Tourism is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing industries, contributing significantly to global economies, but it also presents considerable challenges. From environmental degradation to the erosion of local cultures, unchecked tourism can lead to long-term damage. To address these concerns, governments around the world are increasingly adopting sustainable tourism policies designed to balance economic growth with the preservation of natural ecosystems and cultural heritage. These initiatives aim to mitigate the adverse effects of mass tourism by promoting eco-friendly practices, supporting local communities, and ensuring that tourism benefits both people and the planet. In this blog, we examine the efforts of Bhutan, Saudi Arabia, Hawaii, and Japan, countries that are at the forefront of implementing innovative strategies for sustainable tourism.

1. Bhutan: Leading with a High-Value, Low-Impact Model

Bhutan has long been a global leader in sustainable tourism. Its "high-value, low-impact" strategy is designed to limit the number of visitors while maximizing the benefits to both the economy and the environment. In 2023, Bhutan made a significant move by reducing its Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) from $200 to $100 per person per night​(Business Traveller)​(Visit Bhutan).

Policy Highlights: The fee reduction aims to attract more tourists by making Bhutan more accessible, particularly after the pandemic slowed tourism. By lowering the financial barrier to entry, the government hopes to encourage longer stays, allowing tourists to experience Bhutan’s serene landscapes and rich culture​(Business Traveller). The funds generated through the SDF are reinvested into projects supporting environmental conservation, healthcare, education, and infrastructure​(Visit Bhutan).

Economic and Environmental Impact: Bhutan’s tourism model ensures that even with a lower SDF, the quality of tourism remains high and environmentally sustainable. The fee helps Bhutan maintain its status as one of the few carbon-negative countries in the world, and contributes to vital conservation efforts, such as reforestation and wildlife protection. This strategy is projected to support the growth of the tourism sector while preserving the country’s unique cultural and natural heritage​(Business Traveller).

2. Saudi Arabia: Eco-Resorts and Green Tourism

Saudi Arabia is incorporating sustainability into its Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the nation’s economy by promoting tourism as a key pillar of growth. Sustainable tourism is being developed alongside large-scale projects that focus on low environmental impact.

Key Initiatives:

• The AlUla region, home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, is being transformed into an eco-tourism hub. The development includes eco-friendly resorts and a low-carbon tram system to minimize environmental damage​(AGBI).

• Saudi Arabia has also launched the Tourism Innovation Index, which encourages sustainable tourism practices globally, including renewable energy use and conservation efforts​ (AGBI).

Economic Impact: Tourism is expected to contribute $46 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2030, and the focus on sustainability ensures that this growth will not compromise the country’s environmental and cultural assets. By integrating eco-friendly practices into its development projects, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a premier destination for sustainable luxury tourism ​(AGBI).

3. Hawaii: Legislating for Sustainable Tourism

Hawaii, with its fragile ecosystems and reliance on tourism, has long been aware of the need for sustainable practices. Several legislative efforts have been introduced to promote ecotourism and protect the state’s natural beauty, though they remain under discussion.

Legislative Efforts:

• SB2208, a bill designed to educate tourists about Hawaii’s vulnerable ecosystems, was introduced but has not yet passed. It emphasizes raising awareness about conservation through educational initiatives ​(Hawaii Tourism Authority).

• SB304, which proposes a year-long pass for tourists to access state parks and trails, is still being debated. The funds collected from this pass would be used to finance conservation efforts, but its final approval is pending​(Beat of Hawaii).

Despite these delays, Hawaii has made strides in promoting regenerative tourism. In 2024, Governor Josh Green signed a bill incorporating regenerative tourism frameworks into Hawaii’s planning, ensuring that tourism grows in ways that protect cultural and natural resources while supporting economic diversification ​(Hawaii Tourism Authority).

Economic and Environmental Impact: Hawaii’s focus on regenerative tourism emphasizes protecting beaches, reefs, and cultural sites while offering career-building opportunities for local residents. This shift toward a more sustainable tourism model is expected to reduce the ecological footprint of Hawaii’s visitors and ensure long-term benefits for both the environment and local communities​ (Hawaii Tourism Authority).

4. Japan: Regenerative Tourism and Sustainability

Japan is emerging as a global leader in regenerative tourism, a step beyond sustainability where tourism actively contributes to the improvement of the environment and local communities. Japan’s focus on responsible travel, cultural preservation, and environmental protection is gaining international recognition.

Key Initiatives: Japan’s leadership in sustainable tourism is highlighted by its top ranking in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index. The country is promoting eco-friendly hotels, reducing plastic waste in hospitality, and encouraging slow travel to minimize carbon footprints​(World Economic Forum)​(Sustainable Tourism Leaders).

Economic and Environmental Impact: Japan’s regenerative tourism model ensures that tourist destinations not only preserve but actively improve local ecosystems. This approach, coupled with a commitment to cultural immersion and environmental education, is expected to attract more responsible travelers and create long-term economic benefits for the country​(World Economic Forum)​(Sustainable Tourism Leaders).

The Future of Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism is no longer a trend but an essential evolution for the travel industry. Countries like Bhutan, Saudi Arabia, Hawaii, and Japan are paving the way with forward-thinking policies that protect the environment while ensuring economic growth. As more travelers seek eco-friendly experiences, these countries’ sustainable tourism models will help preserve natural resources and cultural heritage for future generations.

By investing in sustainable infrastructure, enacting supportive legislation, and promoting responsible travel, governments can ensure that tourism continues to be a force for good—both for the planet and its people.