Sustainable Travel Destinations You Should Have On Your Radar for 2024
In the last few years, the increase of recognition and support for sustainable travel has been overwhelmingly positive. Lemongrass Marketing reports that 75% of travelers will pay more for sustainable tourism. Despite a higher demand for sustainable travel, many travelers are finding it difficult to find sustainable options, with 51% of travelers saying that there isn’t enough sustainability in the tourism industry. Moreover, Statista reports that 44% of travelers don’t know where to find sustainable travel options. We hope this blog post can provide some inspiration for the new year.
Denmark
This Nordic country has always been on our list for one of the most sustainable destinations in the world. Denmark is dedicated to becoming eco-friendly and their advancements in sustainable tourism highlight this. It is home to the third most sustainable city – Copenhagen – in the world.
Alongside its stunning natural environment, islands accessible by boat, and delicious cuisine, its cities are where true sustainable initiatives are happening. 74% of Copenhagen's electricity is sustainably sourced while only 4% of solid waste goes to landfills. Moreover, Aarhus not only has a beautiful city center which is easy to get around by walking or public transportation, but it also gets 77% of its energy from renewable sources. Don’t miss out on Aalborg which is not only beautiful and historic, but they have a sustainability festival where the local community comes together to share their eco projects. Some towns also have 100% sustainable event venues, so make sure to check out a concert where the environment comes first.
Our recommendation: Head to Nyborg to enjoy beautiful and historic architecture in this medieval city. We recommend Nyborg because 87% of its hotels are sustainably certified, meaning you can’t go wrong with accommodation. Moreover, with a population of only 18,000 you will get a mixture of both nature and city and immersion in local life.
Ecuador
From the Amazon Rainforest to the Galápagoes Islands, Ecuador offers a diverse range of experiences. The perfect destination for a nature getaway, Ecuador offers travelers the chance to explore unique ecosystems, while supporting conservation efforts and practicing responsible tourism.
Home to twenty active volcanoes and 6% of all species on Earth, Ecuador is dedicated to responsible tourism to protect its biodiversity. The government has introduced caps on tourism, accommodations dedicated to using renewable energy, marine reserves, and even the first renewable powered airport.
Our recommendation: Head to the Amazon Rainforest for experiences led by Indigenous groups native to Ecuador and immerse yourself in new cultural practices, foods, and traditions.
Spain
Spain is dedicated to sustainable tourism and has started many tourism initiatives to combat the climate crisis. The government has begun to boost off season travel, and incentivizing tourists to travel to unpopular destinations, this has helped them to revitalize rural areas in Spain. The government has also introduced more cycle paths, electric buses, and train routes to encourage people to travel around the country without airplanes. Spain is promoting smaller, locally owned hotels for travelers to spend their money in the local community.
Not only is Spain promoting cultural and local travel, but they are dedicated to changing their sources of electricity. By the end of 2023, 75% of electricity will come from renewables, and 100% by 2050. Many of the major Spanish cities have embraced renewable energy as well.
Our recommendation: Head to Madrid, which is one of the greenest cities in Europe, for fantastic architecture, delicious food, and a wonderful cultural experience. Moreover, large parts of Madrid are protected green spaces, giving you a great place to relax in nature in the middle of an action packed city.
Japan
A mix of ancient history and innovative modernity, Japan is where old meets new, and travelers from all backgrounds can find something to do. The government has promoted cultural travel by offering traditional Japanese experiences and uplifting indigenous voices. Japan is also increasing their reliance on sustainable practices, making transportation more energy efficient and accommodation more eco-friendly.
Our recommendation: Calling all winter sports enthusiasts! Head to Hokkaido for the beautiful mountains and fun ski trails! This undiscovered region of Japan is the perfect alternative to popular destinations such as Tokyo or Osaka, allowing you to relax away from crowded areas. Stay in Niseko which was awarded the WTO’s Best Tourism Villages for the environment. Not only that, but Niseko is a great cultural adventure, allowing you to meet indigenous people to the region and have unique cultural experiences.
South Africa
South Africa is home to an amazing array of biodiversity, making it perfect for those desiring a nature vacation. See wildlife and immerse yourself in the natural landscape. Moreover, there is a huge increase in sustainable accommodation to ensure that tourists are staying in eco-friendly places that have a positive impact on the environment. South Africa also has beautiful cities to explore as well, if a nature holiday is not on your list. Staying on the astro tourism trend, South Africa is also a great place to see the stars!
Our recommendation: Stay in one of the many eco lodges South Africa has to offer. This will let you immerse yourself in nature while minimizing your impact. Many of these lodges use sustainable materials and renewable energy to create green accommodations. Why not try Lebombo Lodge for example?
Wales
The first country to legally combat climate change by adding sustainability to their legislation, Wales is pioneering sustainable travel. They have established new rail networks to make their country accessible through sustainable means while providing tourists with eco-friendly options to explore Wales’ gorgeous natural landscapes.
Fun fact: Wales is home to the UK’s first edible insect cafe!
Our recommendation: Visit Pembrokeshire National Park which is full of stunning walks, beautiful natural landscapes, and rugged coastlines with 12 of their beaches winning awards like the Green Coast Award or the Seaside Award.
Palau
According to Lonely Planet, Palau is using sustainable travel to help reduce the impact of climate change. Palau has been successful at making sustainable tourism enjoyable and more of a game for tourists by rewarding them based on their responsible impact on the environment and local communities. Aside from diving, kayaking, hiking, and exploring the island in other sustainable ways, by being responsible, travelers will be able to experience local events that are only for Palauan families.
Our recommendation: Download the Ol’au Palau app which will guide you towards making responsible and sustainable tourism decisions, while keeping conservation in mind.
Photos by Anthony Trivet (Cover), Julia Volk (Copenhagen), Thu Trang (Spain), Krisztina Papp (Wales) via Pexels