What is Sustainable Tourism, and Why Should You Care?
Have you heard about sustainable tourism? It’s a hot topic these days, as growing travel trends have brought challenges like overtourism to many beloved destinations. Understanding the basics of sustainable tourism is essential for all travelers—it could shape the future of your adventures!
The World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.”
Sustainable tourism is not just a buzzword; it’s a meaningful way to ensure travel remains enriching for everyone, today and for generations to come. Whether you’re ready to embrace eco-friendly travel practices or simply curious to learn more, this article is for you!
Keep reading as we share top destinations that embrace sustainable tourism, along with eco-friendly activities to inspire your next adventure.
New Hampshire’s White Mountains
It is easy to see why New Hampshire’s White Mountains are a top destination. The region is beautiful, with charming main streets and scenic mountains. In addition to its beauty, the White Mountains also provide plenty of eco-tourism activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of our top picks for activities include those discussed below.
Stroll Main Street
One of the best ways to practice sustainable tourism is by simply exploring an area on foot, especially an area with a walkable main street. Exploring main streets on foot can lessen the environmental impact while also increasing exposure to the area being visited. Some of the most walkable main streets in the White Mountains include Littleton, Bethlehem, North Conway, and Plymouth. Strolling main street is simple– you just park your car or bike and go for a sidewalk stroll. During your walk you can support small businesses including charming boutiques, colorful candy stores, nostalgic general stores, and even microbreweries.
Sustainably Ski
Is skiing or snowboarding at the top of your list of vacation activities? If you answered “yes” then you will be pleased to learn that many ski resorts engage in year-round sustainability efforts. These efforts ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy resort amenities for years to come. Some of these efforts include energy management, utilizing and maintaining efficient equipment, and investing in advanced snowmaking technology. Are you ready to experience these efforts firsthand? Then start planning a trip to one of the area’s many ski resorts including Cranmore Mountain Resort, Loon Mountain Resort, and Wildcat Mountain.
Now is the perfect time to plan an eco-friendly trip to New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Request your free print and downloadable White Mountains Travel Guide today!
Chicago Southland
Have you experienced Chicago Southland? Located just outside the city limits of Chicago lies the southern/southwestern suburbs known as Chicago Southland. What makes Chicago Southland the perfect destination to pursue sustainable tourism? It offers accessibility and a plethora of nature and trail offerings.
Accessibility
Sustainable tourism includes not only where you are going but how you get there. Chicago Southland is easily accessible for area visitors thanks to interstates 55, 57, 80, 94, 294, and 355. It can be reached within five hours of driving from at least eight states. Chicago Southland is also easily accessible from both Midway and O’Hare International Airports. Visitors can also take advantage of Chicago Southland’s commuter rail options which make getting around the area quick, easy, and affordable.
Embrace Nature
Once you get to Chicago Southland you will be pleased to discover that the area offers plenty of eco-tourism activities, thanks in part to its 40,000+ acres of forestry. Chicago Southland is a great place to both experience and learn about nature.
You will want to pack your walking shoes and water bottle when you visit Chicago Southland because the area has countless hiking trails worth exploring. One of the area’s trails is the Sag Valley Trail System. The Sag Valley Trail System has miles of looping and connecting unpaved trails. The system provides access to remote areas and has so much to offer. Take your time and enjoy its upland meadows, lakes, ponds, sloughs, and diverse wildlife.
If bird watching is a top priority, then we recommend checking out the Cal-Sag Trail. The trail extends for more than 13 miles and is wonderful for birding, biking, and running. It has plenty to offer visitors including beautiful scenery, a paved path, and ample bird sightings.
If you want to learn about nature (while simultaneously experiencing it), then Chicago Southland is the place for your eco-friendly travels! The area boasts more than 14 nature centers with gardens, wildlife, and educational programs. The area’s environmental learning centers include the following:
- The Center in Palos Park
- Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center in Olympia Fields
- Lake Katherine Nature Center in Palos Heights
- Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center in Willow Springs
- Monee Reservoir Visitor Center in Monee
- Plum Creek Nature Center in Beecher
- Sagawau Environmental Learning Center in Lemont
- Sand Ridge Nature Center in South Holland
- Thorn Creek Nature Center in Park Forest
Beautiful Chicago Southland is the ideal destination for visitors looking for eco-tourism activities. Request your free print and downloadable Chicago Southland Visitors Guide today!
Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory
Set against the backdrop of the 11,245-foot Mt. Hood, Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory is breathtaking. The area is a place that you will want to return to year after year thanks to its forested wilderness and stunning vistas. The good news is that the area is also dedicated to sustainable tourism. With sustainability as a focal point, you should be able to return to the area for many years to come!
Hit the Slopes
Sustainable tourism includes responsibly enjoying the area. On Mt. Hood, that includes enjoying the glistening snow and the many snow-related activities that are available during the winter.
Skiing and snowboarding are two popular snow activities. If you want to hit the slopes, then Mt. Hood is the place for you! Mt. Hood is home to the following three ski resorts:
- Timberline Lodge Ski Area
- Mt. Hood Skibowl
- Mt. Hood Meadows.
Each of the resorts are unique. For example, Timberline Lodge Ski Area is the only ski-in ski-out lodge in the state, providing direct access to the slopes. Mt. Hood Skibowl has the largest night ski area in the United States. Mt. Hood Meadows is great for those wanting to explore because it offers the most skiable terrain on the mountain.
Hitting the slopes in Mt. Hood is even easier thanks to the many local stores. These stores offer ski and snowboard rentals for every ability level. There is even a store where you can rent winter clothing. With accessible resorts and accommodating stores, Mt. Hood has everything you need for a memorable (and sustainable) winter vacation.
Play Indoors
If you need a break from the snow, there is still plenty to do in Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory. The area has a number of family-friendly centers and activities including mountain activities, urban activities, and valley activities.
Mountain activities include the following:
- North American Bigfoot Center
- Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum
- Wippersnappers Kids Play Place
- Drop Shot
Urban activities include the following:
- MindTrix Escape Room
- End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
- Ultrazone Laser Tag
- North Clackamas Aquatic Park
Valley activities including the following:
- Bullwinkle’s Entertainment
- Kitchen at Middleground Farms
- The Book Nook
- TMK Creamery
Whether you want to play indoors or outside, Mt. Hood has plenty for you to do. Request your free print and downloadable Oregon Mt. Hood Territory Travel Planner today!
Plan Your 2025 Trips Today!
There are so many spectacular destinations waiting for you! Now is the time to start planning your 2025 sustainable travel. If you need suggestions or travel tips, check out all of the free print and downloadable travel guides available on our website. What are you waiting for? Start planning your trips for the new year today!