Sustainable Destinations to Visit in 2023
Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park, Washington
As 2022 and soon enough 2023 continue to see global tourism rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been no better time to have a conversation about what tourism will look like and more importantly what it should look like.
According to Sustainable Travel International, tourism is responsible for roughly 8% of the world’s carbon emissions. From flights to cruises, all-inclusive resorts, pollution and overtourism, there is much of today’s travel industry that is not sustainable.
Climate change threatens the integrity and safety of our planet and its inhabitants. Traveling responsibly can have an enormous impact on rebuilding healthy, self-sustaining communities and advancing both climate resilience and conservation initiatives.
The World Tourism Organization defines sustainable travel as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of its visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”
Governments across the globe are developing sustainability strategies and implementing measures to combat the burdens of mass tourism and pollution to varying degrees. Hawaii has banned the sale of reef-toxic sunscreens to protect its marine ecosystems for example. Most recently, Amsterdam launched its “Stay Away” campaign attempting to curb overtourism and keep the city liveable for its residents. Despite these initiatives, there is still much to be done.
If you are searching for destinations that are adopting locally-beneficial initiatives, utilizing cutting-edge technology and protecting natural spaces, here are four countries I’m adding to my bucket list that you should consider for your next trip in 2023.
BHUTAN
Home to the mesmerizing Himalayas, the Kingdom of Bhutan is a wonder of nature. The country’s government and its citizens have put in incredible amounts of work to keep it this way. By law, the nation is required to maintain a forest cover of at least 60%. Bhutan has actually exceeded this target and is estimated to have a total forest cover of more than 80%.
As a result of its policies, Bhutan is carbon negative— one of only three nations in the world that have achieved this goal—and plans to continue its environmentally conscious efforts.
What Steps is Bhutan Taking?
Bhutan has consistently raised the bar when it comes to sustainable travel.On September 22nd of this year, the country reopened to international travelers and announced its new tourism strategy focusing on sustainable development and infrastructure improvement.
Bhutan is raising its Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) from $65 to $200 per person, per night. This increase in fee will support development projects dedicated to free education and healthcare. Some of the funds will also go towards planting trees, supporting skill development courses for tourism industry workers, and maintaining Bhutan’s trails among other initiatives.
Bhutan’s strict policy means tourism is controlled, with local life largely untouched by its impact. For responsible tour companies, consider checking out Blue Poppy Treks and Tours . Blue Poppy creates tailor-made trips through which you can experience the natural beauty of Bhutan with knowledgeable and experienced guides.
Eco-Friendly Activities in Bhutan
When you visualize Bhutan, perhaps the first image that comes to mind is the Taktsang Monastery. Also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, this iconic landmark is tucked away on a cliffside in Paro Valley and has been a sacred Buddhist site since its construction in 1692. Hiking up to the Monastery takes approximately two hours depending on your fitness level. This can be strenuous hike, albeit a thrill for adventure-lovers. You will be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of the valley and likely come across Bhutanese residents performing pilgrimage.
Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary is the ideal place to visit if you are interested in rare species of animals and would like to experience multiple ecosystems all in one location. Black-necked cranes and Takins– the National animal of Bhutan– are two such creatures you can see at the sanctuary. An excellent place for trekking, camping, and bird or animal watching, the Bumdeling Sanctuary has everything from Alpine meadows to mixed broadleaved forest. It is also a famous domestic pilgrimage site due to the presence of significant cultural and religious sites.
RWANDA
The Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda is known for its lush rainforests, volcanoes and sweeping plains. Blessed with this extraordinary biodiversity, the country has been making impressive strides when it comes to sustainability and development that are in harmony with the local environment.
A growing movement of young entrepreneurs in Rwanda is also dedicated to developing a circular economy, contributing to green growth by creating green products and green jobs for Rwandans.
What Steps is Rwanda Taking?
More than a decade ago, Rwanda placed a unilateral ban on plastic bags. It is illegal to sell, buy, produce or import the bags (yes, this includes even bringing them into the country as a traveler!). This ruling has set an example for many other countries that have since followed suit. Businesses now use paper alternatives or even woven carrier bags. This has had a significant impact on the reduction of water pollution, soil erosion and animal deaths since the ban.
Since tourism is an economic driver in Rwanda, ensuring that lodges are environmentally friendly and provide a tangible economic and social benefit to their immediate communities is a priority. Investing in its people, Rwanda has created programs that support activities such as handicraft production, farming and gardening, as well as jobs for tour guides and hospitality workers.
In particular, Rwanda has tackled its poaching issues in a forgiving and resourceful way. Through a concerted effort to hire ex-poachers, these reformed workers take on roles as trackers, porters or guides, and promote the protection of the very animals they used to hunt while earning a healthy income. 10% of tourism revenue is then invested in sustainable community development projects near protected wildlife areas, which in turn encourages local residents to have a stake in animal and habitat conservation.
Bistate Lodge- Crookes and Jackson/Wilderness Safaris
Eco-Friendly Activities and Lodging in Rwanda
In 2018, Volcanoes National Park was named one of “The World’s Top 10 Sustainable Destinations” by ITB Berlin, the largest tourism trade fair. Tracking mountain gorillas is one of the most popular and iconic activities for visitors to the park, and Rwanda implemented measures to prevent stress on the gorillas or threats to conservation. By limiting the number of visitors, prohibiting the participation of guests who were ill and enforcing proper etiquette, the park ensured that tracking gorillas became a sustainable activity that respected the animals and their natural habitat. A portion of the visitors’ fee is then reinvested in the community through a revenue share program.
There are numerous lodges near Volcanoes National Park worth booking that take their environmental impact very seriously. Kwitonda Lodge is considered one of the most sustainable lodges on the continent. Before beginning any construction, Kwitonda developed a nursery called Akarabo and further plans for reforestation are in the works. To date, Akarabo is responsible for planting over 250,000 indigenous trees and shrubs as part of a reforestation project for the National Park. By using a mechanical ventilation system, Kwitonda Lodge was able to avoid the use of air conditioning and therefore ensure energy performance. Local building materials were used whenever possible and more than 500 local builders and artisans were involved in the construction of the lodge.
Costa Rica
As home to 6.5% of the world’s biodiversity, Costa Rica is consistently named among the most sustainable countries in the world and has proven to be an international leader in conservation. In fact, more than a quarter of the nation’s land is organized into national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation projects, ensuring its protection. From verdant rainforests to stretches of pure, white sand beaches, Costa Rica’s stunning sites can be enjoyed respectfully and safely by visitors and locals alike.
In recognition of Costa Rica’s dedicated efforts and significant impact, the South American country even received the United Nations Environment Programme’s Champions of the Earth award for policy leadership in 2019.
What Steps is Costa Rica Taking?
Costa Rica’s success in sustainability is in many ways due to its impressive utilization of renewable power sources, such as hydropower, wind and solar energy. These power sources generate more than 90% of the entire country’s electricity and Costa Rica is working toward its goal of being net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.
Since 1997, the Costa Rican Tourism Institute has been awarding tourism companies that excel in environmentally sustainable practices with the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST). Hotels, tours, restaurants and transportation companies are eligible for this certification and are assessed in three parts: environmental, social/cultural and economic.
The CST was one of the first programs of its kind in the world and is recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. This certification not only encouraged businesses to take a serious approach to sustainability but it also set an example for other countries looking to develop their ecotourism industries.
Eco-Friendly Activities and Lodging in Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers a wealth of nature-friendly activities across the country. You can visit one of Costa Rica’s six active volcanoes, the most famous being the Arenal Volcano. With an elevation of 5,480 feet, Arenal is known for its imposing height and lush flora.
Spot howler monkeys, green kingfishers and the rare anteater from Corcovado National Park’s Ora Peninsula. Home to 13 different eco-systems, with trails through mangrove swamps, lowland rain forests, sandy beaches and highland cloud forests, you will be astounded by the biodiversity of this one of many great national parks Costa Rica has to offer.
With ecotourism comes eco hotels, and you will find plenty of lodging options that combine wilderness excursions and tours with some much needed pampering. At Lapa Rios Eco Lodge in the Ora Peninsula, you can go on jungle hikes, sea kayaking, or even watch dolphins, and end the day snoozing in the lodge’s deluxe bungalows. Or perhaps you might prefer the immersive spa treatments using local thermal spring water at Tabacon Resort and Spa by Arenal Volcano National Park. This resort seamlessly proves that sustainability need not come at the cost of luxury.
SWEDEN
As the birthplace of the flygskam (flight shaming) movement and home to climate strike activist, Greta Thunberg, Sweden is an undisputed leader among countries leading the green revolution, from its major cities to the countryside. On an international level, Sweden is also very involved in green initiatives such as preserving the Arctic ice and permafrost to help stop climate change, aiming to achieve net zero emissions by 2045.
Comprised of thousands of islands and ecosystems from boreal forests to glaciated mountains, this Nordic country topped the Sustainable Travel Index in 2020 and continues to prove that sustainability can enhance the travel experience.
What Steps is Sweden Taking?
Sweden has implemented a range of initiatives in an attempt to limit its environmental footprint. Examples include promoting rural and regional tourism in core cities, offering alternative forms of travel other than air and building award-winning Nordic sustainable lodgings.
Some of the county’s most successful methods—and therefore most replicated—have been the introduction of electric public transportation, a dedicated move to renewable energy sources and a focus on urban farming projects to reduce food imports that would otherwise contribute to carbon emissions in transit. Swedish citizens are also incentivized to make greener choices, with financial compensation and tax deductions as potential rewards.
Perhaps one of Sweden’s most impressive accomplishments is developing a true sense of environmental stewardship. Sustainability is integrated into education as early as preschool, with a goal of students becoming adults with a profound understanding and respect for the natural world. These students are taught to think critically about sustainability and develop green habits early on, such as recycling their lunch wrappers and composting their leftover food.
Eco-Friendly Activities and Lodging in Sweden
This one is for my fellow foodies. Sweden’s hospitality offerings are refreshingly environmentally friendly. In the capital city of Stockholm, visitors will have no shortage of fine restaurants to choose from. Many of these restaurants are focused on showcasing their freshest, sustainably harvested local and seasonal ingredients and in a creative way. For a detailed list of sustainable restaurants in Stockholm, check out this article.
Immerse yourself in the world of the indigenous Sámi people in Lapland. At Nutti Sami Siida, you can learn about their culture and traditions. Stay at one of the eco-friendly cabins or Sámi lavvu, and take a guided hike through the glorious mountain peaks, waterfalls and canyons of Abisko National Park.This is also the perfect place to see the famed Northern Lights and meet and feed friendly local reindeer.
A longstanding favorite hotel among eco-travelers is the Treehotel, which brings together ecological values, comfort and modern design for a relaxing and spectacular nature experience in northern Sweden. These pod-like structures are designed in unique ways—from an actual birds’ nest look to a UFO—with minimal impact on the natural environment.
