As the world becomes increasingly aware of the environmental impact of travel, more destinations are prioritising sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Here’s a guide to a few of the top destinations that support green initiatives and enable travellers to adopt habits that minimise their environmental footprint
Costa Rica is a pioneer in sustainable tourism, with a significant portion of its land protected as national parks and reserves.
Over a quarter of Costa Rica's land is designated as protected national parks and reserves, offering travellers the chance to explore pristine rainforests, cloud forests, and diverse wildlife habitats. Conservation efforts are evident in the impressive array of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, toucans and over 500,000 species of plants and animals.
Visitors can engage in eco-conscious activities such as bird watching, hiking in national parks, visiting organic coffee farms, and participating in turtle conservation projects.
Many lodges and hotels in Costa Rica are certified by sustainable tourism programmes due to utilising renewable energy sources, waste reduction strategies and supporting local communities.
Don’t miss: The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for a chance to see unique wildlife and support local conservation efforts.
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Iceland’s pristine landscapes are a testament to its commitment to sustainability, and the country is a global leader in renewable energy, with nearly 100% of its electricity and heating needs met by geothermal and hydroelectric power.
The country’s tourism industry emphasises sustainability, encouraging responsible behaviour among visitors through the "Icelandic Pledge", which promotes environmental stewardship and respect for nature.
Visitors can enjoy eco-friendly activities like whale watching, exploring glaciers volcanoes and waterfalls, and bathing in natural hot springs, all while supporting Iceland’s green initiatives.
Many hotels and guesthouses are eco-certified, implementing practices like energy-efficient lighting, water conservation measures and waste recycling programmes. Plus Icelandic cuisine often features locally sourced and organic ingredients, with many restaurants and cafes prioritising sustainable food practices.
Don’t miss: Thingvellir National Park, located in the Þingvellir Valley, is home to the Silfra Fissure, a rift valley that is popular for diving and snorkelling.
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This southern Asian country, located between India and Tibet, has implemented a “High Value, Low Impact” tourism policy, which limits the number of tourists and ensures that tourism contributes to the conservation of its natural and cultural heritage.
Bhutan measures success through Gross National Happiness (GNH), emphasizing environmental conservation, cultural preservation and sustainable development over economic growth. Plus the nation’s "High Value, Low Impact" tourism policy limits the number of tourists through a daily fee, ensuring that tourism remains sustainable and beneficial to local communities.
Over 50% of Bhutan's land is designated as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and protected areas, preserving its rich biodiversity, including rare species like the snow leopard and Bengal tiger.
Bhutan also places a strong emphasis on preserving its cultural heritage. Traditional architecture, customs and festivals are maintained and celebrated, providing an authentic cultural experience for visitors.
Many hotels and lodges in Bhutan follow sustainable practices, such as using locally sourced materials, implementing energy-efficient systems and supporting community-based tourism initiatives. Plus Bhutan promotes organic farming and aims to become the world's first fully organic nation. Visitors can tour organic farms and learn about traditional farming techniques.
Don’t miss: Trekking through the Bhutanese Himalayas for breathtaking views and a deep connection with nature.
New Zealand is renowned for its natural beauty and commitment to sustainability. The country promotes eco-friendly travel through its numerous conservation projects and sustainable tourism practices.
New Zealand is dedicated to protecting its native wildlife and ecosystems. Initiatives such as Predator Free 2050 aim to eradicate invasive species and restore natural habitats. And of course the country boasts numerous national parks and conservation areas, including Fiordland, Tongariro and Abel Tasman National Parks.
The tourism industry in New Zealand further emphasises sustainability through initiatives like the Tiaki Promise, which encourages visitors to care for the environment, respect local culture and travel safely. Plus New Zealand promotes sustainable transportation options, including extensive public transport networks, electric vehicle rentals and well-maintained cycling paths, making it easier for travellers to reduce their carbon footprint.
Don’t miss: The Fiordland National Park and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua while staying in eco-lodges that support local conservation efforts.
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Slovenia is an emerging leader in sustainable tourism, with the capital city of Ljubljana previously being awarded the title of European Green Capital.
Slovenia actively promotes sustainable tourism through initiatives like the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism, which provides guidelines and certifications for destinations and service providers committed to sustainability.
Visitors can engage in a variety of sustainable activities, such as hiking, cycling and rafting, particularly in eco-conscious regions like the Soca Valley and the Karst region. In the capital city itself there are extensive green spaces, a pedestrian-friendly old town, efficient public transportation and numerous cycling paths.
The country also has a host of protected natural areas, such as Triglav National Park, which protects the stunning Julian Alps, Lake Bohinj and the Soca River. Numerous other protected areas and nature reserves across the country conserve its diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Slovenia's culinary scene emphasises local, organic and seasonal ingredients, with many restaurants supporting sustainable agriculture by sourcing from local farmers and participating in farm-to-table initiatives.
The country’s wine regions, such as the Vipava Valley and Stajerska, focus on sustainable viticulture. Visitors can enjoy eco-friendly wine tours that highlight organic and biodynamic winemaking practices.
Don’t miss: Visit Lake Bled and Triglav National Park for an eco-conscious adventure.
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Choosing a sustainable travel destination is just the first step to being an eco-friendly traveller. Once in your destination, you should also follow these tips:
Opt for hotels and lodges that have received eco-certifications and prioritise sustainability. Look for accommodations that use renewable energy, implement waste reduction programmes and support local communities.
Carry a reusable water bottle, shopping bag and utensils to minimise single-use plastics. Many eco-conscious travel destinations now have refill stations and encourage the use of reusable items.
Contribute to the local economy by purchasing goods and services from local businesses. Eat at locally owned restaurants, buy souvenirs from local artisans and choose tour operators that employ local guides.
Limit your carbon footprint by choosing direct flights, using public transportation and/or renting eco-friendly vehicles. Consider alternative modes of transportation such as biking or walking to explore your destination.
Avoid activities that exploit animals or damage natural habitats. Choose wildlife tours that adhere to ethical guidelines and ensure that your interactions with nature do not disturb the ecosystem.
Follow the ‘Leave No Trace’ principle by taking your trash with you, minimising campfire impact and respecting wildlife.
Be mindful of your water and energy usage while travelling. Take shorter showers, turn off lights and electronics when not in use and reuse towels and linens to reduce laundry.
By choosing eco-conscious travel destinations and adopting sustainable travel practices, you can make a positive impact on the environment and support the preservation of the world’s natural and cultural treasures.
Sustainable travel not only enriches our travel experiences but also ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty of our planet.
Sure Travel and its partners offer travel packages to these top 5 sustainable destinations, and many others. Plus your trusted Sure Travel Agent can advise on how to reduce your travel footprint when booking your travel. Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agency today for details.
