Our fourth annual celebration of sustainability in travel looks at 101 destinations, initiatives and places to stay that show travel can be a force for good. Here’s why we think that this matters more than ever… When we began curating this annual list four years ago, the global travel industry was battling how to tackle and talk about genuine sustainability. While there were remarkable initiatives already in place around the world, there were few operators that understood the work needed to create a more sustainable tourism model – one that considers the lived experience of local resi dents and the need for richer travel encoun ters and the preservation of nature. We’re pleased to report that the situation is changing. Many of the nominations we received this year showed the understanding that sustainability in travel is achieved by creating a healthy and secure envi ronment for local communities. And as time, science and tech nology has moved on, we’re increasingly seeing impactful initiatives being introduced, from grassroots community projects to broader plans in local government. Overall, the scale and standard of work being done globally have significantly increased. Once again, our expert advisory board has led the process in determining the final list of 100 destinations and initiatives taking commendable steps in sustainable tourism. Their feedback is invaluable for an industry that is constantly evolving and improving. The resulting list is an impressive selec tion of experiences from around the world, highlighting the initiatives (big and small) that are leading change. We hope these will inspire you to be more informed and to choose impact-driven activities and desti nations when travelling. The need for more thoughtful change has become apparent in recent years, as a growing number of protests have taken take place in destinations challenged by mass tour ism. Residents have had enough of the negative consequences brought about by the mass influx of tourists, such as being priced out of the housing market, the unaf fordability of everyday goods, and congested roads and public transport. With the spotlight on those destinations under pressure, several have taken action. That’s why in this year’s edition of The Travel Green List, we’ve dedicated space to cities including Dubrovnik and Barcelona, as well as countries such as Malta, for their work in tackling overtourism. While it is still early days, some have already reported a fall in peak visitor numbers. Our advisory board found that the crucial next step is to speak directly with residents and visitors to establish whether the desired positive impact is being achieved. We hope these initiatives will develop further, with more evidence of real change in time for next year’s Travel Green List. We were also pleased to note the wealth of regions, from Oslo to Shanghai, implementing measures that reduce pollution and emissions. Some have developed modernised public transport networks, for example, that run on renewable energy and are easily accessible for visitors using digital passes. Others, such as the Macchietelle Reserve in the Italian Apennines, have created green spaces that double as wildlife corridors, presenting residents and visitors with healthy outdoor activities while also providing safety to native species in built-up areas. Further afield, conservation initiatives have evolved from simply protecting landscapes for wildlife. Now they work more closely with Indigenous leaders and communities to preserve ancient traditions and regenerate native ecosystems. Many are even reviving agricultural land to benefit both healthy food systems and thriving nature, and tourism is supporting that change. This is common in South Australia, where viticulture and organic farming go hand-in-hand with cultural experiences. Whereas in the town of Dhankuta, Nepal, authorities in a region that is frequently challenged by extreme weather have developed road infrastructure and water resources to support residents and community-owned travel businesses – an example of how tourism can influence systems change. We’ve also seen a growing number of meaningful projects addressing ocean conservation. Island nations known for their luxury tourism experiences, such as the Maldives and The Bahamas, are investing in seagrass and mangrove protection and restoration projects, knowing deeper measures like this will be the key to maintaining healthy coral reefs and marine life in the face of climate breakdown. Elsewhere, nations such as Türkiye are employing the help of sustainability experts, including the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, as well as credible frameworks such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, to improve tourism operations from within. Most of all, we were pleased to see that sustainability in travel is now being addressed in every corner of the world. You’ll see from our list that this isn’t a concept restricted to rural villages or island destinations (although those areas have often been the inspiration for sustainable ways of life). The truth is, responsible tourism is growing just as much around popular hubs in Europe, rural towns in North America and across the desert landscapes of the Middle East. And with each example comes the message that great experiences are often rooted in community-based, culturally sensitive and environmentally conscious tourism. All information shared in the Travel Green List is accurate to the best of our knowledge. While all entries have been scrutinised by our advisory board, we cannot take responsibility for any inaccuracies in the information provided to us. Whether protecting turtles in the furthest reaches of the Seychelles or visiting new reserves, trails and initiatives that help travellers to give back as they roam, we look at how to explore Africa more responsibly. Opposite: (Reteti Elephant Sanctuary) Europe is not short of destinations working hard to offer greener travel experiences, from cities aiming to reduce their pollution to a brand-new wildlife corridor cutting across the Apennines. Opposite: (Shutterstock) Australasia and the Pacific Conservation work and cultural experiences are integral to projects across this region, from Indigenous-led rock art tours in Australia to learning from locals how to see dugongs correctly in Vanuatu. Opposite: (Alamy) Asia and the Middle East Discover cultural experiences, ethical stays and a few surprises, including an island in Abu Dhabi helping to save rare desert species and a tented camp in Cambodia that funds rangers to protect the surrounding forest. Opposite: (Alamy)

Whether celebrating Costa Rica’s biodiversity or discovering women-led textile workshops in Peru, there are ever more responsible ways to explore a region that is changing how we see it. Opposite: (Shutterstock) Destinations fighting overtourism According to the UN Tourism agency, 1.1 billion people travelled internationally between January and September 2025. Tourist arrivals were up 5% on the same period in 2024, and this year, even more are expected to travel than ever before. Opposite: (Shutterstock) Head of impact at Travel Forward (formerly The Travel Foundation) Chief legal and sustainability officer at Audley Professor of sustainable tourism, West Sydney University Lead trainer, Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Travel writer specialising in responsible travel General manager, climate, Intrepid Travel Editor, Journal of Sustainable Tourism International Centre for Responsible Tourism global Founding Editor, Wanderlust Editor-in-Chief, Wanderlust Co-founder, Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency Sustainable Tourism Specialist Know your green speak Confused by any of the terms used? Here’s a condensed version of our online guide to some of the most common sustainability phrases Trending Destinations Trending Articles Sorry but no search results were found, please try again.