According to the Intercultural Outreach Initiative, ecotourism came onto the travel scene in the early 1980s “… as a type of travel for people who wanted to learn about different and exotic environments without causing the environmental harm or damage associated with other forms of tourism.” Fast-forward to today, and a Sustainable Travel Study from Expedia Group Media Solutions shows “nearly 3 in 4 travelers would choose a destination, lodging, or transportation option that supports the local community and culture, even if it was more expensive.
Here, we take a look at airlines and hotels leading the charge in sustainability efforts.
More than 30 airlines affiliated with the International Air Transport Association offer carbon offsetting to passengers “… to ‘neutralize’ their proportion of an aircraft’s carbon emissions on a particular journey by investing in carbon reduction projects.” To that end, LeafScore, a website fighting climate change by helping consumers make greener purchasing decisions, published “The 6 Most Sustainable Airlines for Flying Green in 2022” this year. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines ranked No. 1, followed by Alaska Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, Cathay Pacific (aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050), Delta Air Lines and American Airlines.
Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Swiss International Air Lines all committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This fall, Southwest celebrated one year of its carbon offset program, becoming the first U.S. airline with a carbon offset offer with loyalty points and contribution match to offset its carbon emissions. Since 2020, Etihad Airways has reduced its total carbon emissions by 56 percent; restructured its fleet strategy to focus on modern, fuel-efficient aircraft; and launched the first aircraft carbon offset program in the Middle East. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic equips its aircraft with the most efficient engines and state-of-the-art technology designed to save fuel and reduce emissions, delivering a 20 percent reduction in fleet carbon emissions to date
When it comes to sustainability in hotels, tremendous strides have been made, starting with Hotel Marcel New Haven, opened in May. The hotel is anticipated to be the first net-zero hotel in the United States, the first Passive House-certified hotel in the country and one of fewer than a dozen LEED Platinum-certified hotels in the country.
Earlier this year, the Hawai’i Green Business Program recognized five of Outrigger Hospitality Group’s properties for exceptional environmental stewardship in light of its energy efficiency and sustainable business practices to advance the Aloha State’s clean energy and sustainability goals. Outrigger applied for Green Seal certification for all seven of its owned or managed properties in Hawai’i, making it the first in Hawai’i to commit to earning the prestigious certification.
Opened in January, Rosewood São Paulo sourced all building materials within Brazil and committed to using 100 percent renewable energy within its first year of operation. Additionally, HomeExchange Collection, the luxury offering launched this summer, will take part in its parent company’s dedication to calculate its carbon footprint every year; the company intends to contribute to global carbon neutrality with PUR Project by investing in social and environmental projects.
In Michigan, Daxton Hotel committed to The PLEDGE on Food Waste, an initiative aiming to limit the amount of food thrown away. Gravity Haus, a “social club for the modern adventurer” and a model of globally conscious hospitality, will open two new Colorado properties soon in Steamboat Springs and Aspen.
Last year, Inn at Laurel Point in Victoria, British Columbia, became the first hotel in North America to sign on to The Climate Pledge and committed to meet The Paris Agreement by 2040, a decade ahead of the agreement’s deadline.
Read This Next

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Dec 4, 2023Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills Offers a Bevy of Holiday Events
There may not be snow in Los Angeles this season, but Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is certainly full of the holiday spirit, with Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s events happening in the hotel’s gorgeous event spaces.
Sponsored Content
IHG® Business Edge: A Better Way to Travel
Many small- and medium-sized businesses face time and budget constraints when organizing corporate hotel travel for employees. To address this problem, IHG® Business Edge emerged as a cost-free business travel solution for small- to medium-sized enterprises, offering travel managers exclusive access to enticing perks, handpicked educational resources and comprehensive company travel metrics. IHG Business Edge connects our loyal customers to our portfolio of 5,800 hotels and resorts across 18 brands in more than 100 countries.
Daily
Dec 4, 2023Stocking Stuffers for Your Favorite Vagabonds
Looking for fun things to stuff into the toe of a few holiday stockings? Here are some great choices:
Destinations / North America
Dec 4, 20236 U.S. Christmas Markets to See on Your Travels
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these U.S. Christmas markets with us.
Daily
Dec 4, 2023Hotels Around the World Unveil Incredible Designer Holiday Trees
Everyone loves a good Christmas tree, but these iconic hotels around the world take it one step further with designer-styled trees illuminating lobbies and public spaces, wowing all who enter. From Lela Rose to Louis Vuitton, don’t miss these ultra-luxury trees redefining tree decorating as we know it.
Daily
Dec 1, 2023The River Less Traveled: 3 Compelling River Cruise Itineraries Debuting in 2024
In addition to intimate settings, smaller staff-to-passenger ratios, and personalized food and beverage options, river cruises have the advantage of providing a deeper dive into a region’s culture, food and history. The Rhine, Rhône and Danube in Europe and the Mississippi River and St. Lawrence in North America have much to offer travelers with their itineraries, tying together beloved cities and lesser-known destinations along their routes.
Sponsored Content
Treasure Every Moment in The Islands of Tahiti
The Islands of Tahiti offer a range of captivating activities for travelers with diverse interests, from hiking to breathtaking waterfalls, riding horses on secluded beaches; swimming with sharks; or immersing in Polynesian culture through traditional dance, music and art. For watersports enthusiasts, the crystal-clear lagoons offer exhilarating experiences like surfing, kiteboarding and paddleboarding. And if you’re looking to relax, the pristine beaches, overwater bungalows and tropical sun offer the perfect setting. With 118 islands and atolls to explore, island hopping is an excellent way to experience the full diversity of The Islands of Tahiti. With its blend of adventure, culture and relaxation, The Islands of Tahiti offer a truly unique travel experience.
Daily
Dec 1, 2023Celebrate Christmas in Croatia
With the holidays right around the corner, travelers are preparing for holiday travels. For those looking for a last-minute getaway filled with holiday cheer, consider Croatia. With a variety of winter activities perfect for travelers and locals alike, the Christmas countdown in Croatia is in full swing. Leading up to Christmas, Advent in Croatia makes it even more worth your while to visit the country with free winter incentives. If you plan on visiting Croatia, here are five cities going all out for the holiday season:
ShareThis