Cities around the world, however beautiful and exciting, all contribute their share to the world’s carbon emissions. However, eco-conscious travelers can tailor their itineraries to visit destinations that are taking action to increase sustainability and combat the climate crisis. Eco-conscious travelers are being more discerning when making choices on where to spend their vacations, and these locations are making the list for being some of the top sustainable destinations.
The Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index is an organization that encourages destinations around the world to become more eco-friendly. Their mission supports Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) all around the world “whether you’re a small city in the United States just starting your regenerative tourism journey or a metropolis in Asia with an advanced sustainable tourism strategy.” The GDS ranks various countries based on their regenerative practices. Here’s are four of the top sustainable destinations.
Singapore
Those who have immersed themselves in the clean streets and bright lights of Singapore know that this city has big plans to “greenify.” Conde Nast Traveler reports Singapore hopes to broaden their eco-blueprint by adding new parks, cycling trails, and mandating the use of clean-energy vehicles throughout the city. This is known as the “Singapore Green Plan” which is sought to be fully implemented by 2030. The plan is part of a larger mission to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, a goal Singapore committed to under the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the Paris Agreement. When visiting Singapore, travelers can reap the benefits of a more eco-conscious city. With nearly 8 million trees, the city is one of the most prolific in the world for tree and plant life, a mission supported by the city which plans to plant one million more trees by 2030.
Denmark
Nyborg, located in Denmark’s central region, is famed for 85% of the town’s electricity being powered by renewable sources, with 74% of waste being recycled and 87% of hotels being certified sustainable. Other Danish cities also make the list boasting walkability, ample renewable energy and initiatives to work towards carbon neutrality. Copenhagen is known for its canals, incredible cuisine, and laid back lifestyle. The city’s water is so clean, every summer locals jump in for a swim on hot afternoons. Here sustainability initiatives are of top priority, with the city recently launching a program to reward tourists for eco-conscious behaviors.
Sweden
Like Denmark, cities in Sweden are also working towards more sustainable lifestyles. Stockholm’s City Council is seeking to make the area fossil fuel free by 2040. However, going a step further than Stockholm is Gothenburg which landed at the number one spot on the 2023 GDS Index, its seventh win. What’s so great about Gothenburg? The city’s Green City Zone, has been testing out sustainable transportation and infrastructure to help reach zero emissions by 2030. Currently, Gothenburg’s airport shuttle runs on rapeseed oil and the region’s southern islands have banned cars, making them only accessible by public transportation, according to CN Traveler.
Goyang, South Korea
Less than an hour outside Seoul, Goyand is one of South Korea’s most green-minded cities. Boasting 68 parks and ample plant and tree life, the city’s air is crisp and clean with minimum air pollution. The city has also taken other initiatives to “greenify” including smart garbage bins that ensure around 82% of waste is recycled.
Click here for the list of The Top 40 Sustainable Destinations.
