment to sustainable travel with our charity partners, among others:

• Travel Foundation
• Trees for Cities
• Equality in Tourism

When Travel Matters reached its 10th birthday, I wanted to give back to the travel industry that had served me so well. It’s quite memorable when you hit milestones such as celebrating a decade. It was whilst I was on a boat on the River Ganges at Varanasi, India that I reflected how I could do that. I sensed the words and instruction Make Travel Matter and thereafter, I created the campaign.

I have been in the travel industry since having left school. I’ve been blessed to travel extensively. Meeting new people, learning and developing from what travelling has taught me, broadening my understanding on life has motivated me to share, educate and inspire others with what I have learnt from my experiences . I want to see a fairer more responsible travel industry which is sustainable for the future.

It is for that reason, we have created a website called Make Travel Matter, providing responsible travel tips to our clients as to how they can make their travel matter. We partner and collaborate with organisations whose values align with ours. It’s work in progress and highly satisfactory.

The Make Travel Matter campaign essentially equips travellers with the skills and knowledge they need to be socially, economically and environmentally responsible in the destinations they visit. A large part of our website is dedicated to this, encouraging people to explore how their travel behaviour can benefit the communities they are visiting.

We make practical suggestions of how travellers can have a positive impact whilst staying in the countries. We guide and encourage our clients to investigate the practices of the travel partners we work with as well as the charities we support. Every holiday we sell, we plant a tree with our charity partners Trees for Cities as well as make financial contributions to the Travel Foundation and Equality in Tourism to name a few.

When Make Travel Matter was set up, I knew it was a pioneering method to engage travellers about travelling more responsibly. It is important that any engagement is not done in a preachy manner but with gentle nudges, suggestions and advice. I am inspired to see more travel companies adopt and adapt responsible travel practices in their business models.

The business is now over 21 years old. That in itself is a good result. I feel the result of the campaign has highlighted some excellent principles within our business practice and Make Travel Matter campaign. We have had to evaluate our corporate social responsibility policies and how others benefit from our work.

Our staff and clients understand and believe in the Make Travel Matter ethos and are committed to support what it stands for. We work tirelessly to learn, share and stimulate travellers’ interest in sustainable tourism practices and only work with organisations and companies who share the same ethos. Over the years we have built an established reputation in our locality and more recently in other countries through our global partnerships and collaborations.

We continue to innovate and inspire day by day and welcome fresh input and opportunities. We have won several awards for the business as well as the campaign and feel encouraged that the vision and people’s understanding is having positive impact across the global travel industry as well as traveller’s decision making.

Being a small business and team, getting amplification of the Make Travel Matter message and campaign was the hardest of all. We only have a certain area of reach without having external financial investment to help us. The campaign grew slowly and organically. The latter I have found it to be slightly frustrating, as I am an individual who likes to see instant results.

However, with the acceleration of digital media over the last decade, we have been able to get coverage and more PR, so the principles of the campaign are being adapted by other industry peers as well as travellers learning about what we do as a business. Looking back, I should have been bolder to ask for help sooner and collaborate with individuals and businesses that share the same ideas, and whose values and ethos align with ours.

Our campaign promotes travel as a privilege. Our aim is to encourage people to make more conscious decisions during their travels and to be more pro-active in relation to the idea of protecting the environment and the communities they encounter along the way. Our wish is to make people’s travels really matter, and we want the travel experience to be complete with the involvement of learning from the local community .

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Great job there, please keep it up ????????

Very supportive and i would like to be a part of the the Ride 4Rangers campaign. Thanks Travel matters for spearheading this cause!. Would be great to link up. Will be happy to donate.

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Travel sustainably

Become a responsible traveller in czechia, it’ll be a breeze, czechia is perfect for sustainable travel. here’s why, walking trails.

Czechia has one of the densest and best-marked networks of hiking trails in the world. You can walk 40,000 kilometres of well-connected trails. Czech Tourist Club members have been working continuously on their perfect marking voluntarily since the 19th century.

Train travel

The railway network in Czechia is the densest in Europe! On average, there are 120 km of track for every 1,000 km2. You can reach even the most remote parts of the country by train. Moreover, train travel here is the most affordable in Europe! No wonder Czechs are among the most avid train users in Europe - on average they travel by train 17 times a year.

Green capital

Prague, the Czech capital, is one of the greenest cities in the world. Year after year, it tops the rankings of the world's metropolises with the highest concentration of greenery per capita. According to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization's Green Cities Index, Prague is even the world leader in this regard!

Prague public transportation

The Czech capital boasts the 2nd best public transport system in the world! Especially the great tram and bus service in Prague as well as the impressive metro system were highlighted within the survey.

Healing natural resources

Few places in the world use natural resources for the treatment of various diseases as extensively as in Czechia. The abundance of thermal and mineral springs, peat, mud and peat bog, mineral gases, and specific climatic conditions is the reason why the Czech spa industry has such a long and solid tradition.

Nature reserves and parks

17 % of Czechia is covered by 4 national parks, 26 protected landscape areas, and more than 2,000 other protected areas. The largest national park in Czechia - the Šumava Mountains - together with the Bavarian Forest National Park in Germany form one of the largest continuously forested areas in Central Europe.

Fish pond farming

Since the Middle Ages, Czechia has been a fish farming power. You can even find the world’s largest pond here! However, ponds are not just for breeding fish. They are beneficial for the environment, biodiversity and local communities. Ponds hold water when there’s enough of it, and then continuously release it into the surroundings – they help prevent floods.

Czechia has one of the cheapest and most efficient waste sorting and recycling systems in the world. 73% of Czechs sort waste, having access to more than 272,000 sorting containers, located on average 90 metres from their homes. More than 90 % of paper ends up in the right container!

Voluntary tree planting

Czechs bring life back to their landscapes! 10 million newly planted trees outside the forest by the end of 2025 - this is the goal of the Planting for the Future initiative, which with the help of 78,000 volunteers has planted more than 3.7 million trees so far!

HOW TO TRAVEL MORE SUSTAINABLY IN CZECHIA

1. stay in eco-conscious accommodation.

2. In hotels - do as you would at home

3. Eat local, shop local

4. Create eco-friendly activities plan

5. Bag it and bin it

Protected Areas

6. get around with low carbon emissions.

How to get around Czechia sustainably

7. discover czechia out of high season.

Experience authentic Czechia. Come in the off season

8. stay longer, 9. book direct flights.

10. Travel light

11. No more plastic

12. Contribute to the restoration of nature

Donate or plant! For greener Czechia

Germany’s ‘Feel Good’ campaign boosts sustainable travel

The COVID-19 pandemic has made travellers around the world even more concerned about sustainability. Unspoilt nature, careful use of resources and a focus on wellbeing are gaining in importance. The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is picking up on this trend and expanding the scope of its ‘Feel Good’ campaign in 2021. The GNTB is promoting Destination Germany’s wide range of sustainable tourism offerings.

The ‘Feel Good’ initiative illustrates the various sustainable tourism offerings across the country, while providing guidelines on how to still visit the natural landscapes, urban attractions, and historical sites that Germany is popular for. An area of dialog, almost 58 per cent of Indian consumers are aware of the various implications currently impacting the environment, with interest in information on health and the environment are high on their agenda and making sustainable trips to the cities and wider regions without having to compromise on safety or fun according to a study by GlobalWebIndex (GWI).

Petra Hedorfer, CEO of the GNTB said: “The latest Sustainability Report by Booking.com shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated the shift in travellers’ values towards wellbeing, sustainability and social responsibility. 83 per cent of the respondents from the 30 countries surveyed believe that sustainable travel is vital, while 61 per cent said that the pandemic has made them want to travel more sustainably in the future. This shift in customer expectations demonstrates that we are on the right track with our long-term strategy to position sustainability as a facet of the Destination Germany brand. The ‘Feel Good’ campaign in the international source markets showcases sustainable, high-quality products with the aim of boosting the restart of inbound tourism.”

“Germany’s towns, cities and regions are alive, and enjoys an excellent position based on the perception of Germany when it comes to sustainability. The things that are worth protecting are preserved and breaking a new ground in sustainable tourism,” Romit Theophilus, director for India at German National Tourist Office said.

While the concept of veganism isn’t a new one, it was in 2019 that veganism started making its way into the mainstream. From consuming local vegan diets to putting up at vegan friendly hotels, many Indian travellers are embracing the idea of a vacation experience which is animal cruelty-free and are likely to book a place if it has green credentials.

‘Feel Good’ in 2021

The GNTB campaign includes a selection of cities, regions and accommodation providers that are particularly committed to sustainability in tourism. The ‘Feel Good’ campaign also showcases specific travel experiences that bring sustainable products and services at the destination to life. These experiences allow travellers to engage with locals and discover sustainability at first hand. Four clusters have been created to better outline the offerings: ‘Active Outdoors’, ‘Education and Experiences’, ‘Responsible Enjoyment’ and ‘Sustainable Experiences in Towns and Cities’. Tips for sustainable travel complement the information on offer, while a multilingual CO2 calculator enables travellers to document their trip’s emissions and offset them through their local schemes.

Eco-friendly, experience-oriented travel for all

Germany’s transport system offers plenty of options. Its network is huge with connections to remote places and regions. So, it’s perfect for seamless, eco-friendly, experience-oriented travel, not to mention a stress-free journey to the destination and a relaxing stay.

German regions and destinations always have great ideas on how their guests can explore the local area using convenient eco-friendly methods. In larger cities, for example, there are bike hire facilities, electric bikes and electric scooters available alongside the usual bus and train networks. Athletic tourists will be pleased to hear that buses and trains stop at the best remote cycle paths and hiking routes. If you’ve left your own bike at home, you can hire trekking or mountain bikes one can even choose electric ones. Visitors can also get out on the water on paddleboards, canoes or kayaks some places even have climate-neutral solar-powered boats.

Commitment to sustainability

As a premium partner, Deutsche Bahn is heavily involved in delivering the ‘Feel Good’ campaign. Germany’s national rail provider has initiated numerous measures to protect the climate, nature and resources, reduce noise pollution and meet its sustainability goals.

GNTB to focus on sustainable inbound tourism at ATM 2023

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14 sustainable travel companies you can feel good about booking with

Do some good while seeing the world when you book with these ethical and sustainable travel companies

While we don’t want to labour on the negatives, you don’t need to be an expert or activist to understand that we are in a climate pinch. It seems a little contradictory to fear for the future while excitedly encouraging international travel, but we humans are an innovative bunch. Exploring the globe doesn’t need to be devastating, and being a responsible traveller doesn’t mean lectures and negativity. Whether you call it eco-travel, sustainable, ethical, regenerative or eco-travel, there is plenty to get excited about.

An increasing number of sustainable travel companies are creating itineraries that allow curious minds to see the world while keeping the impact down. The experiences are awe-inspiring, from hiking remote mountaintops to embracing the world’s most impressive national parks, allowing visitors to engage with destinations in a way that extends far beyond the superficial. If you’re looking for an ethical and environmentally driven travel company for your next adventure, look no further.

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Sustainable travel companies

1.  Byway Travel

In an ambitious mission statement, UK travel platform Byway declares that its goal is to make flight-free holidays a mainstream holiday choice. Their way of doing so? By helping people discover the beauty of slow, overland travel across the British Isles and Europe . Founder and CEO Cat Jones launched the now B Corporation-certified company during the first Covid lockdown, determined to find a way to reduce flight emissions. Her explanation was simple: If we continue on the current trajectory, emissions from flying are due to triple by 2050. 

2.  Gondwana Ecotours

Named after the ancient supercontinent that gradually split to become the land masses we recognize today, Gondwana Ecotours says its mission is to bring people from different continents closer together, one trip at a time. The New Orleans -based company specializes in small group and private tours that take on exhilarating experiences around the globe, such as gorilla trekking in Rwanda and eco-adventures in Patagonia and Mendoza.

A key component of Gondwana is its network of guides who live in the communities visited, adding personal knowledge, depth and authenticity to the experience while providing tourism-generated income. The company is also committed to limiting its carbon footprint through sustainable travel practices and is recognized for offsetting more than 580 tons of carbon emissions. Since 2021, its tours have been 100-percent carbon-neutral, as certified by the Cooler emissions tracking organization.

3.  Intrepid Travel

Australian-owned Intrepid has always been forthright in declaring its commitment to ethical and responsible practices. In 2018, it became one of the first global travel operators to be B Corporation-certified. Since 2010, it has been operating as the world’s largest carbon-neutral company, carefully measuring and offsetting all unavoidable carbon emissions for 13 years. 

Their trips are just as impressive. From 15-day expeditions traversing the extraordinary gorges and remote villages of northern Pakistan’s Hunza Valley to nine-day itineraries centred around baby gorilla naming ceremonies in Rwanda’s spectacular Volcanoes National Park, Intrepid offer true bucket list travel adventures suited to guests of all interests and abilities. In 2020, as a part of the Tourism Declares A Climate Emergency initiative, the company published a seven-point climate commitment plan – revealing its intention to transition to 100% renewable energy use in offices by 2025 and on all trips by 2030.

4.  Experience Travel Group

Operating on the belief that ‘travel should be about reciprocation’, Asia travel specialist Experience Travel Group holds responsible travel at its core, enabling guests to interact with the community and experience real cultural immersion on every trip. Another B Corporation-certified company, the team is dedicated to creating experiences that divert away from trendy hubs and big hotels. Instead, they build personalised itineraries with initiatives to give back to the community included in the package. 

On adventures in Indonesia , Laos, Cambodia , Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam , for example, guests can enjoy delicious local dishes at ‘social enterprise’ restaurants that support vulnerable young people through job training and employment. In Cambodia, a trip to the Phare Circus in Siem Reap sends funds directly to a performing arts school for underprivileged children in nearby Battambang. A three-day hike along sections of Sri Lanka ’s Pekoe Trail follows the old horse and cart routes that carried tea to the ports, bringing vital income to little-visited communities. 

5.  Seacology

In 1990, American ethnobotanist Dr Paul Cox was conducting forest research in Samoa when village leaders told him 30,000 acres of pristine rainforest were about to be logged due to a government decree to fund a school. Cox was horrified and quickly devised a proposal to raise the needed money to conserve the forest in perpetuity. His plan worked and has come to define the Seacology model: Provide material benefits to villages that pledge to protect their natural resources.

Today, Seacology offers unique ecotourism adventures throughout the world’s islands, where travelers visit active projects, interact with local people and are part of the formula that helps conserve both habitats and communities. Seacology guests also explore intriguing island environments, from the coral reefs of  Fiji to the rainforests of Borneo, while staying at well-appointed resorts and visiting important cultural sites. With all this tropical splendour, expect plenty of opportunities to scuba dive, snorkel, hike and kayak.

6.  Discover Corps

Discover Corps is the leader in the rapidly growing field of 'volunteer vacations' focusing on children, schools, animals and wildlife conservation. Yes, 'voluntourism' has often become a buzzword to cash in on thinly veiled claims, earning criticism and scrutiny over the years. However, Discover Corps operates with complete transparency and has become something of a gold standard for the model.

Trip itineraries are designed to connect travellers to local communities and provide a deeper understanding of the culture, issues, and ways of life in locations around the world. Many projects are in Africa , Asia , and Latin America and can range from caring for elephants in Thailand to helping to protect the animals in South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park region.

7.  ROW Adventures

From its beginnings as a whitewater rafting company in the US's Pacific Northwest, ROW Adventures has evolved into an adventure travel company that advocates the transformative nature of human-powered experiences. According to ROW, connecting people with nature results in positive impacts, and the company adheres to conducting business in an inclusive and sustainable way while promoting social equity, environmental stewardship and accountability. Human-powered activities allow participants to fully observe the surroundings, whether white water rafting in Idaho's Salmon River, sea kayaking the orcas in Canada, or trekking across Machu Picchu.

ROW also recognizes that travel is a large contributor to the world’s carbon footprint and subsequently mitigates the impact by offsetting carbon-producing activities whenever possible. At the same time, trips also educate guests to be advocates for locations visited, with special recognition given to the awareness of Indigenous communities and honouring their legacies, lives and connections to the land.

8.  Natural Habitat Adventures

Conservation through exploration is the credo of Natural Habitat Adventures , the official travel partner of the World Wildlife Fund. Nat Hab, as it’s called, is committed to environmentally friendly nature travel, stressing that its travellers become a force for change in addressing the planet's most pressing conservation challenges. Polar bear tours in the Canadian Arctic , African safaris and South American nature tours are examples of the company’s itineraries where tourism dollars become an influential incentive for communities to protect their natural resources.

Nat Hab also acknowledges that its 8,000 annual travellers on all seven continents expend plenty of CO2. To mitigate travel’s carbon output, the company leans into offsetting measures. From 2007 to 2019, Nat Hab offset 49,418 tons of carbon dioxide and has become the world's first 100-percent carbon-neutral travel company. They’ve also provided more than $4.5 million to support WWF’s global conservation efforts and continue to give one-percent of gross sales plus $150,000 annually in support of WWF’s global mission. 

9.  Cheeseman's Ecological Safaris

Ecology safaris catering to wildlife enthusiasts looking for an in-depth nature experience is what husband-and-wife founders Doug and Gail Cheeseman envisioned when they started their namesake company in 1980. Doug, a college zoology and ecology professor, and Gail, a naturalist, turned their passion for nature into a travel company focusing on comprehensive wildlife tours all over the globe. Working with local guides and wildlife researchers, tours are designed for hardcore animal lovers who are obsessed with travel and enjoy learning about the animals they encounter.

For example, Cheeseman’s  Palau National Marine Reserve diving trip in the western Pacific Ocean offers 12 days of snorkelling, paddling, sailing and diving among the awe-inspiring tropical islands in the region.

10.  Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions co-founders Lars Wikander and Mike McDowell took the first group of commercial travellers to the North Pole in 1991, completing the first-ever tourism transit of the Northeast Passage. That inaugural expedition proved a game-changer and positioned the company at the forefront of polar explorations. In the three decades since, its polar travellers have visited remote parts of the Arctic and Antarctic. 

With the Earth’s polar regions threatened by climate change, Quark is committed to raising awareness of these delicate ecosystems through environmentally responsible tourism. A facet of that commitment is the company’s Polar Promise to reduce its footprint and work with other industry leaders, as well as guests, to address the complex and challenging issues facing the regions. Coordinating with a global network of scientists, community leaders and sustainability innovators, the company plans to contribute a minimum of $500,000 each year in support of key environmental initiatives and sustainable development projects.

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11 Top Sustainable Travel Companies That Support Eco-Friendly Tourism

These sustainable tourism companies give you endless ethical wanderlust.

Updated by Francesca Brooking

Edited & Fact Checked By Amber McDaniel

Updated September 7, 2023

We independently research all featured brands and products. To avoid waste, we test products on an as needed basis. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about why we do this here .

We love to travel—but if you’re like us, the conflicting eco-anxieties and GHGs associated with globetrotting can cast a grey cloud over your grand adventure.

For a better way to see the world, discover our favorite sustainable travel companies that enrich not only your life, but the places you visit.

From conservation projects and off-grid lodges to all-inclusive safari tours, boutique hotels and bespoke luxury itineraries that really do help the local communities, the below eco-friendly tourism companies wear their green hearts on their sleeves.

Our Curated List Of The Best Eco Tour Companies For Responsible Roaming

How can the travel industry be sustainable.

It’s no secret that the tourism industry has its fair share of ethical and environmental issues. 

Carbon and fuel-intensive flights, over tourism, exploitation, animal cruelty—the list goes on.

Not to mention tourism leakage, a process in which most of the money generated by tourism goes into the pockets of billion-dollar travel companies rather than into local communities that need it. 

However, you don’t need to hang up your suitcase for good. If done responsibly, tourism can have a profoundly positive impact on both the traveler and the destinations they visit.

With the right planning or travel companies, sustainable travel supports livelihoods and funnels your money directly into the local economy. 

It allows small businesses to flourish, funds community projects, and helps protect the environment by showcasing its economic value if left intact. 

To us, the environment is already priceless, but what we mean here is that sustainable tourism (whether solo or with the assistance of eco travel agents and tour operators) can help conserve the natural world by preventing it from being turned into farmland or apartment buildings! 

While tourism still has a long way to go, sustainable travel companies are pioneering positive change in the industry. 

From employing local guides to offering flight-free holidays and measuring their environmental and cultural impact, these tour operators make sure they benefit every destination they facilitate trips to.

Keep reading to find our top recommended environmentally conscious trips and jump to the bottom to learn what we consider when planning a trip with eco-tourism and sustainable travel in mind.

11 Eco-Friendly Tourism Companies To Book Your Vacation With

1. responsible travel.

The clue is in the name with Responsible Travel . They’ve led the way in eco-friendly vacations and ecotourism tours since the turn of the century.

This eco travel agency has over 5,000 adventures on offer to destinations all over the world.

Choose from hiking, conservation, diving, kayaking, cycling tours or head off to track snow leopards, swim with the whales or cruise Antarctica.

Responsible Travel has a give-back program, which campaigns for positive change with NGOs and activists.

Its eco travel options focus on local culture and local people, making sure your money goes to independent businesses and supports animal conservation.

You won’t find any elephant rides or exploitative practices here. In fact, they’re an excellent resource for learning about the difference between ethical and unethical wildlife experiences. 

2. &Beyond

One of the top eco-friendly travel companies for luxury safaris, &Beyond goes above and beyond investing back into the local environment. They focus on small-group and tailor-made tours in Africa, Asia, South America, and the Indian Ocean.

If you’re keen to tick off the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino), you have plenty of ethical choices with their range of responsible luxury safaris in 11 African countries with 29 camps and lodges that all employ local guides.

Search for wildlife on the Serengeti, track the great migration, explore Masai Mara national park or glide in a hot air balloon over the Namib Desert.

One example is their Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp in Botswana which has a state-of-the-art Tesla solar power plant that gives them 80% of their energy.

They also have a responsible travel policy which looks after the land, people and animals. Environmental projects in Botswana include rhino conservation, supporting local isolated communities and providing them with access to safe drinking water. 

Kynder cuts to the chase.

This eco-travel platform brings together the best hotels, cafés, bars and restaurants in Europe and the USA that are eco-friendly, humane, kind and community loving.

We’re talking kind to the planet, to staff, their locality and kind to you, too. 

Find the off-the-beaten-track places that make your sustainable trip, from coffee shops hiring only refugees to the coolest eco hotels and holistic retreats.

All hotels and hospitality establishments must pass a rigorous set of guidelines to be accepted onto their platform. 

That way, you can be confident that these small businesses are truly genuine. No greenwashing here. 

4. Undiscovered Mountains

Undiscovered Mountains is one of the top travel companies for sustainable tourism in the French Alps.

From skiing and snow-touring to building an igloo in winter to mountain biking, rock climbing and cycling in the summer, it’s all here. 

It’s possible to do horse riding, wildlife holidays, walks, kayaking and fishing holidays. Any active, outdoor adventure holiday you can think of, you will most likely find it. 

It has special packages for families and singles, so you can guarantee you’re always paying a fair price. 

Plus, Undiscovered Mountains only works with local guides, independent accommodation and responsible partners. 

Rest assured, all your hard-earned cash goes to the people who deserve it and those who help protect this stunning European mountain range.

5. Adventure Alternative

Among sustainable travel companies, UK-based Adventure Alternative is calling other mountain enthusiasts with sights set on remote, rugged adventures worldwide.

This responsible travel tour operator is based in Ireland but takes intrepid souls all over the world, from Borneo to East Africa. This is the company for you if you’re interested in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or making the trek to Everest Base Camp. 

For slightly more laid-back trips, there are also wildlife tours and safaris. 

As well as hiking and trekking, Adventure Alternative is a member of Fair Trade Volunteering. 

The sustainable travel company runs volunteering trips through Moving Mountains in various countries across the globe, which makes sure each project is needed and useful.

They also invest heavily in their whole supply chain, from local guides to community projects, and they works to a framework set by sustainable travel principles.

6. Intrepid Travel

While Intrepid Travel has been around for years, the eco-tourism operator is no slow coach when it comes to slow and sustainable trips. 

They’re not just a Certified B Corp , but the largest travel company in the world to become one.

They pride themselves on incorporating the principles of sustainable development in the way they provide travelers with authentic and real-life experiences.

Simply put, these are small group trips all over the world, from Greenland to Oman that get you up close and personal with wildlife and cultural highlights with local guides and specialist experts.

You can book cycling, sailing or wildlife trips with them, too. There are family-friendly tours, expedition cruises, women’s expeditions, tailor-made itineraries, National Geographic expeditions and budget-conscious tours for those aged 18-29. 

Whatever your travel style, you’ll find your perfect eco travel experience. 

The Intrepid Foundation also supports 50 community and conservation projects all over the world. Plus, they cover all administration costs so 100% of your donation goes directly to the project of your choosing. 

7. Kind Traveler

Kind Traveler is a socially conscious ‘Give + Get’ hotel booking platform that empowers travellers to be a force for good.

$10 goes to a local community or charity close to where you’re staying, and you’ll unlock an exclusive rate at that hotel or destination across the US and beyond.

Kind Traveler is one of a growing number of eco travel companies that want to harness the power of routine bookings we already make and use them to benefit the planet. It’s a simple yet effective way to give back when booking your trip. 

An example of one of the best traveler companies that have implemented sustainable tourism policies, Kind Traveler’s goals are aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): preventing poverty and hunger, protecting the planet, and promoting well-being for individuals and animals.

One of the top sustainable travel companies South America -bound travelers have, Aracari organizes eco-luxury holidays and boutique trips around Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador—including the Galapagos Islands.

In recognition of their ethical efforts, sustainable brand consultants Positive Luxury has awarded the tour operator the prestigious Butterfly Mark.

They’re also a favorite with Conde Nast Traveller, and their specialist guides are some of the best in the business.

They infuse all of their tours with environmental and social good, foster long-term relationships with local communities, help you reduce your environmental footprint, and ensure everyone gets paid a living wage.

Really experience Latin American culture with authentic homestays on Lake Titicaca or get access to exclusive local accommodation from Aracari’s black book of contacts that no one else has. 

For a more hands-on experience, spend time with community projects like Tierra de los Yachaqs, a philanthropic organization determined to preserve the history and traditions of local people in Peru’s Sacred Valley.

9. Rickshaw Travel

Rickshaw Travel has a whole host of independent and authentic trips that get under the skin of Southeast Asia.

Explore Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand with their ethical and impactful itineraries.

The global sustainable tour operator also offers trips to India, Japan, China, and Bhutan as well as destinations in Central and South America plus Europe and North America.

This company is all about meaningful travel experiences, meeting people and discovering unique local cultures and customs.

Choose to go trekking, discover landscapes by bike, tuck into amazing street food and meet the people that make an eco-travel trip an unforgettable experience.

Head out on a flight-free holiday with slow travel experts Byway .

This eco-friendly tour company arranges slow travel adventures across the UK and Europe by train, bike, ferry and foot – no planes in sight here. 

Their dynamic trip builder creates personal trips and tours based on your interests, while your virtual guide can assist with your journey via WhatsApp. 

Byway manages all your itinerary and bookings and comes up with the perfect sustainable tours for solo, couple, or family travelers.

We love their commitment to authentic travel without the carbon footprint of flying. 

All your accommodation is locally owned, too. Think: family-owned B&Bs and boutique hotels, all with the utmost comfort—and of course, fabulous breakfasts!

11. Earth Changers

Inspirational, transformative tourism is what’s on offer at Earth Changers , an online travel booking platform which features a list of environmental holidays whether it’s adventure, active breaks, or conservation trips. 

At the moment there are ten destinations which include the first-ever marine conservation reserve in Tanzania to Floreana, which is the smallest of the inhabited islands in the Galapagos archipelago.

You don’t have to book far-flung destinations either. Join an authentic mountain ranch in Croatia or do an adventure trip in Wales much closer to home. 

Earth Changers is a global eco-tourism project that truly has a positive impact, and you’ll get to meet world-changing pioneers along the way. 

How Did We Choose The Top Eco-Tourism Companies?

Eco-tourism and sustainable travel are often used interchangeably. 

So what is an eco-tourism company? And how does it differ from a sustainable travel company?

An eco-tourism operator tends to focus on low-impact, nature-based tours that conserve the environment through culture and education. 

Think gorilla trekking in Rwanda with Intrepid Travel, staying in an eco-lodge with Aracari or booking a conservation holiday with Earth Changers. 

Sustainable tourism is the umbrella term for eco-friendly travel. It’s based on the three pillars of sustainability: economic impact, sociocultural impact and environmental impact.

The idea is that travelers have the option to choose sustainable practices in all aspects of their trip. Kind Traveler’s hotel booking platform and Kynder are perfect examples of this. 

Let’s explore some of our essential criteria for evaluating each sustainable travel company.

Carbon Goals & Achievements: 

A truly eco travel company should prioritize carbon footprint reduction by offering flight-free alternatives, promoting train, bike, and ferry travel over flights.

If flights are part of the experience,they should be utilizing some of the best carbon offset programs to counteract the carbon footprint of those flights.

Sustainable Accommodations:

We want to explore with sustainable travel companies that curate experiences with eco-friendly hotels and restaurants, guaranteeing that your stay supports businesses that are kind to the planet and their communities.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: 

Respect for cultures being visited is an obvious essential, sustainable travel or not, but we also want companies that support local communities with meaningful cultural exchanges, fair employment of local guides, and additional investment in economic development in destination regions.

In other words, your money should be mostly staying in the community you’re visiting.

Pay It Forward:

We love to see charitable initiatives that give back to these communities in additional ways, such as supporting local conservation and social programs.

Closing Thoughts On Sustainable Tourism Companies

As you can see, eco-tourism and sustainable travel work towards creating an industry that gives back, uplifts local communities and protects fragile environments.

 They also provide you with much more authentic and rewarding travel experiences.

Have a green travel lover in your life?

Share this list of the top eco tour companies and spark their eco-friendly wanderlust.

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By Ellen Ormesher, Senior Reporter

February 21, 2023 | 7 min read

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From tackling food waste to promoting public transport, here are the sustainability campaigns you need to know about right now.

Trainline’s ad starring Craig David highlights the environmental benefits of travelling by train / Mother London

Trainline, ‘I Came By Train,’ by Mother London

The travel ticket app recently partnered with British RnB royalty, Craig David , who penned a song about the environmental benefits of traveling by train.

Taking the train instead of driving creates 70% less CO2 on average, with Jo McClintock, vice-president of brand at Trainline, saying, “the change we need to tackle the climate emergency is only going to happen if businesses do their bit to help people take steps towards more sustainable lifestyles; changing the way we move is a key part of that transition.”

Instead of using scare tactics, the campaign by Mother London uses humor and levity to offer citizens a positive alternative.

Netflix and General Motors promote electric vehicles

The partnership between the streaming and automotive giants was announced earlier this month , including a joint Superbowl campaign starring Will Ferrell.

Through the new program, Netflix will spotlight electric vehicles (EVs) of all sorts – not only GM models – in its original programming. Moreover, as it’s not a paid product placement deal Netflix creatives will be given fairly free rein on how and when EVs appear in their shows and movies.

The new deal builds on Netflix’s broader sustainability commitments, which include halving its carbon emissions by 2030, investing in carbon capture technologies, as well as funding and producing entertainment programming that focuses on advancing climate awareness and justice.

Hellmann’s tackling food waste

Back in 2021, the condiments mainstay branched out to create ‘Cook Clever, Waste Less’ With Prue & Rupy, a show broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK to help educate households on how to minimize food waste.

Then, last year, the brand took its efforts state-side with a Superbowl campaign fronted by a star-studded cast including linebacker Jared Mayo and SNL comedian, Pete Davidson, who returned for this year’s offering, which also starred Jon Hamm and Brie Larson.

We’re excited to see what comes next.

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Currys’ ‘Long Live Your Tech’

E-waste is the world’s fastest-growing source of domestic waste, according to the UN. So last year, the tech retailer launched its customer commitment scheme designed to refurbish, repair and recycle electronics and gadgets.

Just this week, Currys announced it would be trialing a circular offering, with a second-hand product range available for purchase on its site.

Currys’ head of development for the circular economy Mandeep Gobindpuri said: “In the UK, we produce the second highest amount of e-waste per capita in the world. As much as we all love brand-new tech, we need to address this challenge.”

Rather than positioning sustainability as an elite offering at an elevated price point, Currys is seeking to make tech both accessible and better for the planet.

Västtrafik, ‘Together for Reduced Emissions’ by Forsman & Bodenfors

Every day in the media, we are bombarded with new statistics, charts and graphs depicting the severity of the climate emergency. But for its most recent ad for Västtrafik, the agency responsible for public transport services in Västra Götaland, Sweden, Forsman & Bodenfors questioned whether we are missing the key messages amid an information overload.

In the ad, stats reflecting the benefits of taking public transport versus driving are recreated in a bar graph that appears in the sky, built of electric and fossil fuel cars, as well as an electric bus. By the end of the spot, viewers can see the difference in the carbon emitted by each mode of transportation.

It’s an effective way to make complex statistics not only clear but also visually exciting, as well as underpinning the positive message of the benefits of taking public transport.

And for more, you can check out The Drum’s dedicated sustainability hub here.

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How to promote sustainability through your travel brand.

In Blog , marketing , Responsible Tourism , RT Marketing .

By Tom Mcloughlin, Founder, SEO Travel

There’s been a significant increase in interest in sustainable travel in the past few years. As protecting our planet becomes an increasing priority, many travel brands have adapted their offering accordingly to offer their customers travel experiences that are more responsible and eco-friendly. 

But as well as making sustainable changes to your brand’s product or service, you should also consider how you can promote sustainability in other ways, such as through your marketing, brand values and how your business is run. In this article, we explore how you can champion sustainability through your travel brand and give actionable advice to help improve your approach.

What is Sustainable Marketing?

Sustainable marketing is defined as the process of promoting and advertising a brand in a way that preserves both natural and human resources. It’s a mindful approach that endeavours to use sustainable practices and champion sustainability as a brand’s core value, leading by example and making an effort to advertise without wasting resources.

In the travel industry, sustainability is a huge topic that more and more brands are working to support and promote. It’s impossible to escape the fact that we are facing a global climate crisis, and the travel industry definitely contributes to this.

Sustainability in marketing is just one of the ways that travel brands can support the sustainability movement and influence their customers to do the same. It not only involves sharing messages that encourage sustainable practices, but also adapting your overall approach to marketing and even your service offering so that sustainability is considered at every stage.

Why is Sustainability in Marketing Important?

Demonstrating your commitment to sustainability through marketing is important because it shows your customers that your brand actually cares about environmental issues and wants to minimise the impact that it has on the planet. Instead of just sharing empty messages about responsible travel, ensuring that your marketing approach is sustainable puts your money where your mouth is and makes a tangible difference.

Sustainable marketing campaigns are also important for brands because they can help you to grow your audience. Plenty of consumers nowadays are genuinely really concerned about the climate crisis and want to minimise their personal impact by supporting sustainable brands, and having a brand that actively promotes sustainability will help you attract more customers.

A straightforward but worthwhile benefit of sustainable marketing ideas is that they are good for the planet. We all have a responsibility to live more sustainably, and helping your brand to do this is a step in the right direction.

Sustainable marketing practices in the travel industry can also help to set a precedent that more brands feel obligated to follow suit. If you’re one of the first in your industry sector to implement a fully sustainable marketing strategy, you’ll be seen as a thought leader and hopefully influence others to follow your lead.

Finally, embodying sustainability through your brand promotion can lead to all employees feeling like their work is more meaningful. Knowing that your actions are making a positive difference increases enjoyment and engagement, which in turn can improve your reputation as an employer, increase employee retention and improve productivity at work.

8 Ways to Promote Sustainability Through Travel Marketing

There are plenty of ways that you can use your travel marketing strategy to promote sustainability. Here are eight actionable suggestions to consider adding to your approach.

Create Evergreen Sustainability Content

Responding to trends and commenting on current affairs can help to establish your travel brand as a company committed to sustainability, but you also want to ensure that you’re promoting this message outside of these situational responses. Evergreen content is content that is relevant and useful to your audience no matter when they’re engaging with it, consistently bringing traffic to your website or social media account and ensuring that your sustainability content isn’t seen as just hopping on a trend.

Examples of evergreen sustainability content include sustainable travel guides, background on your brand’s sustainability efforts, interviews with leaders or influencers working in sustainable travel, and content offering responsible travel advice or suggestions for the locations your brand targets.

Having evergreen content is a great piece of general marketing advice, but it benefits a sustainable marketing approach as well because it demonstrates a long-term commitment to the cause.

Promote Under-Visited Areas

One of the key reasons that the travel industry is failing to support sustainability is the continued promotion of destinations that have been damaged by overtourism . There are numerous different examples of popular locations that have had their resources decimated by large numbers of tourists or have lost all authentic culture because local people cannot afford to live there anymore.

Travel brands committed to sustainable marketing should avoid promoting trips and holidays to destinations that have been impacted by overtourism , or are showing signs that they may be facing the consequences of it shortly. Instead, they should adapt their offering to ensure they are promoting under-visited areas and travel experiences that have a minimal impact on the location.

You can do this through your marketing strategy by ideating ways to advertise locations that might not have the same reputation as popular holiday destinations. Some of your customers might be motivated by the idea that they’re visiting an ‘undiscovered’ part of the world, whilst others might be more inclined to book if they see that they can enjoy traditional holiday activities and attractions in a new town or city.

A huge part of sustainable travel marketing is ensuring that your business isn’t contributing to the decline of certain countries and cultures. This may mean you have to rethink your offering or face a reduction in sales whilst you adapt your approach, but the benefits of promoting more sustainable destinations are definitely worth it.

Support Local Businesses

Speaking of overtourism, one way that an influx of travel activity in a location can damage the area is that local businesses are outnumbered by brands that use large companies as suppliers and leave them with a dwindling number of customers. For example, if a beach town is suddenly flooded with new developments, restaurants and hotels might source food from elsewhere to cut costs, leaving local suppliers without any business.

A simple change that you can make to your business strategy is to review your current offering and see whether you can use local businesses to provide the same kinds of experience. Food from local farmers or suppliers is an obvious one, but what about employing local tour guides or offering your guests activities managed by local companies instead of global brands?

Your efforts shouldn’t stop there however. You can also create content that encourages your customers to visit local businesses during their trip to help support the local community and economy. Create a guide with hand-picked recommendations for shops, restaurants and activity providers and promote this in your marketing material, as well as giving every guest the information when they make a booking.

Donate to Sustainability Charities

There’s a lot that travel brands can do with their marketing approach to support sustainability, but this effort can only go so far. If you want to commit to making a real difference, consider pledging a percentage of your profits to a charity that does sustainability work so that you’re actively supporting an organisation that’s directly tackling the issue.

We appreciate that this option won’t be possible for all brands, but you could always start by making a one-off donation and pledge to start sharing your products when you reach a specific amount of revenue. 

You can also create more sustainable marketing content through this approach by encouraging your customers to also support your chosen charity. There’s potential for partnerships here, but at the very least it’s another way of demonstrating your commitment to being a sustainable travel brand.

Use Sustainable Suppliers

We’ve talked about sustainable options in the location of your brand’s offering, but what about the way that the company itself is run? 

Are you and your colleagues using bikes or public transport to get to and from work, or is everyone driving a car? Who is your office energy supplier, and does that energy come from renewable sources? Is your office equipment purchased from a sustainable supplier? Do you educate and support employees so that they can make sustainable choices outside of work?

This is an area where many travel brands fall short when it comes to sustainability in the workplace . Ensuring that you’re practising what you preach is an essential element of fully committing to sustainable practices, and supporting suppliers with similar values to help with the everyday running of your business is a great way to do this.

Partner with Sustainable Brands

In a similar vein, you can promote sustainability through your travel brand by setting up partnerships with other brands that have similar values. For example, you might not be able to provide your customers with sustainable transport options as part of your offering, but you could partner with a company that offers this.

Partnerships can work in a variety of ways; you might just share links to relevant brands with your customers, you might offer discount codes to each other’s customers, or you might collaborate on marketing content and offer packages that include both of your products or services. They’re a great way to encourage your customers to travel more sustainably and also to help your brand reach a wider audience. 

Encourage Customers to Travel Sustainably

You can encourage your customers to travel more sustainably through partnership deals, but you can also use your marketing strategy to share a lot of content offering sustainable travel tips and suggestions. This is another great way to embody your brand values and influence others, and helps to spread a wider message about sustainability that isn’t directly tied up in your offering.

This content might involve travel guides, blog posts, videos, social media posts, or even audio content like podcast episodes. You might also consider working with sustainability influencers to share advice with your audience, which has the added benefit that it will help your brand reach a wider audience.

Practice What You Preach

Our final piece of advice for promoting sustainability in marketing your travel brand is to practise what you preach. Leading by example is one of the best ways to make an impact, and your brand could face a lot of backlash if you’re found to be preaching about sustainability but not actually doing much to support it.

You can follow all of the advice we have shared above to ensure that you’re walking to walk as well as talking the talk about sustainability and travel. Remember that adopting a sustainable approach might come with its challenges and setbacks initially, but the effort that you put in has a multitude of benefits, and will hopefully be a significant step in the right direction for the whole travel industry.

Many of the ways to promote sustainability through marketing involve taking an existing marketing approach and just adapting their purpose, so if you already have a strategy in place then many of the above suggestions shouldn’t be too difficult to implement. Travel is an industry where plenty of brands are already making an effort to be more environmentally considerate and responsible, so there are plenty of examples out there in the industry that you can take inspiration from.

If you’re looking for advice on adapting or adding to your marketing strategy, get in touch with SEO Travel for a chat and to find out more about the range of marketing services that we offer. We’re a travel marketing agency that donates 100% of our profits to selected charities , so can also offer advice on using your brand as a vehicle for social change.

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Everyone can help save the planet, one journey at a time.

Its time to get moving in new ways - towards a cleaner planet, improved personal health and better personal finances.

Across Scotland various organisations have been working on initiatives to help change how we travel. These initiatives focus on making daily travel sustainable, accessible and desirable. The impact so far has seen more people walking, wheeling or cycling for shorter journeys and choosing public transport or ride shares for longer journeys. But more needs to be done to reduce our carbon emissions and improve our health.

Through the financial support of Transport Scotland these organisations can provide funding, advice, information, training, ideas and inspiration to help individuals and organisations from the private, public and charitable sectors increase their uptake of active and sustainable travel. Explore the categories to see what we do, and follow the steps below to find out what's available to you.

Paths, Cycleways & Route Building

Funding and advice is available to agencies that want to build and improve routes to encourage walking, wheeling and cycling

Public Transport & Ride Shares

Support and funding is available for projects that want to encourage people to use buses, ebikes, car clubs, community transport and car share for journeys that cannot easily be made by walking, wheeling or cycling.

Bikes, ebikes & adapted cycles

From toddlers to seniors, agencies can increase cycling rates with cycle training, installing bike racks and shelters, loans for ebikes, community bike libraries, cargo bikes for local deliveries, repair stations and bike maintenance.  

Active Travel Hubs & Info Centres

Active Travel hubs provide a single point for advice and information on getting around your local neighbourhood. They support business and organisations with technical knowledge and encourage more walking and cycling with their campaigns and challenges. They can be found in community centres, hospitals, public transport facilities. Journey planning tools for individuals and organisations can also be found online.

Campaigns, challenges and community programmes

Organisations can join in national programmes or develop their own local activities that are aimed at changing people’s travel behaviours using competitions and challenges from led-walks and led-rides to national award and certification schemes. These projects run nationally, or in local schools, businesses and communities.

Strategy, Planning & Research

For projects that are in the early stages there is support available for the developments of active travel strategies, feasibility studies, business cases, route planning, and design guidance with resource support through embedded officers

Sustainability from the Local Perspective: The Evidence from Zlatibor Tourist Center (Republic of Serbia)

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Industry leaders to gather in Stavropol to examine long-term vision of South Russia tourism sector

Resorts and tourism are two of the most attractive investment opportunities in the Stavropol region – which boasts KMV (Kavkazskye Mineralnye Vodye), recognised as the recreational and therapeutic center of Russia.

RUSSIA – The organisers of the Russia & CIS Hotel Investment Conference (RHIC) have announced they will host a regional briefing from 24-25 April in Kislovodsk, Russia, in partnership with the Stavropol region administration and Chamber of Commerce. The aim of the event is to discuss the long-term vision of the South Russia hospitality and tourism sector.

“Let’s invest in the Stavropol region” is the theme of this invitation-only event, which will bring together hotel investors, regional and international operators, developers and government officials. They will meet to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of this market and provide an intelligence update on the local hotel market for investors.

Resorts and tourism are two of the most attractive investment opportunities in the Stavropol region – which boasts KMV (Kavkazskye Mineralnye Vodye), recognised as the recreational and therapeutic center of Russia. By 2020, the Stavropol region government plans to double the size of MKV in a programme that includes modernizing existing properties and constructing of new ones. These works will be financed by private investors and will undoubtedly attract foreign capital.

“Pyatigorsk Plaza” , a sanatorium and tourist complex in the region, also offers investment opportunities. Featuring more than 6 hectares of land in the south-eastern slope of Mount Mashuk, the complex includes a B&B, a medical centre, a conference hall, a swimming pool and a restaurant. There are also plans to build a cable car connecting the sanatorium Plaza to lake Proval.

The Stavropol Government has an investment policy that will create a favourable environment for both Russian and foreign investments to the region. According to Andrey Murga , Deputy Chairman of the Regional Government: “Stavropol is a unique region of southern Russia with recreational resources and resorts dating back 200 years; it is full of rich cultural hospitality traditions. This territory offers successful development and is one of the fastest growing regions in Russia.”

“We have chosen Stavropol to host our regional briefing because we believe in the efforts of the region to invest heavily in the hospitality and tourism sector, which is expected to boost job creation in the next few years,” added Jonathan Worsley , chairman of Bench Events and co-organiser of RHIC.

RHIC 2014, which is organised by Bench Events and Questex, will take place at the Radisson Royal Hotel from 21-22 October 2014. The conference will include key participants such as: A.N.D. Corporation , ACCOR , AECOM Economics , Airports of Regions , AZIMUT Hotels , Best Western International , Capella Hotels and Resorts , Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group , CH-Group , Cushman & Wakefield , Dentons, DLA Piper , EBRD , EY , Expedia Lodging Partner Services , Gleden Invest , Hilton Worldwide, Horwath HTL Hungary & Russia, HVS , IHG , Interstate Hotels and Resorts Europe , JLL , Marriott International , Inc. , Ostrovok.ru , Regional Hotel Chain LLC , Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. , Unistroy , URBANE Group LLC , Venture Investments & Yield Management LLP , Warimpex Finanz -Und Beteiligungs AG , Wyndham Hotel Group .

Vicky Karantzavelou

Vicky  is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the  Editor-in Chief . She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.

She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.

• Vicky Karantzavelou https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/vicky-karantzavelou/ Chile's Tierra Atacama announces $12 million refresh
• Vicky Karantzavelou https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/vicky-karantzavelou/ Air Tahiti Nui joins TSA PreCheck program for expedited screening
• Vicky Karantzavelou https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/vicky-karantzavelou/ Emirates NBD, Marriott Bonvoy and Mastercard unveil two new co-brand credit cards in the United Arab Emirates
• Vicky Karantzavelou https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/vicky-karantzavelou/ London's St. James's Hotel & Club welcomes Stefano Squecco as new General Manager

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