#Ecotourism

Helsinki has retained its position at the very top of the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS Index) for 2025, confirming a European city’s sustained leadership in regenerative tourism. The index, which assesses more than a hundred destinations across roughly 70 indicators, ranks cities by four pillars: destination management, supply chains, social sustainability, and environmental performance. In Helsinki’s case, the proof of depth lies in concrete actions: a transparent climate roadmap for tourism, a comprehensive plan to measure tourism’s carbon footprint, and a robust network of environmentally certified hotels and tourism operators. The city’s approach is praised not only for reducing negative impacts but for actively increasing positive ones, leaving visitors and residents better off when a trip ends.

Thailand’s coastline hides a constellation of less-visited islands that could redefine how the country balances tourism with conservation. A recent exploration of ten “secret” islands—Koh Mak, Koh Kood, Koh Samet, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, Ko Jum, Koh Mook, Ko Kradan, Ko Phayam, and Koh Lipe—highlights a growing global trend: small, well-governed destinations can shoulder the weight of visitors without sacrificing nature, culture, or local livelihoods. For a country that hosts more than 1,400 islands, these lesser-known gems are not just scenic getaways; they may become essential platforms for sustainable development if policy makers, communities, and travelers align their actions with proven research on carrying capacity, biodiversity, and resilient economies.

The latest research wave surrounding the Galápagos Islands centers on a simple yet alarming question: can this Darwinian laboratory withstand the rapid spread of Airbnb-style tourism? The Galápagos, long celebrated as a natural treasure and a living classroom for evolution, are now at a crossroads as a growing influx of visitors arrives through short-term rental platforms. From researchers and residents alike, a chorus of concern emerges: too much access too quickly could imperil the very wildlife and fragile habitats that draw people here in the first place.

Portland Parish on Jamaica’s northeast coast is being celebrated as the island’s greenest region, a quiet revolution in tourism that prioritizes nature, culture, and small-scale enterprise over mass-market resorting. The National Geographic feature portrays a place where year-round rainfall fosters lush ecosystems, where visitors mingle with locals at low-key beaches, and where your stay can be intimate rather than corporate. Recent tourism data from Jamaica’s tourism authorities show the island drew more than four million visitors in 2024 and is projected to generate about $5 billion in revenue in 2025, underscoring a global appetite for experiential travel that respects place and people. Portland’s appeal rests not on oversized hotels but on pastoral landscapes, tucked-away waterfalls, and wellness retreats that invite rest, reflection, and a slower pace.

Birdwatching tourism is becoming a powerful ally for biodiversity protection in some countries, helping local communities earn sustainable livelihoods while funding conservation. In Colombia and South Africa, birding travelers are flocking to protected ecosystems, generating steady revenue for habitat preservation, guiding services, and community projects. Yet in Venezuela and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, similar biodiversity wealth remains largely untapped as tourism takes a back seat to instability, governance challenges, and underdeveloped tourist infrastructure. The contrast is not just about bird lists and travel itineraries; it reveals how policy choices, local empowerment, and visitor safety can tilt the balance between conservation success and missed opportunities. For Thailand, the lesson is clear: echo the successful models, address the hurdles, and build a homegrown birding economy that protects habitats while enriching rural communities.

A dramatic shift in global travel patterns is reshaping the tourism industry as extreme heat and wildfires drive millions of travelers to seek cooler, quieter destinations during traditionally peak summer months. This “coolcation” movement represents more than a temporary trend—it signals a fundamental transformation in how climate change is altering tourist behavior and destination competitiveness worldwide, creating unprecedented opportunities for Thailand to diversify its tourism strategy while addressing climate adaptation challenges.

Tourists are choosing cooler and quieter trips this year. This trend has grown in response to extreme heat and wildfires in popular summer destinations. The shift changes global travel patterns and affects tourism-dependent economies. (CNBC) (CNBC article)

The rise of “coolcations” means people choose temperate climates. They book trips outside peak summer months. They prefer higher latitudes, mountains and lakes. Travel advisors report that climate fears drive many bookings. (CNBC; Virtuoso) (CNBC article) (Virtuoso press release)

A global shift in travel behavior is reshaping the industry as extreme heat and wildfires push travelers toward cooler, quieter destinations during peak summer. This growing “coolcation” trend signals a lasting change in how climate change affects destination appeal, creating a strategic opportunity for Thailand to diversify its tourism portfolio while enhancing climate resilience.

Thailand’s tourism sector, which welcomes tens of millions of international visitors each year, stands to gain from this transformation. By adapting to climate-driven demand, the country can promote sustainable, year-round tourism that supports communities and reduces vulnerability to climate shocks.

As climate change erases glaciers, bleaches reefs and reshapes coastlines, a growing wave of travellers are chasing the experience of seeing vanishing wonders. New analysis by legal and social scientists argues that emotion-driven “last-chance” travel can be harnessed for conservation if managed carefully, but left unchecked it risks accelerating damage to the very sites visitors want to mourn and protect (An ethical guide to last-chance tourism). The debate matters to Thailand because the nation’s reefs, islands and coastal communities face the same pressures from overtourism and warming seas that are destroying destinations worldwide (An ethical guide to last-chance tourism).

Hidden in northern Greece, the Prespa Lakes region tells a powerful story about sustainable, community-driven travel. It shows how remote places can prosper without losing their natural soul. The basin where Greece, Albania, and North Macedonia meet has become a standout example of inclusive tourism that protects biodiversity and supports local livelihoods.

For Thai readers, Prespa offers a refreshing alternative to overtouristed destinations. The area features two ancient lakes—Great Prespa and Lesser Prespa—that have witnessed the mountains and waters for millions of years. The landscape resonates with familiar Thai scenery: oak forests descending to crystal waters, and villages tucked along ridgelines. Yet Prespa’s biodiversity is extraordinary, with 172 butterfly species documented in a compact region, far surpassing counts in many parts of Europe. Pelicans glide across the lakes, while brown bears roam forested slopes, painting a picture of a vibrant ecosystem comparable to Southeast Asia’s famed wildlife corridors.

A remote, mountainous corner of northern Greece known as the Prespa lakes basin—a crossroads of Greece, Albania, and North Macedonia—is rapidly gaining attention among nature tourists and conservationists, thanks to new research and grassroots efforts to boost sustainable travel while preserving its stunning biodiversity. Once virtually unknown outside dedicated ornithologist and ecotourist circles, this region is now being promoted as a destination for walkers, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking a deeper connection with unspoiled landscapes, centuries-old culture, and unique wildlife ().

Malaysia is rapidly stepping out of the shadows as South-East Asia’s most underappreciated travel destination, buoyed by fresh research and a remarkable spike in international visitors. Long overshadowed by its bustling neighbors Thailand and Indonesia, Malaysia’s natural beauty, vibrant multicultural cities, and eco-tourism adventure are now drawing increasing attention—with experts urging Thai travelers and industry stakeholders to take note before the tourism rush turns the nation’s tranquil charms mainstream.

Positioned at the heart of ASEAN, Malaysia boasts lush rainforests, dazzling metropolises, and some of the region’s most pristine coastlines. Yet it is often regarded as merely a stopover on long-haul routes, especially in comparison to Thailand’s famed beaches or Indonesia’s Bali. Recent research and the latest field reports suggest this perception is swiftly changing. Following the resumption of direct British Airways flights from London to Kuala Lumpur and a 20% jump in tourist arrivals in the first months of 2025 compared to 2024, Malaysia is on the brink of a tourism renaissance (The Telegraph).

Malaysia is orchestrating one of Southeast Asia’s most impressive tourism transformations, evolving from a frequently overlooked regional stopover into a sophisticated destination that rivals Thailand’s traditional dominance in attracting international visitors. This strategic emergence offers both competitive challenges and collaborative opportunities for Thailand’s tourism sector, as Malaysia’s success demonstrates how thoughtful destination development, cultural authenticity, and sustainable practices can create compelling alternatives for travelers seeking experiences beyond overtouristed hotspots. For Thai tourism stakeholders, understanding Malaysia’s rise provides crucial insights into evolving traveler preferences and regional competition dynamics that will shape Southeast Asian tourism for decades.

A wave of new scientific research has rocked perceptions about marine tourism in Mexico, revealing that decades of regulation have not prevented tourism vessels from inflicting serious harm on iconic wildlife such as humpback whales and whale sharks. Despite official protections and detailed guidelines, scientists have found high levels of rule-breaking and growing impacts on vulnerable species, prompting experts to call for more rigorous enforcement and widespread education for both service providers and tourists.

Antarctica, long considered the world’s last great wilderness, is now seeing record numbers of tourists, prompting urgent calls by researchers and policymakers to safeguard the continent before it is “loved to death.” Nearly 125,000 tourists visited Antarctica in the 2023–24 season, according to the latest research published in The Conversation by environmental and policy experts. Projections warn that by the 2033–34 season, visitor numbers could nearly triple, threatening both the continent’s unique ecosystems and the very experience that draws adventurous travelers south.

The pristine silence of Antarctica—Earth’s last great wilderness where penguins outnumber humans and ice sheets hold secrets spanning millennia—faces an unprecedented threat as record-breaking tourist numbers transform the continent into an unlikely destination for adventure-seeking travelers, including growing numbers from Thailand. Nearly 125,000 visitors descended upon the frozen continent during the 2023-24 season, representing exponential growth from just 8,000 annual tourists three decades ago, with projections suggesting numbers could triple to over 350,000 by 2033-34. This remarkable surge threatens to love Antarctica to death through environmental damage that could destroy the very wilderness experience that draws travelers to the world’s most remote continent.

A new wave of research has cast a sobering light on the enduring threat posed by marine tourism to Mexico’s iconic ocean wildlife, despite the existence of regulations meant to protect it. The latest scientific findings reveal that popular activities such as whale watching and swimming with whale sharks, long seen as pillars of sustainable travel, are falling short of safeguarding vulnerable species in Mexico’s treasured marine sanctuaries. These results hold key lessons for coastal nations like Thailand, where marine tourism and conservation must coexist amid growing visitor numbers.

A sobering pattern emerges from Mexico’s Bahía de Banderas: despite clear rules to shield whales during tourist encounters, about 88% of whale-watching trips violate safety guidelines. A four-year study shows that many operators push for close approaches and longer viewing times, risking mother-calf pairs and the whales’ energy reserves. The findings offer crucial lessons for Thailand, where coral reefs, sea turtles, and other marine life face similar pressures from growing visitor numbers.

In the crystalline waters of Mexico’s Bahía de Banderas, where Pacific swells carry humpback whales on ancient migration routes to warmer birthing grounds, a troubling reality unfolds beneath the surface of what appears to be responsible eco-tourism. Despite comprehensive regulations designed to protect marine wildlife during tourist encounters, nearly nine out of every ten whale-watching excursions violate safety protocols that separate vulnerable animals from eager visitors seeking once-in-a-lifetime photographs and emotional connections with nature. This systematic breakdown of conservation rules—documented through four years of scientific observation—reveals critical lessons for Thailand’s marine tourism industry as coral reefs, sea turtle populations, and diverse marine ecosystems face similar pressures from growing numbers of international and domestic tourists.

A new wave of tourists is steering toward Antarctica, turning the frozen continent into a demanding test bed for responsible travel. Recent data show nearly 125,000 visitors in the 2023-24 season, a sharp rise from about 8,000 three decades ago, with projections suggesting numbers could reach 350,000 by 2033-34. The surge raises urgent questions about safeguarding the pristine wilderness that draws visitors seeking awe-inspiring landscapes and up-close wildlife encounters.

The shift from research outposts to luxury adventure begins with easier access to expedition ships and rising global wealth. Antarctic cruises, once the preserve of scientists and seasoned explorers, now attract retirees, adventure tourists, and bucket-list travelers willing to pay substantial sums for once-in-a-lifetime journeys. Thai travel agencies are increasingly featuring Antarctic packages as high-end experiences, appealing to professionals and aspirants who want to demonstrate global sophistication.

A surge in tourism has brought record-breaking economic benefits to the Driftless Area and the broader state of Wisconsin, according to newly released data—demonstrating how rural natural destinations can fuel regional growth despite pockets of local decline. As area communities double down on strategic promotion and local partnerships, their ambitions to build a thriving, sustainable tourism sector are under more optimistic scrutiny than ever before (Telegraph Herald).

The Driftless Area—a rugged expanse of southwest Wisconsin, notable for escaping glacial flattening—has long drawn naturalists, paddlers, and cyclists captivated by its dramatic ridgelines, twisting waterways, and quaint towns. According to the latest figures from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, 2024 marked the third consecutive year of record growth, with the state seeing a whopping $25.8 billion economic impact and a heady 114.4 million visits—more than a million above the last pre-pandemic peak (Travel Wisconsin). This boom has made headlines across statewide news platforms, confirming tourism’s vital role not just in big cities but also in rural counties.

A statewide travel surge in Wisconsin is fueling strong regional growth, including the Driftless Area, while some rural counties experience mixed results. New data highlight record economic benefits from travel and underscore how nature, heritage, and smart promotion can boost local livelihoods through community partnerships.

The Driftless Area in southwest Wisconsin is famed for dramatic ridgelines and winding rivers. It has long drawn nature lovers, paddlers, and cyclists. Fresh figures from the state’s tourism authority show 2024 marked the third consecutive year of record growth. Wisconsin captured a $25.8 billion economic impact and welcomed 114.4 million visits, surpassing pre-pandemic highs. The momentum underscores tourism as a pillar of both urban and rural vitality.

A rare Asian golden cat was captured on a trail camera in Khao Luang National Park, southern Thailand, highlighting both wildlife richness and conservation needs. The 10-second clip, recorded on June 20, 2025, shows the cat with a warm, golden coat crossing a sun-dappled path before vanishing into the forest. Park rangers say the sighting emphasizes the species’ vulnerability and the ecological value of the park.

In Thai folklore, the animal is linked to supernatural beliefs and is often nicknamed the “fire tiger” for its striking fur. While some communities hold myths about fiery fur, scientists note there is no evidence to support such claims. Nevertheless, the fire tiger symbolism helps local audiences connect with forest conservation and the species’ fragile status.

A national push to protect night skies and attract stargazers is gaining momentum in Thailand. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) have announced 16 new dark sky conservation areas, part of the Incredible Dark Sky in Thailand Series Season 4. The expansion reinforces Thailand’s commitment to sustainable tourism while raising awareness about light pollution and environmental stewardship.

For Thai travelers, the initiative offers a chance to rediscover the night sky—often hidden behind urban lights. As cities grow and lighting intensifies, safeguarding darkness becomes both a scientific priority and a cultural opportunity. Globally, dark sky destinations—from Chile’s Atacama Desert to New Zealand’s Aoraki Mackenzie—have turned nocturnal beauty into a tourism draw. Thailand aims to join this celestial map, making stargazing accessible for students, families, and adventure seekers alike.