Socially Responsible Tourism: The Best Places to Travel in the Caribbean

Friday, July 5, 2019

Opening our consciousness to the way in which we impact the world around us is rapidly becoming an aspect of our modern lives. Luckily, this is increasingly extending to tourism, with travellers more frequently considering the travel options which will help them reduce their carbon footprint, lessen their impact on the environment and aid local economies.

The Caribbean is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world, but with limited education surrounding sustainability, not all destinations in this area offer the most socially responsible options for travellers.

That said, there is a selection of destinations which buck this trend, understanding that tourism and sustainability are not mutually exclusive.

Here are our top five picks for Caribbean destinations which allow you to enjoy their serene beauty as well as being mindful of how your presence impacts it…

  1. Grenada

Grenada is one of the best options for those looking for socially responsible travel options. The small island’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices sees everyone from luxury resorts to small operators attempting to make a difference. But that’s not the only reason Grenada comes out on top as one of the most socially responsible Caribbean destinations.

This state ensures the local community benefits from revenue generated by tourism, it has raised money and awareness about climate changed, and through the Coral Reef Initiative, there has been great progress made to preserve the surrounding coral reef. All in all, this tiny nation is strides ahead of many other Caribbean destinations when it comes to socially responsible tourism.

  1. Costa Rica

Littered with UNESCO World Heritage protected areas, including copious amounts of rainforest, it’s probably clear to see that Costa Rica is serious about preserving its unique environment. The country’s hotels have also started to see the importance of sustainability too and have taken steps to reduce their carbon footprint with the installation of solar panels as well as attempts to minimize water consumption. That said, the country still has a long way to go to improve its social welfare.

  1. Belize

Belize is a prime example of a Caribbean country with a strong understanding that ignoring conservation will drastically impact tourism. And with the nation relying on revenue generated by travellers, they have made great strides to ensure they don’t lose this valuable source of income. 36% of the country, as well as 13% of the waters, are protected to preserve the natural beauty which lures thousands of tourists every year. What’s more, luxury Belize resorts have led the way for reminding tourists of their social responsibility by encouraging water and energy conservation.

Since the 1980s, the Belize government has been working with local tour operators, initiatives and organizations to put th

e power back into the hands of locals. This has helped local communities become more mindful of sustainable tourism and incentivized them to do their bit to grow the tourism industry of their country.

  1. Barbados

As one of the most visited islands in the Caribbean, it’s probably reassuring for the socially responsible traveller to hear that this destination is also one of the most proactive when it comes to sustainable tourism.

Barbados has been committed to environmental protection since the 1990s. The National Commission of Sustainable Development was set up by the state as a means of ensuring that the ever-growing tourism industry does not negatively impact the environment.

After the decimation of the agricultural industry after the country’s independence in the 1960s, some locals took it upon themselves to use their fertile environment to grow produce which would otherwise have been imported. So, as a sustainable traveller, you’ll be pleased to know there is now a multitude of local eating options for you to try while you’re there.

  1. Bonaire

Although it’s one of the lesser known and lesser visited destinations on this list, Bonaire certainly packs a punch in the sustainability stakes. In 2018, the small nation was one of only two Caribbean destinations to appear on the Green Destinations Top 100 Sustainable Destinations, which perhaps isn’t a surprise when considering the country has been working towards a goal of 100% renewable energy since 2004.

So, has this list influenced your decision for your next travel destination? Let us know where you’ll be going next in the comments below…