The Rise of Sustainable Travel: Where to Visit in 2024
In recent years, many travelers have sought to minimize the environmental impact of their trips by choosing destinations committed to sustainability. As concern over climate change grows, supporting communities embracing green initiatives through tourism dollars becomes increasingly important. So where should adventure-seekers head in the new year to experience amazing destinations that are also guarding the planet? An excellent resource for determining the top eco-friendly places to visit is the annual list compiled by the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDSM).
The GDSM assesses over 100 urban centers worldwide according to their environmental performance, social programs, destination management efforts, and industry sustainability. In their 2023 report, several consistent leaders rose to the top once again by strengthening their climate action plans, renewable energy use, transportation options, waste reduction strategies and more. Scandinavian cities dominated, with Denmark alone claiming five spots in the top twenty. Gothenburg, Sweden took the top ranking for the seventh straight year thanks to innovative projects like testing emissions-free transport in their unique Green City Zone. Neighboring Oslo, Norway also cracked the top five through major investments in electric buses, charging stations and eco-certified accommodations.
Other northern European gems amongst the leaders included Copenhagen, Helsinki, Bergen and Stockholm — all showcasing how urban centers can thrive while prioritizing environmental wellness. Denmark flexed its sustainability muscle with four additional locations: Aarhus, Aalborg, Middelfart and Nyborg. Each spotlights Denmark’s renewable energy revolution, with high percentages of electricity sourced from wind, solar, hydro or biomass. Scotland also gained recognition through Glasgow’s goal to become the UK’s first carbon neutral city by 2030. Across the channel, Bordeaux led the way for France while Zurich represented Switzerland’s commitment to low-carbon living.
Across the globe, other notables scaling the ranks included South Korea’s Goyang for boosting green space and waste diversion, Singapore aiming to add over 300 acres of parks by 2030, and Kerry county in Ireland preserving abundant nature through stewardship. Skellefteå, Sweden and Belfast, Northern Ireland showed thoughtful destination management and social programs can advance sustainability hand in hand. For travelers seeking to support regional regeneration through tourism, these pioneering places provide excellent ethical options with ample rewards in vibrant culture and stunning landscapes.
Beyond prioritizing locations undertaking ambitious climate action, focusing travel in developing nations accelerating sustainability also cultivates positive change. One such example is Rwanda, which has transformed from an agrarian economy into a technology and tourism powerhouse within a generation since the 1994 genocide. As the country works to protect 30% of its land by 2024 through reforestation and conservation initiatives, ecotourism provides economic motivation alongside education. Programs likeGORilla DOCTOR, which funds life-saving veterinary interventions for habituated gorillas, allow tourists to directly impact great ape welfare through guided treks.
Small scale community-based initiatives across Rwanda further sustainability and cultural exchange. At Chobe Lodge on the shores of beautiful Lake Kivu, the owner prioritizes hiring and training local women, sustainable building practices featuring repurposed materials, and permaculture demonstrating food sovereignty. Elsewhere, lodges offer tours explaining how initiatives to empower cooperatives of women through fair trade handicraft sales and farming cooperatives rebuild livelihoods and food security. By choosing destinations actively cultivating eco-friendly industries and green jobs through projects, travelers can amplify positive climate actions where the impacts resonate longest.
Whether in developed Scandinavia or emerging Rwanda, focusing travel on places benchmarking sustainability globally sets an example for others to follow. Supporting communities protecting biodiversity through conservation, renewable solutions and local livelihoods also nurtures cultural understanding. As climate consciousness grows, researching destinations’ commitments allows discerning travelers to spend tourism dollars where they translate directly into environmental progress and social uplift. Places leading the sustainability movement provide not only breathtaking escapes but heartwarming proof that protecting our planet and empowering humanity can flourish together.
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Portions of this article were inspired by and reference “Where To Travel 2024: Spend Your Dollars In Sustainable Destinations,” originally published on forbes.com on November 24, 2023.
