Ecotourism Gains Momentum as Travellers Seek Greener Escapes in 2025
Kerala Launches 'EcoConnect 2025' Initiative
Leading the charge in India, the Kerala Tourism Department has unveiled ‘EcoConnect 2025’, a campaign aimed at promoting offbeat, eco-sensitive destinations across the Western Ghats and backwaters. The program includes nature-based homestays, guided treks with local tribal communities, and conservation workshops for tourists.
Tourism Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas stated:
“Ecotourism is not just about protecting the environment—it’s about empowering local communities and preserving cultural heritage. Kerala’s new initiative will offer immersive experiences while ensuring minimal ecological impact.”
Private Players Join the Green Travel Movement
Private travel companies are also investing in green infrastructure. TreeTrails India, an eco-lodge operator, recently opened two new treehouse resorts in Uttarakhand and Karnataka, both powered entirely by solar energy and built using sustainable bamboo architecture.
TreeTrails CEO Ritu Menon said,
“We’ve seen a 60% increase in bookings from domestic travellers seeking guilt-free getaways. People want to leave a lighter footprint while still enjoying rich travel experiences.”
Wildlife Safaris Go Eco-Friendly
Meanwhile, wildlife sanctuaries like Ranthambore and Kaziranga have upgraded to electric safari vehicles to reduce pollution and noise. These silent safaris, combined with improved waste management systems at forest lodges, are helping preserve fragile habitats.
Global Shift Toward Sustainable Travel
Globally, destinations like Costa Rica, Bhutan, and Finland continue to top ecotourism rankings. These countries offer carbon-neutral lodgings, support indigenous communities, and limit tourist numbers to protect biodiversity.
Airlines and booking platforms are also adapting. Travel aggregators such as EcoVoyage and GreenWander now let users filter results by carbon footprint, allowing for more sustainable planning.
Future Outlook
With Gen Z and millennial travellers prioritizing ethical and climate-conscious decisions, ecotourism is set to grow exponentially. According to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the ecotourism market is projected to reach $500 billion by 2027, driven by digital storytelling, climate awareness, and government policy support.
As the industry pivots from mass tourism to meaningful, regenerative travel, ecotourism may well become the new normal—where protecting the planet and exploring it go hand in hand.
