Top 10 Eco-Friendly Destinations You Must Visit Around the World
Tourism is an industry that powers many local economies. However, given the droves of tourists that travel every year, it also means that there are too many people using up local and natural resources.
If we continue to have mass tourism, the travel destinations you used to see will soon no longer be there. That’s why if you’re a responsible traveler, you should know to support eco-friendly ventures.
On that note, here are the top ten eco-friendly destinations that you must visit around the world:
1. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a popular travel destination because of its sunny and pleasant weather all year-round. Aside from the weather, there are all sorts of benefits to traveling to Costa Rica. For nature lovers out there or any eco-conscious people, Costa Rica is the place to be because it is the most eco-friendly place worldwide for travel.
It’s the leader of renewable energy generation for electricity worldwide. They continue to rely on renewable energy sources and plan to do so for as long as possible. They plan that by the year 2021, they will be entirely using renewable energy sources there.
They also focus on ecotourism because they don’t want the tourism industry to affect their environment negatively.
2. Slovenia
Another country that is also one of the world’s most sustainable countries is small but beautiful Slovenia. The rich history and gorgeous countryside make for a fascinating combination. What’s even great about it is that they operate on a sustainable basis, including their tourism industry.
Slovenia encourages that you connect with ethical and sustainable tourist operators. They even have environmental regulations for localities. This is to ensure that there is a boundary that people should be mindful of even when visiting for leisure.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand has committed to the promise that all of its tourism businesses will stick to sustainability by 2025. They’ve committed not only to protect the environment but also to enhance and restore their natural habitat. They do this because they see the value of preserving these natural sights.
There’s a reason why New Zealand has been the set of many fantasy movies. The care and attention they put into their natural environment ensure that it stays pristine and gorgeous for as long as possible.
What’s great about this is that they also aim for their tourist businesses to uphold the government’s commitments. If you want to support their causes, you can look into which unique New Zealand experiences are sustainable.
4. Kenya
Kenya has plenty of destinations all about the local wildlife that they have. That’s why it is in the country’s interest to promote sustainability, and so they did.
They aim to connect the locals with the tourism industry in conserving and preserving their environment.
To help their efforts, you should look into the smaller lodges in Kenya because these are the ones who care for the environment the most.
5. Mexico
Mexico is a popular tourist destination for travelers from all over the world. The sheer number of tourists coming to their country is sure to bring up conservation and sustainability issues.
If you want to travel to Mexico without harming the local environment, you should support their eco-conscious cities:
- Zacatecas-Guadalupe
- Valle de Mexico
- Guanajuato
- Saltillo
- Monterrey
And for sure, take the best Mexican Tour in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean in Cancun: https://ecotravelmexico.com/tours/
6. Palau
Palau is a pristine paradise that people respect as a leading marine conservatory and sanctuary. They understand the importance of balancing tourism and protecting their marine resources.
Aside from the sparkling beaches and curious marine life, there are plenty of other activities that you can enjoy in Palau. By diversifying the tourist activities, you can help in Palau’s marine conservation efforts.
7. Iceland
It’s not only the tropical countries that could benefit from sustainability. Even Iceland’s unique natural environment needs protection.
That’s why Iceland developed the Landvernd or the Environmental Association of Iceland back in 1969. This is to preserve the one-of-a-kind beauty of Iceland.
When you see the mystical environment in Iceland, you, too, would want to take part in something that would protect this environment for a long time.
8. Bhutan
Bhutan’s mountainous area and protected environment make it a distinct destination.
When it comes to tourism, their strategy is to control the number of tourists that come in. Doing so helps them protect the environment by reducing the load and number of people that they entertain.
Sustainable tourism helps them preserve the environment and the culture and traditions unique to them.
9. Amazon Forest
The Amazon Forest has long been the target of deforestation. However, the focus of ecotourism can help provide more interest in its protection and preservation.
Ecotourism will help the Amazon forest be profitable on a per hectare basis. This is better than using it for pasture or any other way that involves getting rid of the woods.
10. The Philippines
The Philippines has plenty of natural wonders, welcoming people, and colorful culture. This makes the archipelago a popular travel destination for many people worldwide.
From a popular tourist spot in Visayas to reclusive locations in Mindanao, there are many destinations that you can enjoy in the Philippines.
But if you want to be a responsible traveler, it would be best to support local businesses. We’re talking about mom-and-pop shops and local kiosks.
These are but a few countries that put care into their impact on the environment. You can also find other places worldwide, both big and small, that care for the environment. With that said, you should visit the ones on this list first to know what it means to be a responsible and eco-conscious traveler.