10 best sustainable holiday destinations in the world for 2019

From Country Living

The world's best 10 sustainable destinations for 2019 have been revealed by Green Destinations at ITB Berlin, and they provide excellent planet-friendly travel ideas for the year ahead.

Selected by a jury representing 12 intentional organisations, the 10 winning countries are those that lead the way with quality, attractiveness and sustainability in tourism - putting the planet first in all they do.

One of the big winners this year was the Republic of Palau, which won the IBT Earth award for its innovative approaches. Back in 2009, they created the world's first shark sanctuary and, in 2015, opened the world's sixth-largest marine sanctuary. They were also recognised for their movement to ban all sales of sunscreens containing toxic chemicals in 2020 as it leads to coral bleaching.

It's often hard to find a must-visit travel destination that also puts sustainability first, but these 10 winners are proof that it can be done. Looking for somewhere to visit this summer? These are the places to choose.

10 most sustainable travel destinations in the world

1. Dutch quality (best of nature winner)

2. Ljubljana, Slovenia (best of cities winner)

3. Gozo, Malta (best of communities and culture winner)

4. Torroella de Montgrí, Spain (best of seaside winner)

5. Guyana, South America (best of ecotourism winner)

6. Republic of Palau (IBT Earth award)

7. Chumbe Island, Tanzania (best of Africa award)

8. Galapagos National Park, Ecuador (best of the Americas award)

9. Bardia National Park, Nepal (best of Asia-pacific award)

10. Portugal (best of Europe winner)

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