Ecotourism: what is it? Nature, sustainability, and responsibility are some of the main characteristics that define this type of tourism. It is a way of traveling being aware of the impact tourism activities have on the environment and local communities.
At Drivania, we value and promote responsible travel. In this article, we share ideas for sustainable tourism and suggest exclusive places that could become your next ecotourism destination.
Eco-friendly transportation: exploring the world in a sustainable way
Ecotourism is a way to explore new places responsibly and sustainably. In addition to considering accommodation and selecting environmentally friendly activities, it is also important to choose appropriate ecological transportation.
Opt for those activities with a positive impact, such as visits to sanctuaries and wildlife conservation centers, zero-mile cuisine tastings, or visits to local communities and shopping at small local businesses, which often have unique handcrafted pieces.
When it comes to travel, fly with airlines that show transparency in their operations and commitment to the environment through carbon footprint offset programs or other practices such as using biofuels or reducing plastics on board. If you must take a boat trip or tour, opt for solar or hydrogen-powered vessels when available.
For your private car trips, it is important to choose a company with sustainable, well-maintained, and environmentally responsible vehicles. Drivania offers environmentally friendly private car services, from electric vehicles in our fleet to collaboration in environmental projects outside our offices.
Top ecotourism destinations around the world: comfort, nature and responsibility
Sustainable travel does not have to be at odds with comfort and safety. Some of the best places for ecotourism in the world, whether for their beaches, forests, or local culture, offer ecological tourism experiences without compromising comfort and wellness.
Some of the most popular ecotourism destinations stand out for their location, accommodations, activities, and commitment to the environment and surrounding communities. Most ecotourism lodgings are known for being built with recycled materials and powered by renewable energy sources.
Mexico: AZULIK
Mexico, especially Tulum, is a popular destination for its paradisiacal beaches, cenotes, and forests. AZULIK is a sanctuary of 48 biophilic architecture villas focused on technological disconnection and wellness, offering a connection with the environment experience and relaxation with all comfort.
This resort is committed to supporting local tribes and communities in their struggle for forest and ocean preservation. In addition, technological access is limited and the villas do not have any electricity to be in harmony with the environment and not affect the native fauna.
Along with enjoying ancestral ceremonies and tasting gourmet dishes prepared with organic and local ingredients, you can also visit its art museums and sustainable design clothing store.AZULIK shows its commitment to responsible mobility by creating its own ecological transportation brand AZULIK Mobility. To promote environmentally friendly transport around their residential villas, the AZULIK Mobility team has developed an electric vehicle with a nature-inspired design, making trips around the forest eco-friendly.
Kenya: Ol Malo
Kenya is a country known for its deserts, mountains, and many nature reserves. Located approximately 290 km from Nairobi is Ol Malo, a cabin complex inspired by an authentic safari camp and designed with natural materials sourced from the area.
Staying at Ol Malo is more than just a simple African safari. It is an immersive experience where you can experience wildlife firsthand, visit local tribes, learn about their customs, and taste dishes cooked with farm-to-table ingredients. One of the most authentic ways to explore the wonders of unspoiled Kenya while enjoying a private dinner under the stars or relaxing with a cocktail in the saltwater pool.
Spain: Mas Salagros
Away from the city and the tourist masses, Mas Salagros is an eco-friendly retreat located about 30 km northeast of Barcelona.
This hotel is the first 100% ecological eco-resort in the Iberian Peninsula. This is achieved thanks to the use of renewable energy and plants as thermal insulators, and the use of recycled materials to build the rooms’ furniture and decoration.During your stay at Mas Salagros, you can relax with a massage at the spa, a wine and local organic products tasting, or a walk through the vineyards. It is the perfect getaway to disconnect from the city.
Thailand: Keemala
Thailand has become one of the most popular destinations among tourists due to its beaches with crystal clear water and the monsoon forests that surround it. In recent years, this has led to a growing trend of ecotourism, where more people are opting for less crowded, environmentally responsible tourism.
About 13 km outside of Phuket is the ecoresort Keemala, a set of luxury villas inspired by the local culture and located in the rainforest away from the masses. At this holistic retreat, you will be able to enjoy traditional rituals and massages and taste authentic local cuisine with fresh ingredients picked daily from the garden. In addition to enjoying the tranquility and privacy of the villas, if you wish to spend a day at the beach or visit the city, you will only have to travel a few kilometers by car. Keemala is undoubtedly a place where you can feel an unparalleled connection with nature without leaving a trace.
Switzerland: Whitepod Original
Switzerland is one of the most environmentally conscious countries on the planet and has one of the best environmental policies in the world. Located at the foot of the Dent de la Valerette peak is the peculiar eco-friendly resort Whitepod Original, a group of small wooden cabins and pods with large windows and panoramic views of the mountains.
Built by local craftsmen and using wood from the Swiss forests, these small shelters use 30% less energy than conventional constructions, taking advantage of their dome shape to have an efficient consumption.
At the resort, you can unwind with a spa treatment or a yoga session, or if you’re feeling adventurous, explore a variety of ecotourism activities like hiking or canyoning.To promote sustainable mobility, Whitepod Original offers the possibility of renting all-terrain electric bicycles. Ride through scenic routes in the area without the need to travel by car to enjoy the panoramic views. It’s truly the perfect spot to enjoy fresh air while minimizing the human impact.
Drivania, a comfortable and sustainable private transportation service
Most of these accommodations are situated in remote locations to get away from the city and offer maximum privacy. As a result, access can be challenging, so it’s advisable to arrange a chauffeured private car service in advance for transportation to the hotel and to get around during your visits and activities.
Traveling responsibly not only means staying in sustainable villas or eco-resorts but also considering your trips and opting for ecological means of transportation when available. At Drivania Chauffeurs, we have implemented sustainable mobility in our company’s philosophy with our own carbon footprint offsetting program. We also have professional drivers who do not carry out aggressive practices behind the wheel and a vehicle fleet suitable for ecotourism with all kinds of amenities on board.
Whatever your next destination is, our chauffeurs are ready to take you from the airport to your accommodation or take you to visit the area: transfer you to the Swiss ski slopes, explore cenotes in Quintana Roo, or plan a tasting and tour around spanish vineyards.