World Tourism Day is a global effort to raise awareness of the social, cultural, political and economic impact tourism has on the world. This year’s theme — Tourism and Sustainable Transformation — highlights tourism’s potential as an agent of positive change to protect the Earth’s natural and cultural wonders. Keep reading to learn about the sustainability efforts currently underway across five popular travel destinations: New Zealand, Hawai’i, Costa Rica, Canada and Tenerife, Spain.
Giant Gate Falls, New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is a country full of unique treasures. To protect its vast vineyards, serene glacial lakes, massive mountains and gorgeous fiords, the nation launched the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment, aiming to see every New Zealand tourism business committed to sustainability. Tourism New Zealand also partners with several sustainability groups, including Trees That Count, which encourages domestic and international visitors to donate native trees across the country, as well as Tiaki – Care for New Zealand, a group that advises travelers on how to preserve and protect the land.
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden in Oahu, Hawaii
Hawai’i
As striking as the black-sand beaches and soaring volcanoes of Hawai’i are, the island chain is surprisingly fragile. In fact, Hawai’i has the highest number of endangered and threatened native plant and animal species of any place on the planet. That’s why the tourism industry here places a high importance on eco-tourism, encouraging visitors to learn about the native traditions used to work the land and help locals keep Hawai’i more sustainable for generations to come. Eco-tourism experiences include a variety of farm and agricultural tours, botanical gardens and more that showcase the islands’ unique environments. For example, you can take a farm tour in the beautiful, green Hanalei taro fields to see how kalo (taro), an important Hawaiian root starch, is cultivated.
Tortuguero Beach, Costa Rica
Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, sustainability is more than a tourism goal — it’s a way of life. To help visitors choose the most sustainable options, the Costa Rica Tourism Board developed the Certificate of Sustainable Tourism (CST) — a rigorous program that recognizes hotels, tour operators and other tourism businesses for their sustainable practices. When a business achieves CST status, they are either at the basic level, which fulfills all the mandatory requirements, or they rise to elite status, which proves that they achieved a higher level of compliance. Plus, many of Costa Rica’s eco-lodges are set within private nature reserves and implement eco-friendly practices such as solar power, water conservation and waste reduction. Voluntourism is also popular in Costa Rica. Visitors can engage in wildlife projects like sea turtle protection, as well as helping monitor nests and release hatchlings at beaches like Tortuguero and Playa Ostional. In the Monteverde Cloud Forest, volunteers help to reforest native species, while the Osa Peninsula offers opportunities for participating in jaguar tracking and other wildlife research initiatives.
First Nations totem pole in Canada
Canada
Canada’s vast landscapes, vibrant cities and rich cultural tapestry have long attracted travelers from across the globe. But with great travel experiences comes a responsibility to tread lightly. With this in mind, Destination Canada joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, reaffirming their commitment to creating, promoting and facilitating a sustainable tourism economy and supporting sustainable tourism policies. Also, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is a powerful force across the country, one that supports the growth of Indigenous tourism in Canada and addresses the demand for authentic Indigenous experiences.
Whale watching in Tenerife
Tenerife
Tenerife, an island in the Canaries that is part of Spain, is more than a destination; it’s a model for responsible tourism where nature is celebrated and protected. As the largest island in the Canary archipelago, it’s renowned for its stunning volcanic landscapes and rich biodiversity, with over 800 unique species found nowhere else on Earth. In 2021, the island was certified as a Biosphere Sustainable Tourism Destination for its strong commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. That same year, the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera were recognized as Europe’s first Whale Heritage Site, home to 23 species of whales and dolphins, making it one of the world’s top whale-watching spots. The Sustainability Agreement for Whale Watching ensures that this activity is conducted in a way that respects the marine environment, offering a meaningful and responsible experience for both visitors and local communities. Tenerife also promotes the Agreement for Excellence and Sustainability in Nature Activities, which encourages best practices in hiking, stargazing, diving and other outdoor pursuits through initiatives that ensure both conservation and unforgettable experiences.
Sustainable Travel Tips
Wherever you travel, you can always embrace good practices to reduce negative effects. This is a mindset our agency encourages all our globetrotting clients to adopt, so here are four ways you can make your next vacation more sustainable.
- Stay in Eco-Friendly Accommodations: There are many eco-friendly hotels and lodges out there. Some are built only using local materials. Some only employ local workers and offer local, organic food. We can help you find the best ones for your vacation.
- Respect Local Culture: Interacting with locals and learning about their culture is a rewarding experience. Be sure to respect local traditions — such as wearing proper clothing to houses of worship and staying away from sacred areas. Consider refraining from activities that have an unnecessary impact on the environment. For example, substitute a bicycle tour for an ATV adventure.
- Focus on Local Products: Buying from local businesses and eating regional food empowers the local economy. Also, both local products and local produce require less transportation and less packaging.
- Respect Nature and Wildlife: Stick to marked trails, avoid disturbing natural habitats and never feed or touch wild animals. Additionally, use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid single-use plastics near beaches or parks.
