In my last blog I talked about how as the owner of a luxury travel PR agency, I have witnessed how green hotels have grown in popularity as travelers extend their green lifestyles to their vacations. But this same group is also seeking out unique experiences that are environmentally sensitive in addition to staying at green hotels. Exotic destinations and conservations, like some of the clients of my hotel public relations company, now offer exotic experiences around protecting of the environment or wildlife since these activities are just as important for the green traveler.
“Being green has entered every part of many people’s lives, including travel,” says David Krantz, a coordinator with the Center on Ecotourism and Sustainable Development in Washington D.C. in a Forbes Traveler article on luxury eco-resorts. “Americans take their impact more seriously than ever before.”
- Black Rock eco-lodge is nestled in the mountains of Belize
Environmentalism is becoming an integral part of the eco-friendly vacation, as people fly to see glaciers in Alaska, rainforests in Central and South America, and other disappearing parts of the planet while making concerted efforts not to contribute to further destruction of these sites.
- Zimbabwe’s Black Rhino and Elephant Conservation Ranch
Or, spotting endangered species while on safari such as the black rhinoceros or exotic birds is a wonderful way to become educated about the importance of maintaining the fragile eco-system and encouraging awareness of conservation practices currently underway to protect the animal’s habitat.
The Forbes article highlights Black Rock Lodge in Belize and Rangel Holiday Village in Sri Lanka, which are catering to the new ecotourism ethos through environmental conservation, light-on-the-land building techniques and embracing local culture.
- Sustainable STAR Island in the Bahamas
Another innovator in the eco luxury travel experience is S.T.A.R. (“Sustainable Terrain and Resources”) Island in the Bahamas. This private island resort being developed in a fully sustainable way using innovative technology and standards and a team of “ecotechs” and LEED consultants,. The island is said to be the world’s first sustainable, carbon neutral exotic island resort and promises guilt-free luxury.
- Green bungalow on STAR Island
And on the promise of paradise without guilt, I don’t see a better way to sign off on today’s topic.
Much luxe,
Lorraine Abelow
President and Founder, Abelow Public Relations
www.abelowpr.com
