Green Getaways: A Real Possibility or A Visionary Dream?
- Aishwarya Nanthakumar
- Nov 6, 2025
- 4 min read
Between carbon-negative Bhutan and a drowning Venice, our Food and Travel writer, Aishwarya examines whether sustainable tourism is achievable or simply another distant dream.
Sustainability is the buzzword of our times, and travel is no exception. Tourism – hailed as an economic superhero for decades – is reshaping its approach by embracing responsible and environmentally conscious practices. Nevertheless, the implementation of these initiatives has been a challenge as countless persistent obstacles continue to impede the advancement of sustainable tourism - raising a critical question: Is sustainable tourism a realistic goal or merely an aspirational ideal?
Green Travel 101: What is Sustainable Tourism?
Tourism is huge. We’re talking about an industry that contributes to about 10% of the world’s GDP and creates one in every ten jobs. But it also leaves a pretty big carbon footprint with nearly 8% of the global carbon emissions. Hotels, planes, cruise ships, you name it – they all burn energy that comes at a cost.
Sure, travel can revive communities and protect cultural heritage, but when it grows unchecked, nature often pays the price. Overcrowded beaches, polluted water bodies, piles of waste.. The darker side of wanderlust is real.
That’s where sustainable tourism steps in. Born in the 1970s and growing traction in the ‘90s, it’s all about the balance - creating travel experiences that benefit both people and the planet. The World Tourism Organisation puts it nicely: sustainable tourism means taking full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities. In simpler words? Travel that gives back more than it takes.
A Tiny Country with a Big Lesson
So is sustainable tourism actually possible? Let’s take a look at Bhutan.
Tucked away in the Himalayas, Bhutan might just be the poster child for responsible travel. This tiny kingdom lives by the mantra “high value, low impact”. That’s as simple as it is genius. Instead of chasing millions of tourists, Bhutan focuses on quality over quantity. One way they do this? By charging a $100 Sustainable Development Fee to visitors, which goes straight into preserving nature and supporting local communities. Even cooler, Bhutan is one of only three carbon-negative countries in the world, which means it absorbs more carbon emissions than it produces. Talk about eco-superpowers!
But Bhutan’s commitment to well-being goes beyond the environment. The country is known for measuring success through Gross National Happiness (GNH), putting joy, health, and community ahead of economic growth. In a world obsessed with GDP, Bhutan stands out as a bold reminder that happiness and harmony might just be the ultimate goals.
Why Going Green Isn’t So Easy?
Sustainable tourism sounds dreamy, but let’s be real: it’s got its fair share of hurdles. And topping that list? Overtourism.
Take Venice, for example. Once a serene city on water, it now sees more tourists than locals and the imbalance is starting to show. Locals are being displaced out of their own neighbourhoods as landlords turn apartments into short-term rentals. Traditional markets are disappearing, replaced by souvenir shops and gelato stands. For visitors, it’s picture-perfect. For Venetians? Exhausting. Venice isn’t just losing space. It’s losing its essence.
Overtourism might grab the headline, but it’s just the tip of the sustainability iceberg. One sneaky rascal slowing down the shift to a greener travel is greenwashing. Companies could paste a ‘sustainable” label without actually walking the eco-friendly talk. A bamboo straw here, a “towel reuse” there… and suddenly it’s “eco-friendly”. The truth? Many of these claims are simply for the catch of one’s eyes.
Beyond Buzzwords: Making Sustainable Travel Happen
Let’s talk about solutions. If we really want to fast-track sustainable tourism, it’s going to take teamwork. It is not just up to travel organisations or government policies. We, the tourists, play a big part too.
Our choices, attitude and behaviour can make or break a journey towards sustainability. As tourists, the little choices we make during our trip can have a surprisingly big impact on the planet. Whether it's buying locally-made products, hopping on public transport or opting for an ethical tour operator. Being a conscious tourist means thinking beyond the selfie and asking: “How can I give back to the places I visit?” Because sustainable travel isn’t just about where you go – it’s about how you show up.
On a larger scale, industry players like hotels and resorts can strengthen deeper connections with local communities by creating opportunities for economic development and fostering a stronger sense of belonging. These collaborations not only enrich the travel experience but also lay the groundwork for long-term, sustainable growth in the region. And when the industry embraces renewable energy, eco-friendly tech, and circular economy models that give waste a second life, it’s a win-win situation for both the people and the planet.
Turning Green Dreams into Real Journey
Globally, we've already seen an inspiring example of destinations embracing greener, more mindful ways to welcome travellers., Sure, endorsing sustainable travel is not a walk in the park and comes with its fair share of challenges. But here’s the good news: through collective effort, innovation and a genuine commitment to doing better, this vision can absolutely become reality.
So next time you pack your bags, ask yourself: How can my journey help the planet, not just stamp my passport?
Because the future of travel isn’t just about where we go — It’s about how we leave things better than we found them.
Author: Aishwarya Nanthakumar Editor: Lee Jade Co-Editor-in-Chief: Sue Ann
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