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Regenerative Tourism in Practice: 20+ Stats and Projects to Restore Destinations

Regenerative Tourism in Practice: 20+ Stats and Projects to Restore Destinations

More people are exploring the world than ever before. We’re fortunate to live in an era when  discovering different global customs and cultures is relatively easy. But it’s this very simplicity which means we need to focus extra attention on making sure we’re taking care of our planet. We’ve all seen it – beautiful destinations (both at home and overseas) which have been damaged by the impact of one of the most invasive species on Earth:

The Sustainable Trains Guide: Comparing Carbon Emissions by Route

The Sustainable Trains Guide: Comparing Carbon Emissions by Route

Sustainability is fast becoming a key factor in travel decisions. In fact, 76% of travellers say they want to travel more sustainably over the coming 12 months, with 53% saying climate change news has influenced them to make sustainable travel choices. Over 80% of travellers worldwide said they believed sustainable travel is important. But given that travel is often synonymous with planes – which are famously an environmental challenge – how can you achieve your dream of a sustainable break?

Secret Safaris: Alternative Safari Destinations

Secret Safaris: Alternative Safari Destinations

The recent overcrowding in Tanzania’s Serengeti has put the spotlight on overtourism once again. For years, we’ve been promoting travel as a force for good, and the Secret Series – our portfolio of lesser-visited places in popular destinations – is central to this mission. In the African savannah, Secret Safaris keep you off the tourist trail and help preserve what makes these places truly special. From meeting gorillas in Uganda to luxury bush camping in Zimbabwe, read on to discover our favourite Secret Safaris.

Sustainable Tourism in Namibia

Sustainable Tourism in Namibia

When it comes to sustainable travel, we’ve taken inspiration from Japanese art. Their concept of kintsugi refers to repairing broken pottery with gold lacquer to create something more beautiful than the original. Ever since the pandemic tore the tourism industry to the ground, we’ve wanted to be the gold lacquer piecing travel back to be better than before. So, it’s no surprise that we’ve been shouting about sustainable concepts like undertourism for a whole range of countries – and Namibia is no exception.

Sustainable Tourism in Bhutan

Sustainable Tourism in Bhutan

Bhutan is a pioneer in sustainability. Not only was it the world’s first carbon-negative country, but this tiny Buddhist kingdom, nestled in the Himalayas between Tibet and India, is committed to the well-being of its civilians and environment above all else. Bhutan’s philosophy is based on Gross National Happiness (GNH), an index devised in the 1970s by the fourth king of Bhutan. Measuring 33 indicators including sustainable socio-economic development, cultural preservation and environmental conservation, it’s no wonder that Bhutan leads the charge in responsible tourism.

Sustainable Tourism in Sri Lanka

Sustainable Tourism in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s verdant rolling hills, pristine coastline and rich cultural tapestry are enticing draws for travellers. Unsurprisingly, this teardrop-shaped isle draws visitors from near and far; the tourism sector contributes over ten per cent of its annual GDP, a figure which is only set to rise. This mass influx of tourists has consequences, however. Hotels across Sri Lanka consume nine times more water than a single household per night per person, while the tourism industry itself creates twice the volume of solid waste that municipalities produce.

Sustainable Tourism in Morocco

Sustainable Tourism in Morocco

Enjoying year-round sunshine, a holiday in Morocco is always a good idea, no matter the month. This North African nation has everything from mystical mountains and a wild coastline to bustling souqs and medina mazes. But Morocco’s marvels are no secret. Seeing a 20% year-on-year increase in tourism revenue, which reached a staggering $10.5 billion in 2023, it’s clear that tourism in Morocco is only heading in one direction.

Earth Day: The Eco Travel Champions

Earth Day: The Eco Travel Champions

Ecotourism isn’t a new concept. In fact, it has comfortably occupied a space in the Oxford English Dictionary since 1982. Yet it seems that it is only in the past ten years or so that it’s made its way to the tip of every traveller’s tongue. An antidote to the rash of resorts that have spread along previously undisturbed coastlines around the world, eco travel advocates for a more mindful approach to our favourite pastime – holidaying.

Sustainable Tourism in Norway

Sustainable Tourism in Norway

Norway doesn’t need guidance when it comes to sustainability. The country has a stellar reputation for keeping its air clean, landscapes green and seas pristine through renewable energies and sustainable resource handling. But despite their globally recognised efforts, there’s a factor they can’t completely control: tourism. With their yearly visitors in the millions, efforts must be made to ensure we’re travelling sustainably to help continue to preserve their natural wonders.

Sustainable Tourism in Indonesia

Sustainable Tourism in Indonesia

In a world of fleeting travel trends, we’re confident that sustainable tourism isn’t just a phase; it's here to stay. Since the wrecking ball of the pandemic, we’ve been set on repairing tourism’s fragile fault lines in a way that embodies the Japanese art of kintsugi – repairing pottery with gold lacquer to create something even more beautiful than before. When it comes to Indonesia, a country renowned for its beauty, it's only right that we do our part to keep it that way.

Sustainable Tourism in Mexico

Sustainable Tourism in Mexico

Each year, increasing numbers of tourists are enticed by Mexico’s pristine beaches, buzzing metropolises and archaeological wonders (and we don’t blame them). Accounting for over eight per cent of Mexico’s total GDP in the last decade, tourism plays an important part in the country’s economy. And as Mexico rightfully becomes a bucket-list destination, sustainable tourism is crucial for helping to preserve its rich Indigenous culture and biodiversity.

Sustainable Tourism in India

Sustainable Tourism in India

If you’ve read the third edition of our magazine, Original Traveller, you’ll know we’re big into Kintsugi Travel (and, if you haven’t, read it online here). In a world faced with Instagram-fuelled overtourism and exponentially expanding flight routes, we’re on a mission to repair travel – with gold lacquer and all. And highlighting sustainable tourism in India seems like a good place to start. As the seventh-largest country in the world, home to a staggering 1.

Sustainable Tourism in Japan

Sustainable Tourism in Japan

Japan has it all. From silky shores and ancient temples to tea ceremonies and snow-capped mountains, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that 25 million tourists couldn’t resist a trip to Japan last year (2023). But to continue being the best of the best, Japan must tackle one core idea: sustainability. And time is of the essence, especially as footfall rises to pre-pandemic levels. The country has seen an increased strain on resources.

Sustainable Tourism in Italy

Sustainable Tourism in Italy

It’s not difficult to see why Italy welcomed a record number of tourists in 2023. A diverse country brimming with culture, natural beauty and mouth-watering cuisine… what’s not to love? At a time when its popularity has never been greater, the need for sustainable tourism in Italy is essential. Some positive initiatives are already underway, such as encouraging tourists to visit lesser-known regions, implementing fines for lingering selfie-takers in Portofino, and banning tourists’ cars on the island of Procida.

Sustainable Tourism in Greece

Sustainable Tourism in Greece

Sustainability is in. Vinted, the online marketplace and app, recorded more than 800 million items listed globally last year, London expanded its Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to all 32 of its boroughs, while Nielsen found 70% of consumers now believe sustainability is more important to them than it was two years ago. It’s a trend that has carried through to the travel industry as well. These days more and more travellers are picking destinations that will benefit the most from tourism and are making an effort to get to know the communities that call a holiday destination home.

Sustainable Tourism in Iceland

Sustainable Tourism in Iceland

Iceland doesn’t mess around when it comes to sustainability. With tourists outnumbering residents, the country has found ways to ensure the constant flow of footprints cause minimal damage to the environment. But responsibility doesn’t just lie with the country – visitors also have a duty to protect the world-class hot springs and national parks. Luckily, we’ve got a rundown of top tips to encourage sustainable tourism in Iceland.

Sustainable Tourism in Egypt

Sustainable Tourism in Egypt

Egypt is a tourist magnet – and rightfully so. But with this ever-rising frequency in footfall comes concerns regarding sustainable tourism in Egypt. How do we balance building up the country’s tourism sector post-pandemic while ensuring minimal damage is inflicted on the environment and communities? Luckily, we’ve put our brains to it. Whether you want to celebrate secret spots, help support community-based tourism or promote environmentally-friendly activities, your trip to Egypt can be enjoyed with a clear conscience.

Sustainable Tourism in Ecuador

Sustainable Tourism in Ecuador

Latin America has its fair share of sustainability-conscious countries. Costa Rica has been crowned the region’s eco-conscious capital, Brazil wins the award for most endemic species and even Argentina has been adding to its eco-credentials in recent years, with projects that work to protect the country’s natural assets. And while Ecuador is the fourth-smallest country on the continent, it stands proudly among its peers with various initiatives in place that aim to preserve its diverse landscapes and staggering wildlife (the country boasts just over six percent of all species on the planet).

Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica

Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica

The ‘know-it-all’ of the eco class, Costa Rica is consistently listed as one of the ‘greenest’ and ‘happiest’ places on the planet. And this eco-minded attitude is summed up by their ubiquitous slogan ‘Pura Vida’, which translates to ‘pure life’ or ‘simple life’. In order to protect its resplendent landscapes and dizzying biodiversity, the country has long championed sustainable travel, through Community Based Tourism initiatives, renewable energy and environmental education.

Sustainable Tourism in Botswana

Sustainable Tourism in Botswana

Botswana takes sustainability seriously. It has to. Home to the world’s largest elephant population (as well as some other 169 species), four national parks and one of the seven natural wonders of the world – the Okavango Delta – it has long been one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. But to be one of the best, you have to be sustainable, as do the people that visit. Fortunately, sustainable tourism in Botswana takes many forms.

Sustainable Tourism in Cambodia

Sustainable Tourism in Cambodia

Over the years, travel has become inextricably linked to the concept of sustainability – and for good reason too. With the pandemic bringing tourism to a grinding halt, we were forced to evaluate both the positive and negative impacts of travel, leading us to further cement one of our core ideas – that travel should be a force for good. When it comes to sustainable tourism in Cambodia, there’s a multitude of ways to ensure that holidays here promote meaningful encounters for visitors and local alike.

Sustainable Tourism in Argentina

Sustainable Tourism in Argentina

Argentina is one of those destinations that really does have it all, and we think it’s important to do what we can to keep it that way. From the colourful cities where authentic parillas (steakhouses) rub shoulders with chic cocktail bars, the traditional villages which protect valuable indigenous traditions, to the abundant vineyards that produce world-famous wines and the wide-open landscapes punctuated by snow-dusted peaks, this diversity and natural beauty needs protecting.

Sustainable Tourism in Canada

Sustainable Tourism in Canada

Canada knows its stuff when it comes to sustainability. As the world’s second largest country, the much-loved North American nation plays host to more than its fair share natural wonders and is keen to preserve them for years to come. The urge to travel more sustainably has become an irresistible force in recent years, and countries are upping their sustainable tourism initiatives for the benefit of both travellers and the planet.

Sustainable Tourism in Brazil

Sustainable Tourism in Brazil

‘Sustainable’ has become something of a buzzword in recent years, especially in relation to travel. The pandemic forced us to slow down and take stock, subsequently shedding light on our globetrotting tendencies, and since then the urge to travel more sustainably and responsibly has become an irresistible force. Countries like Sweden, Kenya and Costa Rica have upped their already impressive sustainable tourism initiatives, while Brazil is another destination where travel can be a force for good.

Sustainable Tourism in Kenya

Sustainable Tourism in Kenya

Since the pandemic, when our carbon footprints were reduced to the square footage of our homes, travellers have become more aware of the impacts of our globetrotting ways. And so the urge to travel more responsibly has become an irresistible force. Countries like Costa Rica, Sweden and Bhutan have long championed sustainable choices, but few countries have them so readily available and rewarding as Kenya.

Sustainable Tourism in Sweden

Sustainable Tourism in Sweden

The urge to travel more responsibility has become an irresistible force, and there are few destinations where sustainable tourism choices are so readily available, and so rewarding, as in Sweden. Sustainable tourism in Sweden takes many forms, but in line with our concept of Kintsugi Travel (where we aim to build back travel with more positive impact than before the pandemic), here are several ways to travel sustainably in Sweden that benefit both the visitor and the destination.

Where to Support the World’s Most Endangered Animals

Where to Support the World’s Most Endangered Animals

When imagining a rainforest, you may picture dense undergrowth filled with parakeet-green leaves, flowers in exotic hues and thriving wildlife; with the African plains, it might be the gracefully plodding elephants, trundling rhinos, and excited safari goers. Or when thinking about coral reefs, your mind might conjure images of vibrant corals and rainbow-coloured marine creatures. These ideals may be true in some cases,

Our Favourite Community-Run Lodges

Our Favourite Community-Run Lodges

As part of our Travel Less, Travel Better initiative - which is all about making travel a more meaningful experience - we’re seeing a growing trend of travellers beginning to switch out bigger brand hotels in favour of community lodges - properties that are owned and run by the local community. Staying at a community lodge not only immerses you into the local area, but enables you to support it, knowing that your money is directly contributing to the local economy.

Ecotourism in the Amazon Rainforest

Ecotourism in the Amazon Rainforest

Waking up to the otherworldly roar of a howler monkey after spending the night in an indigenous wooden bungalow in the depths of the Amazon Rainforest, is a travel treat few have experienced. As a result of deforestation and forest fires, the Amazon is rapidly disappearing, meaning there may not be anything for adventurers to explore in years to come. Ecotourism is a way to take a deep dive into this vast flooded forest, without harming it and even giving something back to ensure others can also have the ultimate rainforest experience.

How to Travel Green

How to Travel Green

Green travel, or responsible travel as we like to call it, is becoming increasingly important as we all become more aware of the environmental impact of travelling. Don't worry - this isn't intended to be a preachy blog about how to be the 'perfect traveller'. In fact, an absolutist attitude towards sustainability is a mindset that we are keen to challenge; instead, we want to show that it's easier than you think to travel responsibly.

How to Travel Responsibly: Our Top Tips

How to Travel Responsibly: Our Top Tips

Responsible travel, sustainable travel, eco-travel - call the concept what you will, but these buzzwords are making waves, and with good reason. We all want to safeguard our beloved planet, but we don't want to (and shouldn't) give up travel altogether, so how can we create the conditions for the two concerns to coexist harmoniously? Well, the good news is that with some small changes and conscious choices surrounding our travels,

Eco-Luxury in the Maldives

Eco-Luxury in the Maldives

Think that eco-living and luxury travel are poles apart? Think again! Environmental concerns are hugely important to the residents of the Maldives, and this tiny island is going all out to preserve its beautiful but fragile marine resources. Off to the Maldives on your honeymoon? Why not indulge in a five star break at a resort that's leading the way in sustainability initiatives? So we've compiled a list of hotels that offer the best in eco-luxury in the Maldives, as well as ideas on how you can help preserve the splendour of this paradise destination.

Our Top Five Eco-Destinations

Our Top Five Eco-Destinations

Re-use, reduce, recycle. We all know the huge importance of conserving and protecting our beautiful planet, and we all try to do our bit to help the environment and to reduce both our energy use and waste (Kenya and Rwanda are away ahead of us by the way, banning the use of plastic bags entirely). And for those who want the eco-loving to carry over into their Responsible Travel planning, without having to sacrifice on quality and creature comforts,

Sustainable Tourism in Africa: The Importance of Transfrontier Conservation Areas

Sustainable Tourism in Africa: The Importance of Transfrontier Conservation Areas

In Africa, conservation is crucial when it comes to protecting ecosystems and the wildlife that live within them. A wonderful example of this is the development of Transfrontier Conservation Areas across Southern Africa. These ecological regions, which cross over country borders, are designed to restore traditional wildlife migration routes, promote sustainable tourism in Africa and encourage a collaborative approach to conservation.

Top Five Best Locations for Ecotourism in Costa Rica

Top Five Best Locations for Ecotourism in Costa Rica

The poster-child for all things eco, Costa Rica is the star pupil in the world’s ecotourism class. Sandwiched between Nicaragua and Panama, this tiny Central American country prides itself on the conservation and protection of its wonderfully biodiverse environment. The country is home to half a million species and one quarter of the country’s wild lands are protected by law. Boasting 26 national parks,

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