Comments on: Top 10 Ethical Destinations

By: Nicolaï

Nicolaï — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 07:07:10 +0000

How is Argentina, a banana republic, #1?

Think I’ll stick to Taiwan for the next trip. Pollution aside, how can Taiwan not be above Argentina?

By: Gregory Hubbs

Gregory Hubbs — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:26:45 +0000

I am sorry viz first post. I had not see the hyperlink to the methodology and did not know this list related to developing countries. You had written piece for Transitions a few years a which described then what you were getting at: http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0611/ethical_travel_what_it_means_where_to_go.shtml, and we certainly continue to support your analysis and efforts.

I guess my only question remains how not to unintentionally punish people who live in badly governed countries by not traveling there. Ethiopia is and has been in dire need of tourism, but its government is currently corrupt. When my parents went there, the locals said they did not need volunteers from abroad, just money for to provide continuity for volunteers within the country to improve the lot in life of orphans and maintain the incredible heritage of that great country and its environment. And the Ethiopians treated them with incredible hospitality. Yemen too maintains some of the great architecture on earth, but is a governmental mess.

And within even within the boundaries of many countries there are hostages of centralized governments who need support: e.g. those in Chinese Tibet. I recall how empty the markets were in the Arabic parts of Jerusalem were during the Intifada. Those selling (often organic) products grown on an ancient land suffered due to the actions of extremists resulting as part of a diminution of tourism which hurt all parties. How to handle such quandaries while trying to be a responsible traveler?

By: Ruth@Exodus

Ruth@Exodus — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:49:11 +0000

I think no matter where you go you can travel mindfully and in a way that benefits the area you visit. Indeed, many places and lives literally depend on the tourism industry. Simple things such as respecting the culture, not littering, travelling with as little environmental impact as possible and using local suppliers can go a long way.

By: Travel destinations

Travel destinations — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:51:49 +0000

To create this list, Ethical Traveler conducts a study of the world’s 70+ developing nations and top vacation spots, from Albania to Zimbabwe. We begin our research by looking at three general categories: Environmental Protection, Social Welfare, and Human Rights.For all of these categories, we look at information past and present so that we may understand not only the current state of a country, but its forward path. This helps us select countries that are actively improving the state of their people and environment.

By: Ted Beatie

Ted Beatie — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:08:49 +0000

You’re welcome, Jeff

By: Jeff Greenwald

Jeff Greenwald — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:22:22 +0000

Thanks Rolf! A quick note. I don’t think it’s clear from this blog, but these are the “Ten Best Ethical Destinations” in the developing world. Our aim is to steer travelers to well-intentioned countries where travel and tourism are genuine alternatives to industrialization, resource exploitation, etc. So of course the US or other “go to” countries would not be considered in any case.

By: Michael McColl, co-founder, Ethicaltraveler.org

Michael McColl, co-founder, Ethicaltraveler.org — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:58:08 +0000

Great questions, thanks to all! Our methodology is outlined in the full report, whhich is available at http://www.ethicaltraveler.org/destinations/2010 .

But for a quick answer, our list is created starting with three general categories: Environmental Protection, Social Welfare, and Human Rights.

Many of the Asian countries had corruption and environmental destruction issues which made it impossible for us to recommend travel there. A quote from the report: “South Africa received high marks for supporting eco-friendly, community-based tourism ventures, as well as for sustainable coastal development and environmental management. The country, however, has a huge rich/poor gap, and a high crime rate persists. Travelers should be mindful of the dangers, and stay informed about which areas to avoid.”

Note that no country is perfect. These are simply the destinations that our analysis determined were the best given the reality of today’s developing world.

By: Travel-Writers-Exchange.com

Travel-Writers-Exchange.com — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:15:28 +0000

What’s the criteria for making the list? Totally agree that “ethical travel” is mindful travel: an awareness of our impact and responsibilities as we explore the world. Surprised South Africa is on the list. All we here about in the States is South Africa this or South Africa that. Major celebrities seem to have an affinity for “saving South Africa” when most South Africans believe they can save themselves…curious…

By: Pete

Pete — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:38:32 +0000

I was wondering what the criteria were for making the list? Just seemed kind of random to me, but what the hell do I know? I go to places like Orlando, Vegas and Baltimore! LOL.

Thanks for the list anyway!

Maybe I’ll see you on your Next Flight Home.

By: Frank

Frank — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 04:51:34 +0000

I saw Jeff Greenwald speak back in 2002, just as he was putting up his Ethical Travel website. The fundamental question is what is ethical and what isn’t? I don’t consider spending $800 billion a year on defense (read: global security) to be very ethical, yet I would never tell a foreigner not to travel to the USA because of this. Furthermore, as I recall, Thailand is way down on Greenwald’s list, yet I know for a fact Greenwald has traveled there. In the end, there may be too much disagreement on what is ethical and what isn’t to provide any sort of guidelines.