Bhutan Joins Costa Rica, Palau, Slovenia, and Iceland As Top Leaders in Sustainable Tourism – How These Countries Are Protecting Their Natural and Cultural Heritage!

Published on December 21, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Across the world, nations are increasingly recognizing the importance of protecting their natural and cultural heritage, especially in the face of rising global tourism. Bhutan, Costa Rica, Palau, Slovenia, and Iceland are leading the charge with sustainable tourism practices that prioritize conservation, cultural preservation, and eco-friendly travel. Each of these countries has implemented unique legal frameworks and certification systems to safeguard their environments and ensure tourism remains a positive force for both the planet and local communities.

These nations are setting a powerful example, showing how governments can balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need to protect the planet’s most precious resources.

Where Are These Sustainable Tourism Initiatives Being Implemented?

Bhutan:

Bhutan is globally known for its “High Value, Low Volume” tourism model, a government-mandated policy that strictly limits the number of tourists visiting the country each year. This approach helps maintain Bhutan’s environmental and cultural integrity while ensuring that the local population benefits from tourism in a meaningful way. The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) requires international visitors to pay $100 USD per night (reduced to $200 until 2027). These funds are directly reinvested into free healthcare, education, and maintaining the country’s carbon-negative status, preserving its 70% forest cover. The SDF also ensures that Bhutan’s tourism aligns with the country’s Gross National Happiness index, focusing on the wellbeing of its people and the environment.

ecosystem while promoting Gross National Happiness. Ensures sustainable tourism that aligns with the country’s environmental goals.

Costa Rica:

Costa Rica has become a beacon for eco-tourism, thanks to its Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) system, which categorizes businesses based on their environmental and social responsibility. The system evaluates businesses on four key pillars: business management, social impact, environmental impact, and service quality. Costa Rica’s national goal is to become a zero-emissions economy by 2050, and over 25% of its land is protected as national parks or reserves, with much of the funding coming from eco-tourism revenue. In addition, the Blue Flag Ecological Program helps protect coastal ecosystems and maintains high environmental standards for coastal tourism.

Palau:

Palau made history in 2017 when it became the first country in the world to pass a mandatory environmental protection law for all international visitors. The Palau Pledge requires each visitor to sign a pledge upon entry, promising to tread lightly and act in an environmentally responsible manner during their stay. The country has also banned reef-toxic sunscreens and single-use plastics in an effort to protect its fragile coral reefs and marine life. Additionally, a $100 USD environmental fee is included in the price of every international flight to fund the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, ensuring long-term protection for the country’s precious marine ecosystems.

Slovenia:

Slovenia was declared the world’s first “Green Country” by the Global Green Destinations organization, a testament to its efforts in sustainable tourism. The Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism (GSST) encourages destinations to follow a unified national framework for sustainability. Cities like Ljubljana, the capital, have implemented innovative urban greening policies, including a car-free city center and measures to improve air quality. The Slovenian Tourist Board has created the “Slovenia Green” label, which provides a certification system for tourism businesses that meet strict environmental standards. Slovenia also focuses on maintaining its alpine landscapes and integrating nature into urban areas.

Iceland:

Iceland, known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, has implemented the Icelandic Pledge, a set of guidelines for sustainable travel in the country. This initiative encourages visitors to respect nature and safety regulations while exploring Iceland’s protected areas. Iceland’s commitment to sustainable tourism is also reflected in its efforts to minimize environmental damage caused by mass tourism, especially in fragile areas like the Golden Circle and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Iceland is also working to maintain its balance between tourism and conservation, focusing on sustainable energy use and environmentally conscious infrastructure.

Key Points Table: Overview of Sustainable Tourism Initiatives in Selected Countries

How Do These Countries Support Sustainable Tourism?

Each of these countries has established comprehensive systems to integrate sustainability into the tourism industry. Through legal frameworks, certification systems, and financial incentives, they aim to protect their natural resources while promoting responsible tourism. The benefits of these systems include:

• Conservation funding: In many cases, funds raised from tourism-related fees are reinvested into environmental and conservation projects, such as forestation, wildlife protection, and coastal ecosystem preservation.
• Cultural protection: By regulating tourism numbers and emphasizing cultural respect, these countries ensure that local traditions and heritage sites are protected.
• Local economic benefits: These frameworks ensure that tourism dollars are used to benefit local communities, providing jobs in eco-tourism sectors and supporting small businesses that align with sustainability goals.

What’s the Global Impact of These Models?

The sustainable tourism models implemented by countries like Bhutan, Costa Rica, Palau, Slovenia, and Iceland are not just beneficial for the nations themselves but set a powerful example for the rest of the world. These models demonstrate that environmentally responsible tourism is not only possible but can also be highly successful. By focusing on conservation, cultural preservation, and community engagement, these countries show that tourism can be a force for good, benefiting both the environment and local populations.

Moreover, these efforts highlight the importance of creating legal frameworks and certification systems that prioritize sustainability. As travelers increasingly demand eco-friendly options, the success of these models will likely inspire other countries and regions to adopt similar frameworks, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable global tourism industry.

Conclusion: The Future of Sustainable Tourism

The future of sustainable tourism looks promising, thanks to countries like Bhutan, Costa Rica, Palau, Slovenia, and Iceland, who are leading the way in protecting the world’s most precious natural and cultural resources. As these nations continue to grow their tourism industries while preserving their environments, they are setting a new standard for what it means to travel responsibly. Whether it’s Bhutan’s high-value, low-volume approach or Costa Rica’s pioneering eco-certification system, these countries are showing the world that sustainability and tourism can go hand in hand.