Climate change is reshaping the tourism landscape, introducing new challenges for travelers, the industry, and local communities. From melting glaciers and bleaching reefs to flooded coastlines and wildfires, climate change imperils the destinations we love and endangers the resources that people, tourism, and wildlife depend on. In recent years, tourism...
When you’re snorkeling or swimming during your vacation, the sunscreen that’s safeguarding your skin might also be endangering the vibrant coral reef and marine life below you. Discover how you can protect the marine destinations you visit, without putting your own health at risk. For decades, we’ve heard about the...
The islands of the Pacific are a popular destination for many travelers looking to trade in city life for secluded beaches, cultural authenticity and stunning natural environments. While the small size and remoteness of these destinations makes for ideal getaways, these characteristics also bring along many challenges. Visitors often put...
The Mesoamerican Reef Tourism Initiative (MARTI) worked in destinations bordering the world’s second-largest reef system to maintain a vibrant tourism industry that supports local communities and contributes to a healthy ecosystem. Stretching for 600 miles (965 kilometers) along the coast of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, the Mesoamerican Reef is...
Encouraging sustainable business practices in Samoa’s tourism industry and enhancing support of local initiatives. Located in the Pacific, Samoa is comprised of ten islands, the largest and most known being ‘Upolu and Savai’i. Each island features distinct landscapes from tropical rainforests and volcanic landscapes to crystal clear lagoons and sandy...
Offering picturesque natural landscapes, unique cultures, and countless recreation opportunities, mountain regions are popular tourism destinations. Particular care should be taken when developing tourism in mountain destinations, as their fragile environments and host communities can be especially prone to negative impacts. The Mountain IDEAL standard helps destinations balance tourism growth...