World Tourism Day: Destinations Making a Difference

LONDON: As World Tourism Day approaches, travel shifting its focus towards a more sustainable and responsible future. This year’s theme, “Tourism and Green Investment” resonates strongly with travellers taking strides to put sustainability at the forefront of their lifestyles. As the world unites to celebrate the beauty of travel and culture, we showcase Ras Al Khaimah, Jamaica, ACRO Suites, and Nova Maldives for their eco-consciousness and innovative practices and strategies.

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

With over 7,000 years of fascinating history, traditions, and culture, Ras Al Khaimah promises an authentic and easily accessible Arabian experience. A haven of year-round sunshine, the Emirate features pristine beaches, lush mangrove trees, and terracotta dunes, as well as fertile, green oases and the dramatic, awe-inspiring vistas of the majestic Hajar mountains, including the UAE’s highest mountain peak – Jebel Jais. 

Under the all-encompassing banner of Balanced Tourism, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority is shaping tourism in the UAE by placing all aspects of sustainability (environment, culture, conservation, and liveability) at the centre of its investment and development strategy. Created in partnership with EarthCheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification, and advisory group for travel and tourism, Ras Al Khaimah aims to become a regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025. 

Ras Al Khaimah’s Sustainable Tourism Strategy Implementation Plan, launched in 2022, goes far beyond promoting recycling or eliminating single use plastic. Since its launch, the Emirate successfully implemented robust sustainability measurement and certification programmes for the destination as well as tourism businesses where sustainability efforts are measured against 10 performance metrics including energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, potable water consumption, waste sent to landfill, local employment, and gender parity. Significant progress has already been made towards this, with the Tourism Authority receiving the EarthCheck Silver Certification, becoming the first destination to receive this certification in the Middle East. Over 20 hotels and attractions that are part of the programme are on track to receive the Responsible RAK Silver Certification later this year.

Sustainable, balanced, and focused developments are also at the heart of the destination’s strategy, with the Emirate committing £100 million towards the development of purpose-driven tourism projects that will enhance its natural environment.

Please refer to the sustainability factsheet here for further information.

Jamaica

Sustainability in Jamaica is a growing focus, with efforts aimed at preserving the island’s natural beauty, protecting its diverse ecosystems, and promoting responsible tourism practices.

Jamaica offers numerous opportunities for ecotourism and nature-based activities. Visitors can explore protected areas such as the stunning Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, which boasts a breathtaking landscape and is renowned for its exceptional Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee. Jamaica is focused on preserving the unique biodiversity and promoting responsible coffee cultivation practices here. Alternatively, Cockpit Country in Trelawny and St James is a hilly and dense forest where you’ll find the highest diversity of plants and animals on the island – it’s paradise for birdwatchers and plant lovers.

Stush in the Bush is an eco-friendly farm-to-table dining experience in St. Ann Parish, surrounded by breath taking views which promotes sustainability and organic farming. They use permaculture techniques, prioritise biodiversity, and work to maintain a healthy ecosystem on their farm. One of the unique aspects of Stush in the Bush is their commitment to vegetarian and vegan cuisine. They believe in showcasing the flavours and versatility of plant-based dishes, using fresh ingredients straight from their farm to create innovative and delicious meals that highlight the richness of Jamaican cuisine without relying on animal products. Through workshops, events, and collaborations, the team promotes conscious living, organic farming, and a deeper connection to the natural world in Jamaica.

Jamaica Inn is a family-run, boutique hotel, nestled just east of Ocho Rios which provides a responsible and eco-conscious experience for guests to enjoy. The property has a longstanding partnership with The White River Fish Sanctuary, a marine association comprising local fisherman, hotel owners and local businesses.

As well as this, the team is dedicated to restoring the pristine beauty of the Caribbean reefs, facilitating new coral growth and encouraging the return of tropical fish. In 2018, the team set a goal to increase the fish biomass by 500% in five years, a goal which they have now substantially surpassed, with both the size and shoals of fish significantly growling since its inception. The team have also facilitated the planting of coral nurseries surrounding the bay in a bid to protect this valuable biosphere. Jamaica Inn also recently launched a new ‘Farm to Skin Foraging’ experience at The Ocean Spa – the first of its kind in the Caribbean, where guests are taken on a journey through the property’s tropical gardens, to sustainably forage for the natural ingredients used to create the spa products for treatments.

By embracing sustainable practices, Jamaica aims to preserve its unique biodiversity, cultural heritage, and ensure a vibrant and thriving destination for generations to come.

ACRO Suites, Crete, Greece

ACRO Suites is a tranquil 5* wellness adults-only haven situated within the staggering Cretan cliffside overlooking the Aegean Sea in Greece. The property pays homage to its surrounding nature through the considered use of materials and textures. To ensure their vision was brought to life, the hotel’s owners sought out the best local Greek designers and craftsmen to collaborate with across the property for an authentic Cretan feel. 

The elegant design sensibility is proof that design is fundamental to well-being and that the right luxury resorts can help to transform the location that they’re in for the better. Sustainability plays a large role in the hotel’s ethos, with natural materials sourced from Crete such as stones and wood. Sheets and fabrics are all made from organic materials. Food is sourced locally from small farms on the island, all from an organic kitchen with plentiful vegan and vegetarian menu options available. Every suite and villa in the hotel are accompanied by saltwater private pools with breathtaking Cretan Sea views allowing guests to enjoy ultimate privacy in blissful surroundings. 

A firm favourite for many guests is the Cave Suite featuring custom-made wooden furniture, stone, and natural elements throughout, raw silk bed covers, spectacular sea views, and a private pool. The Cave Suites have been built with sustainability in mind so that they maintain a stable and pleasant temperature year-round, with no air conditioning or heating needed.

The Asana Yoga Shala is another striking piece of architecture and one of the hotel’s signature spaces dedicated to wellness. Created with bamboo, a naturally sustainable material, the open space interior features a circular design and a variety of fitness equipment. Here guests can enjoy sessions such as deep relaxation sessions tapping into the practice of yoga nidra and led by guided meditation.

Nova Maldives

Located on the South Ari Atoll, Nova Maldives is slow paced, soft-luxury wellness resort centred around connecting with yourself, and the island nation’s breathtaking nature. Offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences including snorkelling with whale sharks and turtles; Safe Manta-accredited manta ray swims, and nighttime fluoro snorkelling, the entire resort and its 76 overwater villas are powered by renewable, solar energy. Ingredients for their restaurants are sourced from a local hydro-farm, and the resort prioritises supporting local businesses to reduce emissions and footprint.

The resort runs several meaningful initiatives in line with its eco-conscious ethos, including its House Coral Frame planting projects; House Reef clean-ups; and a Coral Frame Sponsorship programme inviting guests to plant their own coral frame in Nova’s coral garden, following its real-time growth through annual online updates. Nova is in long-term partnership with the Maldivian Whale Shark Research Program (MWSRP) to spread word about their research program on whale shark preservation. One of the MWSRP will be based out of Nova in 2024, performing guided guest excursions, visiting local schools to offer education, and conducting vital conservational research into the species.