Press release announcing
The world’s most popular ‘eco’ destinations
With over 60,000 booking enquiries having been generated through online travel agent responsibletravel.com we have extensive data from which we can reveal the world’s most popular eco destinations for the very first time.
The top 3
During the year to March 2005 the top three destinations generating booking enquiries via responsibletravel.com remained unchanged with Egypt, Kenya and Tanzania in the top 3 spots. Having been some of the first countries to understand the importance of tourism for wildlife conservation and poverty reduction Kenya and Tanzania retain their leadership positions. Egypt ’s growth has been driven by adventure holidays and family adventures, often featuring local guides and home-stays as a point of difference.
The biggest winners
India (up from 11th in the previous year to 4th) and Ecuador (up to 7th). India ’s growth has partly been driven by the growth and success of Kerala as an eco destination. The popularity of The Galapagos Islands have contributed significantly to Ecuador's growth.
The biggest loser
Thailand (down from 4th to 12th and clearly suffering more from the tsunami than Sri Lanka which remained flat at 14th). We predict Thailand to bounce back strongly from October.
The fastest growing newcomers
Costa Rica (up from 25th to 16th) and Spain (up from 31st to 18th). Determined to shake off its down market package holiday image Spain is offering an increasing range of special interest holidays and successful inland holiday options.
The biggest surprise
Possibly Scotland in 9th position. Their accreditation scheme for accommodations – The Green Tourism Business Scheme – and ‘Wild Scotland’ programme of small-scale wildlife enterprises are paying dividends. Perhaps also surprising by their omission are the USA and Australia .
| Rank 05 (04) | 2005 | 2004 |
| = | 1 (1) | Eqypt | Eqypt |
| = | 2 (2) | Kenya | Kenya |
| = | 3 (3) | Tanzania | Tanzania |
 | 4 (11) | India | Thailand |
| | 5 (6) | Peru | South Africa |
| | 6 (8) | Morocco | Peru |
| | 7 (10) | Ecuador | Nepal |
 | 8 (5) | South Africa | Morocco |
| = | 9 (9) | Scotland | Scotland |
| | 10 (7) | Nepal | Ecuador |
| | 11 (13) | Italy | India |
| | 12 (4) | Thailand | China |
| | 13 (12) | China | Italy |
| = | 14 (=) | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka |
| | 15 (17) | Vietnam | Belize |
| | 16 (25) | Costa Rica | Turkey |
| | 17 (16) | Turkey | Vietnam |
| | 18 (31) | Spain | Borneo |
| | 19 (27) | Cyprus | Romania |
| | 20 (26) | Greece | Mexico |
ENDS.
For more information:
Justin Francis
Justin@responsibletravel.com
07787 555088 (m)
responsibletravel.com is the market leading travel agent for eco/responsible tourism, backed by Anita Roddick and offering 1000’s of holidays in 110 countries. 130 carefully screened tour companies & 100’s of accommodations run the holidays.
Responsible travel is more authentic holiday experiences that maximize the benefits local people, and minimize negative cultural and environmental impacts. Read more about how responsibletravel.com screens tour companies and accommodations here.
