Eco-friendly (sustainable) tourism is no longer a niche trend—it’s quickly becoming the new standard. Around the world, some countries are showing how tourism can grow without damaging nature, by investing in renewable energy, protected areas, responsible visitor rules, and community-based tourism that returns income to local people.
Below are standout examples (based on your provided Urdu article), plus additional context and practical details.
1) Costa Rica — A Global Leader in Eco-Tourism
Costa Rica has built its tourism identity around nature protection and low-impact travel. A large portion of the country is protected through national parks and conservation areas, making it one of the most biodiversity-rich travel destinations for its size.
What makes Costa Rica a model
- Protected forests + wildlife corridors: Visitors can explore rainforests, cloud forests, and marine ecosystems while rules and rangers support conservation.
- Eco-lodges and nature-first stays: Many lodges are designed for energy efficiency and minimal ecosystem disruption.
- Visitor participation in conservation: In several regions, tourists can join reforestation, sea turtle protection, and wildlife monitoring initiatives (often through local NGOs and guided programs).
- Renewable electricity progress: Costa Rica is widely recognized for producing a very high share of its electricity from renewables in recent years.
Best-fit travelers: wildlife lovers, families, birdwatchers, nature photographers, soft-adventure travelers.
2) Iceland — Natural Wonders Powered by Clean Energy
Iceland proves that a tourism-driven economy can still prioritize sustainability—especially through energy.
Why Iceland stands out
- Geothermal heating at scale: A very large share of homes in Iceland are heated using geothermal energy.
- Mostly renewable electricity: Iceland’s electricity generation is described as nearly 100% renewable (mainly hydropower and geothermal).
- Responsible touring culture: Many operators emphasize low-impact hiking, controlled access to sensitive sites, and education about fragile volcanic and glacial environments.
Best-fit travelers: hikers, landscape explorers, geology lovers, road-trip fans.
3) New Zealand — Sustainability Through Policy + Culture
New Zealand blends conservation policy with strong public messaging around respectful travel—often tied to Indigenous Māori values and stewardship.
Key sustainability signals
- The Tiaki Promise (Care for people and place): A national visitor message encouraging travelers to protect nature, keep areas clean, drive carefully, and show respect.
- Protected parks and marine life efforts: A strong focus on preserving national parks, trails, coastlines, and wildlife habitats.
- Community and culture-based experiences: Many eco-experiences integrate local communities and authentic cultural learning.
Best-fit travelers: families, hikers, culture explorers, campervan travelers (who follow the rules!).
4) Portugal — Europe’s Rising Sustainable Destination
Portugal has been positioning itself as a sustainable and competitive tourism destination through national planning and local initiatives.
What Portugal is doing
- National sustainable tourism planning: Portugal has a formal sustainable tourism plan and monitoring initiatives to improve resource efficiency (water, energy, waste) across the sector.
- Active mobility + nature routes: Walking and cycling tourism (and cycle-path planning) is a visible part of the strategy.
- Growth of eco-certified stays: Green certifications and sustainability programs are increasingly common in hotels and tourism businesses.
Best-fit travelers: surfers, hikers, cyclists, city-break travelers who want greener hotels and low-impact activities.
5) Slovenia — A European Front-Runner in Green Tourism
Slovenia is often cited for building a national-level sustainability brand and encouraging destinations and providers to meet sustainability standards.
Why Slovenia is a standout
- Slovenia Green certification scheme: A nationwide program that brings destinations and providers under the “Slovenia Green” umbrella and encourages measurable sustainable progress.
- Nature-based tourism with protection: Places like Triglav National Park and other protected areas promote responsible visitor behavior and conservation-focused tourism.
Best-fit travelers: eco-city lovers, mountain hikers, lake/forest travelers, slow-travel fans.
How Travelers Can “Do Eco-Tourism Right”
No matter where you go, eco-friendly travel is more than a destination label—it’s behavior.
Quick checklist
- Choose eco-certified stays/tour operators where possible
- Avoid wildlife entertainment; prefer ethical viewing and regulated sanctuaries
- Carry reusables (bottle, bag), reduce plastic, and respect local waste systems
- Stay on trails; don’t pick plants or disturb habitats
- Support locals: community guides, local crafts, locally owned stays
- Travel slower: fewer flights, longer stays, more walking/cycling/public transport
