Sustainable Travel

At Eco Travel Inspo, we carefully select hotels, restaurants, and experiences that embody a commitment to sustainability. Our selection process is guided by the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria, which we’ve distilled into eight key sustainability principles that define our standards

What sustainability means to me:

Travel has been a significant part of my life since childhood, yet the environmental impact of tourism is undeniable. Sustainable tourism, as defined by the UN, considers the economic, social, and environmental impact of travel, ensuring a balance that supports long-term sustainability. This approach boosts job creation, preserves cultural heritage, and helps conserve natural environments and wildlife for future generations.

I believe, the biggest challenge in sustainability is shifting consumer/public behaviour and mindsets. For me, traveling sustainably has fostered a global empathy that deepens my understanding of how our actions affect the world beyond borders.

I aim to inspire a more mindful and conscious approach to travel that encourages you to explore unique destinations while also embracing sustainability. Through my in-depth travel guides and exploration of one-of-a-kind places, I hope to not only broaden your curiosity but also help you discover the true essence of sustainable travel—one that is full of learning, relaxation, enrichment, and connection. Every choice, from local cuisines to eco-friendly tours, contributes to a much larger impact on the planet and society.

Our sustainability criteria

Our criteria is defined by eight key pillars, each encompassing vital sub-pillars of sustainability. We take direction from the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (17 SDGs) of the United Nations as well as the criteria defined by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

  • Sustainable wellbeing is about prioritising our health while recognising its deep connection to the wellbeing of others and the environment. When we nurture ourselves—mind, body, and spirit—we’re better equipped to care for the planet and those around us. By choosing eco-conscious products, supporting green initiatives, and embracing practices like yoga, we create a balance that fosters both personal growth and the health of the environment. If we’re not mindful of how we treat ourselves, how can we expect to care for the earth?

Wellness

Economy

Tourism contributes to economic growth in destinations by creating jobs, generating revenue for local businesses, and improving livelihoods, health, cultural preservation, and living conditions. However, economic leakage remains a challenge, with the UNDP estimating that only 5% of tourist spending stays within the local economy.

Conservation

  • Conserving nature and boosting biodiversity is both a climate solution and a way to enhance travel experiences. Nature-positive tourism should go hand in hand with preserving the environment—whether through supporting local conservation projects or encouraging guests to contribute to the regeneration of nature. Without tourism, many areas would struggle to fund conservation efforts, leading to socio-economic and environmental challenges for local communities. By fostering sustainable livelihoods through tourism, we can help address issues like illegal logging, poaching, and harmful farming practices.

Culture & Heritage

  • Cultural tourism, when approached thoughtfully, plays a vital role in preserving history and traditions, especially those of Indigenous communities. By supporting Indigenous-owned businesses, it helps safeguard cultural heritage that might otherwise be lost. This form of tourism also strengthens social capital and enriches the visitor experience through meaningful engagement with significant sites, national parks, galleries, performances, and local crafts.

Local Community

Tourism employs 10% of the global workforce, many from vulnerable communities. A socially sustainable tourism business should do more than offer local jobs; it should actively contribute to poverty alleviation and empower marginalised individuals. Involving locals in decision-making, supporting local businesses, and providing access to education, healthcare, and wellbeing initiatives are essential for creating positive social impact.

Data & Communications

Transparent reporting and science-based data are crucial for countering greenwashing. While the way tourism businesses capture data—such as energy use, water consumption, or waste—may vary, the key is that they are measuring. For hospitality businesses starting their sustainability journey, it’s vital to understand what to measure, how to assess community initiatives, and identify both positive and negative impacts. Reporting, sustainable communications, and education are essential in driving change. Clear data and measurable goals not only combat greenwashing but also demonstrate a genuine commitment to accountability, positive environmental impact, and responsible practices

Environment

The relationship between tourism and the environment is complex: the travel industry relies on healthy ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources—but is also one of its biggest threats. A sector responsible for about 8% of global carbon emissions, it significantly contributes to the climate crisis. As the natural world is at the heart of the travel supply chain, it’s crucial for hotels and experience operators to reduce water, energy, and waste use, while innovating to protect the environments they operate in. Conserving the environment is vital not only for the planet but also for human wellbeing, as the health of ecosystems directly impacts our quality of life.

Accessibility & Inclusion

  • Cultural tourism, when approached thoughtfully, plays a vital role in preserving history and traditions, especially those of Indigenous communities. By supporting Indigenous-owned businesses, it helps safeguard cultural heritage that might otherwise be lost. This form of tourism also strengthens social capital and enriches the visitor experience through meaningful engagement with significant sites, national parks, galleries, performances, and local crafts.

Blog Posts on Sustainable Travel

  • What is Sustainable Tourism and Why is it important?

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  • Top 10 Tips to be a Climate-Friendly Traveller

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  • What is Ecotourism and Why is it important?

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