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5 Mins Time travel, geological wonders, flavours: sustainable adventures in the Novohrad–Nógrád Geopark 2025 August 14 The Novohrad–Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark, as Europe’s first cross-border geopark, uniquely connects the natural, geological, and cultural treasures of Hungary and Slovakia. The geopark not only focuses on preserving geological heritage but also adheres to the principles of sustainable and responsible tourism – in line with GSTC standards and the Sustainable Development Goals. The active involvement of local communities, the protection of cultural heritage, and the sustainable use of natural resources all contribute to ensuring that the region remains liveable, authentic, and attractive in the long term. Here are five iconic locations to explore, offering not only a glimpse into the diversity of the geopark but also the chance to experience sustainable travel.
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4 Mins Sustainable Tourism by 2030 – How Can We Achieve the Goals Together? 2025 August 09 Tourism is often considered the world's "happiness industry" – experiences, relaxation, and discovering new places. But as planes fill up and hotels report record bookings, the darker sides of mass tourism are becoming increasingly evident in many parts of the world: overburdened ecosystems, displacement of local communities, and the rapid depletion of natural resources. These challenges are highlighted in a recent study published in the Journal of Sustainable Tourism. In it, Alexandra Lavaredas, Filipa Campos, Giovana Goretti Feijó Almeida, Francisco Dias & Paulo Almeida analysed more than 6,200 scientific articles on sustainable tourism.
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6 Mins Refreshing Adventures, Smart Water Use – Sustainable Water Experience Tips from the Carpathian Basin 2025 August 04 While water is becoming a luxury in many parts of the world, we in the Carpathian Basin still enjoy its abundance – but this is no excuse for wastefulness. One of the greatest challenges of climate change is water scarcity: drying lakes, desertification, and overburdened water resources remind us that freshwater is precious. This abundance comes with responsibility. The Carpathian Basin remains rich in water resources: mineral springs, thermal lakes, waterfalls, streams, and interactive water experiences await visitors. But cooling off in the summer can also be a conscious choice – where water experiences are not just services but part of a sustainable mindset. In this selection, we showcase places where enjoyment and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. Water-related attractions – spas, waterfalls, lakes, and museums – not only provide entertainment but also educate on sustainable water use. We've gathered some locations where water experiences are not just services but integral to environmental awareness.
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7 Mins Discover the Sustainable Wonders of Harghita County – 7 Locations, 7 Experiences, 4 Seasons 2025 July 30 Harghita County is the sustainable heart of Székely Land: a place where time slows down, nature comes closer, and culture is not a museum exhibit but a living reality. While the closure of the Praid salt mine left many uncertain, this period truly highlights the diverse and rich offerings of the region.
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5 Mins Conscious choices in relaxation – what does it mean if a place has a GSTC-based sustainability certification? 2025 July 27 In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of travellers who not only seek experiences during their trips but also aim to reduce their ecological footprint and make a positive impact on the places they visit. According to Booking.com’s 2023 report, 76% of guests expressed a desire to travel more sustainably, and 41% regularly look for such options when booking. A similar study by Expedia revealed that an increasing number of users are willing to pay more for accommodation with credible green certifications.
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4 Mins New international research: the sustainable tourism market is booming 2025 July 21 According to the latest forecasts from Market Research Future (MRFR) as of July 2025, the global sustainable tourism market could grow tenfold by 2034. The research trends speak for themselves.
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4 Mins Exploring Local Flavours – How to Support a Region’s Cuisine Responsibly 2025 July 20 Travel isn’t just about sights – it’s about flavours too. A plate of local food, a piece of artisan cheese, or a pastry from a small family bakery can open a door to a region’s culture like nothing else. But culinary delights go beyond personal enjoyment: with the right choices, you can make a real impact on the local economy, culture, and sustainability.
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4 Mins More than memories: what and how to photograph while travelling – ethically? 2025 July 18 Photographs taken during a journey play an important role in preserving memories. A well-captured moment can bring back the atmosphere of the trip, the scent of the landscape, the memory of conversations. At the same time, a photograph is not just a personal imprint but also a message: it influences how others perceive a particular place or community. This is why, for the conscious traveller, photography becomes an ethical question. It matters what we capture – and how we do it.
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4 Mins The future of tourism is green, or it has no future – Travalyst calls for climate action, I-DEST responds 2025 July 17 Travalyst, the international initiative founded by Prince Harry, made a bold statement in July 2025, calling on the entire tourism sector to take climate action. The call clearly states that preparing for climate change is not optional but a responsibility – particularly for those in the tourism industry.
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6 Mins Travelling with the SDGs – Exploring a new kind of tourism 2025 July 16 Travel today means far more than just relaxation or seeking adventure. For an increasing number of visitors, it’s important that the journey they embark on not only provides experiences but also represents values. But what does this mean in practice? And what does it mean to travel in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
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3 Mins How to reduce your ecological footprint while on holiday? 2025 July 13 Exploring the world is a wonderful experience – but it's important not to leave too big a footprint behind. Our ecological footprint matters not just in our daily lives but also when we travel. The good news: you don't have to give up on adventures, you just need to plan more consciously! Here's how you can make your travels more sustainable – step by step.
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3 Mins How to spot sustainable accommodations – 7 simple signs to look out for before booking 2025 July 07 Nowadays, more and more accommodations advertise themselves as "green" or "eco-friendly" – but how can you tell if it’s really true? Sustainability isn’t just about recycled paper towels and plants at the reception desk.
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2 Mins What does sustainable tourism really mean? – Facts, myths, and practical examples 2025 June 29 "Sustainable tourism" is a term that seems to pop up everywhere these days: in hotel advertisements, travel guides, blogs, and grant applications. But what does it really mean? And what are the common misconceptions about it? It's time to clear things up – preferably with a refillable bottle. 😉
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2 Mins 5 tips for sustainable packing – travel with a green mindset 2025 June 29 Sustainable tourism isn’t just about where you travel to, but also how you prepare for the journey. Packing can be eco-friendly if you make conscious choices and plan ahead. Here are 5 simple yet effective tips to make your suitcase help the planet!
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3 Mins 5 Hungarian Destinations Where Sustainability Matters 2025 June 29 The future of tourism is moving towards responsible, community-focused, and sustainable solutions. In Hungary, more and more destinations are striving to balance memorable experiences with environmental, social, and cultural sustainability. I-DEST supports these locations in progressing along this path in a measurable, credible, and visitor-friendly way. Here are five exemplary Hungarian destinations.
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3 Mins 7 tips for choosing sustainable destinations 2025 June 29 Travelling today is no longer just about collecting experiences – it's also about taking responsibility. Tourism has a significant impact on the environment, local communities, and cultural heritage. But why should you choose sustainable destinations? Here are 7 compelling reasons that benefit not only the Earth but also the traveller.
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