With three-fourths of the city made up of country parks and nature reserves, Hong Kong is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, also offering some of the best hiking opportunities in Asia. Even more remarkable is this destination’s commitment to fostering an eco-friendly environment—from prioritizing green buildings that ensure structures and processes are environmentally friendly to combating carbon emissions.
Where to stay: Enjoy a stay at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong; this five-star hotel is opposite the iconic Victoria Harbour, which separates Hong Kong from the Kowloon Peninsula. Guests will be pleased to know that this property does not compromise sustainability for luxury; instead, it has taken a number of initiatives to offer its guests a more sustainable stay, including working to reduce waste where possible by eliminating single-use plastics and channelling surplus food to a local charity which fights hunger by delivering safe food to those in need.
Utrecht is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands and some people see it as a cosier alternative to Amsterdam. With 89%* of Singaporean travellers’ experience enhanced by renting a bike, Utrecht is the perfect city for those seeking an environmentally friendly transport alternative, thanks to the ease at which visitors can cycle around the approachable city. They can also explore the many parks and gardens the city has to offer, including the Máximapark just outside the city, or admire ancient plants in the Botanical Gardens.
Where to stay: Grand Hotel Karel V offers a relaxing atmosphere amidst peaceful gardens and terraces in the heart of Utrecht. The property has earned an FEE’s Green Key certification for making optimal choices in equipment and energy management, such as using environmentally-friendly products within their cleaning services to carrying out waste separation by employing temporary storage without causing any disruption to the surrounding environment.
#3 Baie Sainte Anne, Seychelles
Situated on the island of Praslin, Bae Sainte Anne is a perfectly picturesque tropical rainforest, beckoning travellers to walk across its pristine white sands and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Visitors can take a tour of St Anne Marine National Park, which is the first South Western Indian Ocean’s marine protected area, then snorkel around the secured coral gardens, where a large number of fish species can be spotted.
Where to stay: Conveniently located next to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Raffles Seychelles is the ideal resort to enjoy the carefree and understated beauty of island living. The warmth and hospitality from the staff provide a fantastically friendly vibe at this Booking.com Travel Proud property, which also has a Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label, as the resort has made it their mission to replant several endemic and indigenous plant species throughout the grounds to restore the natural beauty of the site which had been laid bare by fire 11 years earlier.
The coastal town of Monterey is renowned for its quintessentially Californian landscapes: think cypress-lined coves, dramatic cliffs, and white sandy beaches. It’s become a hot spot of ecotourism too, with local initiatives that ensure a balanced and viable tourism economy in the area, from maintaining wildlife through conservation efforts to adopting a farm-to-table ethos in many of the area restaurants.
Where to stay: Visitors to Monterey will feel the beauty of the surrounding scenery in the coastal-inspired rooms and suites of the Portola Hotel & Spa. The accommodation is also a U.S. Green Building Council LEED® Certified hotel, recognised for the measures it has taken to offer guests a more sustainable stay.
Known as the second largest city in Ireland, Cork is revered for its magical geographical features: from rugged coastlines to broad valleys and lowlands, this destination is home to extraordinary beauty. Even more impressive is the city’s recognition by the European Commission as one of the first 100 cities to lead on climate neutrality, and its commitment to supporting its communities with climate change action plans, thereby ensuring a good quality of life for residents.
Where to stay: Experience the best of Cork whilst staying at The Montenotte Hotel, which offers guests epic city views from its bright and modern rooms. This property has a Green Hospitality Ecolabel, earned for its ethical efforts, such as having ample green spaces that allow for one to connect with nature.
#6 Gothenburg, Sweden
Gothenburg, the second largest city in Sweden after its capital, Stockholm, is an underrated destination that puts sustainability first, with it being ranked as the world’s most sustainable destination seven times in a row according to the Global Destination Sustainability Index. With an estimated 95% of the city running on renewable energy, travellers who prefer to travel more sustainably will appreciate the chance to discover the city in an environmentally friendly way, thanks to this Gothenburg Bike Tour.
Where to stay: Discover Gothenburg whilst staying at the Hotel Royal. This property with a FEE’s Green Key is also the city’s oldest hotel, dating back to 1852. Guests will be pleased to know that its history is still preserved in the rooms and décor, allowing them to be transported back in time. Alongside a remarkable conservation of history is the property’s fantastic location—just a short walk from Liseberg Amusement Park.
Akumal in the state of Quintana Roo is a must-see for marine wildlife lovers and perfect for the 66%* of Singaporean travellers who are familiar with the preservation of biodiversity and natural habitats related to sustainability in travel. Part of a marine protected area on the Yucatán Peninsula, this coastal town boasts crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, as well as coral and marine life galore. Those interested in the conservation and preservation of marine life may also visit the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sian Kaʼan Biosphere Reserve.
Where to stay: For travellers looking for a luxe getaway overlooking Akumal’s serene beach, the Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya – Adults Only offers a piece of paradise on the Riviera Maya. Visitors can stroll along the property’s winding walkways to its own private stretch of white sand. This resort has made huge commitments to sustainability, with a mission to be active stewards for the environment, marine life and local community, and received a Preferred by Nature Certificate for its efforts.
Labelled by the European Union as a “smart city,” Trondheim is recognised as Norway’s premier bike hub, with city bikes conveniently available throughout the city to encourage visitors to explore on two wheels. Home to some of Norway’s most beautiful landmarks, from the Nidaros Cathedral to the Portal of Happiness on the Old Town Bridge, there is lots to get up to and see in this city.
Where to stay: Conveniently situated beside the Nidelva River, the Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel is just a short walk from Torvet Square, the main meeting place which hosts all special events from market stalls and food festivals in the summer, to Christmas markets in the winter. This picturesque accommodation has an FEE’s Green Key certification, and uses fresh, local produce for all meals served at its 73 Bar & Restaurant.
Renowned for its unspoiled charm and cultural diversity, Vancouver lives and breathes the outdoors, including parks aplenty, such as the famous Stanley Park with its iconic seawall and beaches with snow-capped mountain views. Vancouver takes sustainability seriously by way of such eco-friendly initiatives as the Greenest City Action Plan and the Renewable City Strategy, which aims to use 100% renewable energy by 2050.
Where to stay: A luxury contemporary hotel located in the heart of Vancouver, Fairmont Pacific Rim makes the ideal retreat for any visitor. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain and harbour views, the hotel reflects Vancouver’s vibrant social scene through its artistic interiors, while also honouring a deep connection to its natural surroundings. As guests venture into this Booking.com Travel Proud property, which also has a Green Key Global Eco-Rating certificate, they are welcomed by a warm cadre of staff in the inviting terrace garden.
*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 31,550 respondents across 34 countries and territories (1,000 from USA, 1,000 from Canada, 1,000 from Mexico, 1,000 from Colombia, 1,000 from Brazil, 1,000 from Argentina, 1,000 from Australia, 500 from New Zealand, 1,000 from Spain, 1,000 from Italy, 1,000 from France, 500 from Switzerland, 1,000 from the UK, 1,000 from Ireland, 1,000 from Germany, 1,000 from the Netherlands, 1,000 from Belgium, 1,000 from Denmark, 1,000 from Sweden, 950 from Croatia, 500 from UAE, 1,000 from India, 1,000 from China, 800 from Hong Kong, 1,000 from Thailand, 1,000 from Singapore, 1,000 from Taiwan, 1,000 from Vietnam, 1,000 from Indonesia, 1,000 from Philippines, 1,000 from South Korea, 1,000 from Japan, 1,000 from South Africa and 300 from Kenya ). In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have traveled at least once in the past 12 months and must be planning to travel in 2024, and be either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in February 2024.
**Destinations are selected from the top 500 destinations selected based on volume of properties with an independent third-party sustainability certification and sorted by highest percentage share of overall properties that have an independent third-party sustainability certification. The destinations were slightly curated to ensure geographic distribution.
The Insightful Media 
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