Eco-tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the travel industry, but it’s also still one of the least understood. What exactly does taking an environmentally friendly vacation mean and is it an option to be entertained for honeymoon travel? To get the scoop on the who, what and where of eco-tourism and taking an eco-moon, we called on an expert: Emily Elizabeth Anderson, author of Eco-Chic Weddings, a must-have in your wedding planning library if you are looking to celebrate your day, the green way. Here’s what Anderson shared with us.
Weddingbells: Define an eco-moon?
Emily Anderson: An eco-moon is about making responsible travel decisions when you plan your honeymoon. It’s a more rewarding honeymoon because it brings you closer not only to your partner, but also to local people, their cultures and nature.
WB: How big is eco-tourism?
EA: Vacations are really about feeling good, and awareness of the impact tourism has on local communities and the environment is on the rise. Now, travellers want to support companies that are making a positive contribution to the world. And since it’s easy to find out about the policies of local and national hotels and resorts, I think that most companies and destinations are hyper-aware that their eco and social choices will affect their business, and if they aren’t—they should be!
WB. In your opinion what makes a geographic destination or hotel eco-friendly?
EA: Responsible tourism ensures local workers are paid a fair wage, supports the local community and promotes conservation efforts within their operation. Here are some ways to know if a hotel or resort is eco-minded:
• Water conservation, such as installing low-flow shower heads, is practiced
• Guests are given the option to reduce the times sheets and towels are washed during their stay
• Compact fluorescent light bulbs are used
• Lights are on timers in common areas
• Local products are used (supporting local farms, etc)
• Recycling is promoted with recycling bins in public areas and in guest rooms
• Use of paper materials, such as brochures, menus, stationery, etc. is minimized; and when needed, products are made from recyclable materials
• Non-toxic cleaning products are used
• Indigenous plants and low-impact landscaping are incorporated on the property
WB: Are there a lot of options out there for people to choose from when it comes to vacation planning? Any great resources?
EA: Responsibletravel.com is a great site that has been around for a long time with some of my favourite locations and hotels—they do an excellent job finding affordable, fun eco-minded destinations. Itsagreengreenworld.com is also great; it’s a new resource with an exhaustive database of travel destinations in virtually every corner of the world. Lastly, check out adventuretravel.biz—technically it’s a travel industry resource, but it has current up-to-date destinations and trips.
WB: What are your personal top three picks for an eco-moon destination?
EA: 1. Lapa Rios (laparios.com) is one of the world's most impressive luxury resorts and eco-destinations on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, which itself is a true marvel. The Osa peninsula was my first experience with the power and importance of eco-tourism. In the early nineties, I lived in Costa Rica, working as an eco-travel guide on the west coast of Costa Rica. Almost 90% of the Osa Peninsula is undeveloped, which makes the Lapas Rios a truly unique destination.
2. Maho Bay Camp in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands (maho.org) is beautiful and was one of the world’s first designated eco-resorts.
3. Hotel Lagunita (hotel-lagunita.com) in Yelapa, Mexico is a 32-room resort situated on the beach, close to mountains and waterfalls. It’s absolutely stunning!
To learn more tips and tricks for planning a green and gorgeous wedding, visit Emily Elizabeth Anderson’s website, ecochicweddings.com.
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