Eco-Friendly Travel Destinations for Sustainable Tourism

Deciding to adopt a sustainable tourism ethos doesn’t mean vowing never to take another flight or travel only to off-the-radar locales. Instead, invest your wanderlust in places that are rolling out initiatives to minimize the impact of tourism on the environment.

In many ways, travel can be a force for good. Therefore, kick-start your eco-friendly escape with one of these dynamic destinations committed to sustainability. These locations feature hotels dedicated to reducing energy consumption and pioneering tours designed to give back to local communities and help wildlife thrive. Explore these eco-friendly destinations you can visit this year.

Lake Garda, Italy

Although the luxurious shores of Lake Como attract high-profile celebrities, when it comes to A-list environmentally-friendly hotspots, Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, stands out! This stunning location boasts a direct rail connection from Milan, allowing visitors to leave their cars at home.

The beautiful Lefay Resort and Spa offsets 100 percent of its CO2 emissions, with 60 percent of its energy sourced from renewable options. Moreover, its design minimizes heat and energy loss, and the vegetated roof enhances local flora and fauna. Unwind with a massage at the spa, recognized as the first in Italy to receive Ecocert’s Ecological Spa certificate.

Arosa, Switzerland

Arosa is home to Hotel Valsana, Switzerland’s first hotel heated by an “ice battery”—an innovative energy recovery system that reuses excess heat energy. This charming alpine resort village promotes sustainability through electric car charging stations, with a free public charging point in the town center.

Moreover, Arosa has earned Alpine Pearl status, recognizing its commitment to “green mobility” and eco-conscious practices.

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

A visit to the remote Galápagos Islands tops many travelers’ bucket lists. However, this isolation can involve gas-guzzling transport options. Several properties, like the Pikaia Lodge, take significant steps to protect this fragile ecosystem, offsetting the environmental cost of travel.

This innovative carbon-neutral hotel is constructed from recyclable steel, adorned with lava stone collected in compliance with approvals from the Galápagos National Park Service. The hotel also has a robust reforestation program, having planted 10,000 endemic trees and implementing rooftop rain harvesting systems for water.

Many tour operators within the Galápagos are environmentally conscious; however, do your research beforehand. Where possible, travel in smaller groups to minimize impact on wildlife and the natural environment.

Bahamas

In the Bahamas, properties such as Kamalame Cay on Andros Island take proactive measures to protect the environment, encouraging guests to dine on lionfish, an invasive species threatening the local ecosystem. Additionally, The Other Side hotel operates entirely on solar power.

Tiamo Resort emphasizes sustainability, using carefully vetted products to minimize pollution and operating rooftop solar panels for heating. Furthermore, they recruit all employees locally, supporting the Bahamian community.

Pangulasian Island, Philippines

Pangulasian Island in the Philippines is a paradise for eco-friendly travelers. This private island resort is dedicated to supporting local communities through various initiatives, including teaching traditional weaving skills to local women.

The resort operates a comprehensive nature conservation program that includes coastal clean-ups and measures to prevent illegal fishing. Additionally, Eco Reefs are installed to rehabilitate damaged marine environments, contributing to turtle conservation efforts.

Guests can participate in protecting newly hatched turtles and expand their knowledge through expert-led talks on wildlife and conservation.

Werfenweng, Weissensee, Styria, and Vienna, Austria

Werfenweng is a picturesque lakeside town changing the landscape of sustainable tourism. Visitors who arrive by train can utilize a complimentary pick-up service and obtain a Werfenweng Card, granting access to the town’s green initiatives, including e-cars and bicycles.

In Weissensee, Hotel Gralhof relies on a green energy wood chip heating system and maintains a fully organic kitchen. Additionally, the Styrian holiday resort of Ramsau promotes a collective of eco-friendly hotels and farms committed to reducing waste and championing organic produce.

Vienna exemplifies a green capital city without compromising culture. In 2019, it was voted the world’s most livable city, featuring over 2,000 parks and initiatives such as hybrid taxis and extensive cycling infrastructure.

Catalonia, Spain

Catalonia is the first entire region to achieve the Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification, recognizing its commitment to sustainable practices. Therefore, visitors can easily participate in eco-friendly tourism by choosing businesses with the EU Ecolabel, indicating high-quality, environmentally-friendly products and services.

Notable attractions include transformed coal, lead, and salt mines that have been converted into cultural and environmental areas, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s history and natural beauty.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is striving to be the world’s first carbon-neutral country, with nearly all its electricity sourced from renewable resources. The country’s leaders have even received international recognition for their impressive conservation efforts, aiming to turn coffee production, one of its largest exports, into a more sustainable process.

As Costa Rica continues on this path towards sustainability, travelers can enjoy the region’s natural beauty while supporting eco-friendly practices. Consequently, they can contribute to conserving both the environment and local communities, enhancing their travel experience in a responsible manner.