More and more vacationers are looking into eco-tourism options in a desire to reduce the impact of their holiday. Many are also interested in eco-friendly holiday experiences that bring them closer to nature.
When looking for a greener vacation experience, you’ll want to do some research. Some tourism companies bill themselves as “green” but are actually contributing to the destruction of local ecosystems, biodiversity, and wild spaces. Truly sustainable vacation companies will work with local governments and nonprofit organizations to ensure their footprint is as light as possible.
Finding Eco-Tourism Companies that are Truly Green
Here are some certification organizations that will make it easier to spot the sustainable vacationing companies you’ll encounter.
- If you’re looking for a sustainable beach or marina vacation, then look for the logo put out by the Blue Flag organization. They have strict standards for water quality, environmental education, and safety for properties that receive their certification. Their database includes over 3,000 resources in nearly 40 countries.
- For companies that stick voluntarily to a set of environmental, economic, and social standards, take a look at Eco Tour: Online Directory of Eco-tours and Eco-lodges. Companies pay to have themselves on the site, so this isn’t as trustworthy as other third-party verified organizations.
- Look to the Green Globe for certified environmentally responsible travel companies. These organizations requires their operators to follow strict standards.
- The International Eco-tourism Society (TIES) is dedicated to ecotourism. They provide guidelines, training, technical assistance, and research for professionals and travelers to help spur the increase in sustainable travel.
- Planeta.com has a World Travel Directory where you can look for other people, tours, and travel operators interested in sustainable tourism. Although there is no third-party verification of companies that list themselves on the site, they are supposed to adhere to Planeta.com’s selection criteria.
- Check out the Rainforest Alliance for tour operators that have signed an agreement put together by this organization stating that they will work to conserve biodiversity and reduce their impact. These operators are found primarily in Latin America.
- The Sustainable Travel International organization will help you find tourism companies that are committed at their core to sustainable travel opportunities. Their Sustainable Tourism Eco-certification Program (STEP) is voluntary, but a step in the right direction.