Sustainable Tourism -

“4 Countries Seeking Explorers”

In recent years, growing concerns about overtourism have cast a shadow over many of the world’s most iconic destinations. Major cities such as Venice, Barcelona, and the picturesque avenues of Italy’s Cinque Terre have seen fierce protests from locals fed up with the endless hordes of tourists. These places packed with tourists have sparked debate over how tourism should be managed. However, beyond these overcrowded hotspots lie lesser-known destinations that are rich in culture and natural beauty, but yearn for more tourists. These countries offer unique experiences, diverse landscapes, and are rolling out the red carpet for those seeking something new and worthwhile. Here are four countries that are actively welcoming travelers, each with their own distinct charm.

Greenland: Adventures await in the land of ice and sky
The world’s largest island Greenland is set to become a major player in the global travel scene. With two new international airports soon to open – one in the capital Nuuk later this year and another in Ilulissat by 2025 – Greenland is preparing to welcome more visitors. This is a huge change for Greenlandic tourism. Until now, most tourists had to pass through Kangerlussuaq, a former US military base, before proceeding on smaller planes to their final destinations. The new airports mean that tourists will be able to fly directly into the heart of Greenland, making it more accessible than ever.

Greenland’s tourism strategy focuses on two main areas: adventure tourism and year-round travel. For adventure seekers, the island offers thrilling experiences such as rock climbing in eastern Greenland, whale watching in its icy waters, and camping on the vast Greenland Ice Sheet. However, in winter Greenland really sets itself apart with “dark sky tourism.” Travelers are invited to gaze at the stars in the remote wilderness and experience the wonders of the aurora borealis. The country has embraced its long, dark winters, building cosy sky-view cabins and igloos to provide unforgettable nights under the dancing northern lights.

Local tourism officials are cautious, however, and insist on a balanced approach. They want to ensure that the benefits of tourism are felt by the local population and that smaller communities are not burdened. Tany Pour, head of international relations at Visit Greenland, emphasises that it’s about quality over quantity: “Airports cost a lot, so we have to encourage a lot of tourists to come,” she says, “but we will do it in a balanced way, so as not to upset the locals.”

Morocco: A cultural celebration beyond the souks
Morocco, known for its vibrant souks, stunning landscapes and historic cities, is on a mission to double its tourist arrivals by 2030, aiming for 26 million annual visitors. With the announcement that Morocco will co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, the country sees a golden opportunity to shine on the global stage. To prepare, Morocco is rapidly developing its tourism infrastructure, building new hotels, and renovating existing ones to meet the influx of visitors.

While Marrakech, with its bustling souks and famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, is often the first stop for travelers, the World Cup is set to draw attention to Morocco’s lesser-known cities. Places like Rabat, Fez, and Tangier, where major stadiums are undergoing renovations, will be in the spotlight. These cities are culturally rich but much less crowded than Marrakech or Casablanca, offering a more relaxed experience for those looking to explore Morocco’s heritage.

Fez, often called Morocco’s cultural capital, boasts the world’s largest medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where travelers can get lost in a labyrinth of history, tradition, and crafts. Agadir, a popular beach destination, also serves as a gateway to less touristy destinations like Taroudant, known as “little Marrakesh,” where visitors can explore authentic Moroccan life without the crowds. Meanwhile, Tangier is becoming a hotspot with new luxury hotels, including the Waldorf Astoria, which aims to offer a blend of modern comfort and traditional Moroccan hospitality.

Barbara Podbiel, a Morocco expert who has been traveling the country for more than 20 years, notes that the impact of tourism is clearly visible in the cleanliness of the streets and the overall atmosphere. “Tourism has had a positive impact in Marrakesh,” she says. “You can see it in the cleanliness of the streets, it’s a lot safer, and people no longer force you to buy things like they used to.”

Serbia: The road less traveled
Serbia is emerging as a hidden gem in Europe, especially for those who love nature, history and sustainable travel. Unlike its neighbor Croatia, which has become a victim of its own tourism success, Serbia is embracing sustainable development and culturally sensitive tourism.

“Exploring the Wadi Rum Trail: A Long-Distance Adventure in Jordan”

Jordan’s Wadi Rum Desert, with its brilliant red sands, towering rock formations and ancient Bedouin culture, offers one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. Now, it’s also home to a new long-distance hiking route – the Wadi Rum Trail. Unveiled in early 2023, this 120-kilometer loop offers an experience that combines the natural beauty of Wadi Rum with the cultural richness of the Bedouin people who have called this place home for generations. The Wadi Rum Trail is more than just a hike; it’s a journey through time, tradition and some of the most dramatic desert scenery on the planet.

Introducing the Wadi Rum Trail
The Wadi Rum Trail is a 10-day hiking route that takes adventurers deep into Jordan’s Wadi Rum Protected Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike more popular 4×4 tours that follow well-trodden paths, this trail heads into lesser-known areas, crossing valleys, gorges, cliffs and mountains that most visitors never see. Created in collaboration with local Bedouin guides and international adventurers, the trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the vast and varied desert landscapes that have inspired countless travelers, including people like T.E. Lawrence, whose early-20th-century adventures immortalized Wadi Rum in his book “Seven Pillars of Wisdom.”

A landscape that feels otherworldly
Wadi Rum is often described as a place that feels like another planet. In fact, its rugged terrain has been used as a stand-in for Mars in films like The Martian (2015) and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019). The desert is characterized by its sharp, red sand and tall sandstone mountains, some of which rise to nearly 2,000 meters. The mountains also contain deep gorges and narrow valleys that create a maze-like landscape. The Wadi Rum Trail passes through these dramatic formations, giving hikers a chance to see the breathtaking beauty of the region up close.

In the first stage of the trail, hikers are taken to the cliffs of Jebel Umm Ishrin, a massive sandstone mountain that stands 1,753 meters high. Here, the route passes through narrow gorges and steep peaks, from where spectacular views of the surrounding desert are offered. It is not uncommon to hear the whistling sounds of starlings echoing off the rocks – a sound that Bedouins believe mimics the voices of ancient spirits. Along the journey, hikers encounter ancient petroglyphs, Thamudic inscriptions, and even Nabataean temples carved into rock, reminders of the people who have lived and traveled in the region for millennia.

Bedouins: Guardians of Wadi Rum
The Wadi Rum Trail isn’t just about exploring the physical landscape; it’s also about connecting with the Bedouin people who have lived in this desert for centuries. The trail’s creators, including British adventurer Ben Hoffler and mountaineer Tony Howard, worked closely with the local Zalabieh tribe to ensure the route benefits the community. The Bedouin people of Wadi Rum have a deep understanding of the land, and their knowledge of the terrain, flora, and fauna has been passed down for generations.

Hiking the trail without a Bedouin guide is permitted, but doing so means missing out on a treasure trove of local knowledge. Bedouin guides not only help hikers through the often challenging terrain, but also share stories of their culture and traditions, providing an experience that is far more rich and meaningful than just a scenic walk.

“The Wadi Rum Trail first and foremost pays tribute to the Bedouins of Wadi Rum,” Howard said. “They know the area, its flora and fauna intimately from ancestral knowledge – and they are always good company and fun!” The trail is seen as a way to keep Bedouin culture alive, provide younger generations with meaningful work that connects them to their heritage and promote a more sustainable form of tourism.

A sustainable alternative to mass tourism
Unlike the typical 4×4 tours that dominate Wadi Rum’s tourism industry, the Wadi Rum Trail offers a more sustainable way to explore the desert. By taking it slow and traveling on foot, hikers are able to fully enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. The trail deliberately avoids popular tourist sites and instead takes hikers to remote areas where they are unlikely to encounter other visitors. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of tourism but also helps spread the benefits more evenly across the local community.

As cultural anthropologist Tatiana Haddad said, “The creation of the trail symbolizes a growing consideration of Wadi Rum’s ecological fragility and the vitality of its preservation.” Desert ecosystems, despite their harsh appearance, are surprisingly delicate, and the Wadi Rum Trail aims to promote a deeper understanding of this unique environment. The trail is carefully managed to ensure that.

“New Zealand’s Steep Tourist Tax Hike: Boosting Economy or Detering Visitors?”

New Zealand, a country renowned for its spectacular natural landscapes and rich Maori heritage, has announced a significant increase in its entry tax for foreign tourists, which some fear could discourage potential visitors. Effective from 1 October, the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Fee (IVL) will almost triple, rising from NZ$35 (£16.52) to NZ$100 (£47.20). The decision has sparked debate among tourism sector stakeholders, highlighting the delicate balance between boosting economic growth and maintaining New Zealand’s appeal as a top global destination.

Government rationale: Boosting the economy and protecting public services
The New Zealand government has defended the move, arguing that the increased fee is vital to sustaining economic growth and ensuring that foreign tourists contribute more to public services and high-quality experiences while in the country. Tourism Minister Matt Doocey said, “Visitors place additional demands on infrastructure and services. The updated fee reflects the real cost of maintaining these standards.” He emphasized that the revised fee would still be less than 3% of the average tourist spend in New Zealand and pointed out that the country’s prices remain competitive compared to other destinations such as Australia and the UK.

Tourism industry concerned: “A barrier to visitors”

However, New Zealand’s independent tourism body, Tourism Industry Aotearoa, has raised concerns. They believe the new fee is excessively high and may discourage potential visitors, further complicating the country’s already sluggish tourism recovery after the pandemic. “New Zealand’s tourism recovery has lagged behind the rest of the world and will further reduce our global competitiveness,” said Rebecca Ingram, the association’s chief executive. She emphasized that for many travelers, especially those on a budget, such a high fee could become a key factor in deciding whether or not to visit New Zealand.

Although New Zealand holds a magnetic allure with its glaciers, mountains, volcanoes and lakes, its remote location in the South Pacific often requires expensive long-haul flights. The increase in entry taxes may make travellers think twice, especially considering that the new costs will come on top of separate visa fees for some visitors, which are set to increase from October 1.

Balancing growth with environmental and social responsibility
New Zealand initially introduced the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy in 2019, with the aim of addressing the impact of high visitor numbers on the country’s infrastructure, environment and communities. The tourism boom in the years before the pandemic had led to pressure on local resources, overcrowding of attractions and environmental degradation. The levy was seen as a means of managing these challenges, with the money being channelled into conservation efforts and improving tourism infrastructure.

However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly halted global travel, and New Zealand’s borders were closed for two and a half years. The country did not allow foreign visitors to return until August 2022, and since then its tourism industry has struggled to return to pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, the number of international visitors remained around three million, about three-quarters of the number before the pandemic. As global travel continues to grow, there are concerns that raising the fee could hamper the revival of one of New Zealand’s most important economic sectors.

How does New Zealand compare globally?

New Zealand is not alone in imposing a tourist tax. Many countries around the world have implemented similar fees, often included in the cost of accommodation, visas or plane tickets. In Europe, for example, Spain, France, Austria and Croatia all impose tourist taxes, while countries such as Indonesia, Costa Rica, Iceland and Italy have also adopted this approach. In some cases, such as Venice in Italy, a day visit tax was recently introduced to combat over-tourism, with day visitors charged €5 on busy days.

Minister Doocey stressed that when comparing New Zealand’s entry tax to other international fees, the increase is relatively modest. Furthermore, the tax will not apply to visitors from neighbouring Australia and Pacific countries, who make up a large proportion of New Zealand’s tourists.

The tourism and sustainability debate
The debate over New Zealand’s tourist tax increase brings to the fore a broader discussion about sustainable tourism. While the tax increase aims to ensure that tourism remains an economic driver without overburdening the country’s resources, it also reflects a shift towards a more sustainable and responsible tourism model. The money generated is expected to be used towards preserving New Zealand’s unique natural heritage, such as its national parks, and supporting community-based tourism initiatives that promote local culture