Study reveals the most sustainable travel destinations in 2024
Tripadvisor has teamed up with the Global Destination Sustainability Movement to reveal the top sustainable travel hotspots for 2024. The study evaluated 100 locations with a minimum four bubble rating over a year (from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023) and analyzed traveler feedback mentioning sustainability. Surprisingly, no cities from the United States of America made the cut despite 74% of American travelers expressing concerns about the impact of overtourism. However, prioritizing environmentally safe travel is on the rise.
Copenhagen crowned most sustainable destination
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, earned the title of the most sustainable destination in 2024. Renowned for its green spaces and dedication to making city centers pedestrian-friendly, Copenhagen is among Europe's oldest and cleanest cities. The nation aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025. Over two-thirds of Copenhagen's hotels have an eco-certificate, and machines provide cash for returned empty cans or plastic cups.
Stockholm and Bordeaux secure second and third positions respectively
Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, secured second place as a sustainable travel destination. With ambitions to be fossil-free and climate-positive by 2040, approximately 60% of Sweden's energy comes from renewable sources. The country ranks in the top 10 of the Environmental Performance Index for its eco-friendly performance. Bordeaux, France, claimed the third spot on Tripadvisor's sustainable travel list.
Europe dominates list; the US underrepresented
Europe dominated Tripadvisor's sustainable travel rankings, with eight out of the top 10 spots. Helsinki in Finland, Singapore, Melbourne in Australia; Oslo in Norway, Brussels in Belgiu, Galway in Ireland, and Belfast in United Kingdom also made it to the top ten. Montreal in Canada was the sole representative on the list from the Americas.
How can India become a sustainable destination?
According to Invest, in 2022, the Ministry of Tourism developed the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism with the aim of integrating sustainability into the Indian tourist industry. Seven strategic pillars were outlined in the extensive strategy position India as a top travel destination for ethical and sustainable tourism worldwide. These include promoting socio-cultural sustainability, economic sustainability, environmental sustainability, biodiversity protection, scheme for sustainable tourism certification, IEC and capacity building, and governance.
