View of the beach at Hotel Barcelo in Punta Cana on August 2, 2019. Punta Cana, the easternmost point of the Dominican Republic, faces the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The region is known for its 32 km of beaches and crystal clear waters. The Bavaro district and Punta Cana combine to form the all-inclusive tourist resort area known as La Costa del Coco, or the Coconut Coast. – Copyright AFP Francesco SPOTORNO
Sustainable tourism is big business. Today’s travelers are increasingly environmentally conscious, and the world’s leading destinations are rapidly adapting to meet the demand for sustainable tourism.
When it comes to the world’s most sustainable tourist destinations, the Caribbean might not immediately spring to mind, but thanks to concerted environmental efforts across many of the Caribbean’s islands, vacationers today are able to enjoy a sustainable vacation.
How big is sustainable tourism?
The market for sustainable tourism is booming, with 81% of travelers believing sustainable travel is important and a further 43% being willing to pay more for it.
Forecasts suggest that the sustainable tourism industry is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.8% over the next decade, buoyed by growing sustainability awareness among the younger generation.
According to Expedia data, tourists are looking to travel to more sustainable destinations and are also conscious of sustainable consumption during their stay: 49% of travelers prefer to shop at local stores and restaurants over chains, 43% choose more environmentally friendly transportation, and 40% stay at accommodations that actively work to reduce their environmental impact.
Sustainable tourism and the UK
A June 2024 survey found that 73% of British adults want the UK government to do more to promote sustainable tourism, while 30% want tax incentives for airlines to invest in more fuel-efficient aircraft and 27% want the new government to introduce sustainable travel partnerships and certification for eco-friendly destinations.
However, until clear government policy is put forward, it is up to environmentally conscious holidaymakers to make their holidays sustainable by choosing sustainable holiday destinations and less intrusive holiday activities.
How has the Caribbean changed?
Many Caribbean countries are working towards sustainability. For example, Barbados has been implementing a carbon neutral national strategy since 2019. The country aims to achieve net zero emissions in a variety of sectors, plant one million trees and become 100% dependent on renewable energy by 2030.
Many single-use plastics have also been banned on the island, with the import, distribution, sale and use of single-use plastic containers, cutlery and straws banned from 2020, as well as plastic bags made from petrol.
The Bahamas, Belize, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago have also joined the fight against plastic pollution, significantly limiting the region’s reliance on single-use products.
The critically endangered Mona Iguana is the largest lizard endemic to the island. Locals and a wider organisation have taken matters into their own hands, building ingenious metal frames to encourage coral re-attachment and help the reef grow.
Bonaire Marine National Park (BNMP) is home to approximately 400 protected species, including corals, crustaceans, fish, mammals, mollusks, plants and reptiles. Voted Best Shore Diving Destination for 22 consecutive years by readers of Scuba Diving Magazine, BNMP is a must-visit for anyone who loves the natural beauty of the Caribbean.
“The Caribbean is in a unique position in that a very high percentage of national income is dependent on tourism,” Chris Pitt, concierge manager at Royal Westmoreland, which sells villas in Barbados, told Digital Journal. “In Barbados, tourism accounts for 33 percent of the country’s employment, yet the tradition of hosting tourists has historically created a lot of waste.”
As another example, Sustainable Travel International has partnered with Barbados Tourism Marketing Incorporated (BTMI) to deliver net-zero training sessions to the entire local tourism industry, from hoteliers to transport providers. “Things are different now,” Pitt continues. “Solar power is widely used across the region; rainwater harvesting is used for irrigation – and that’s just a few examples; sargassum is safely removed from shore and processed into a plastic alternative; agrotourism is protecting the island’s forests, and much more.”
