What are some of the emerging trends and innovations in sustainable leisure travel?

The trend of sustainable leisure travel is gaining momentum, with a focus on eco-conscious practices. A noteworthy example is Six Senses, particularly its Svart property in Norway. Svart embodies the shift toward adventure travel while prioritizing sustainability, providing guests with a net-zero environmental impact experience without compromising modern comforts. Svart introduces innovative zero-waste dining, emphasizing locally sourced and organic ingredients to minimize food waste. Six Senses Svart represents the evolving trend in sustainable leisure travel, where luxury and eco-consciousness coexist harmoniously. It encourages environmental awareness and offers guests a serene and meaningful travel experience.

-In my experience, city hotels are usually slow in reducing carbon footprints due to their environments being in a metropolitan and sometimes in a dense section of a city block. Though, other steps they are taking that need to be given credit -if guests need to have their rooms cleaned they will need to put up a sign, and the same if guests need to have fresh towels. -Now, many hotels in resort areas have accomplished steps to reduce carbon footprints. What I have experienced: full support of the local communities, and growing their own fruit and vegetable gardens. Many of these hotels have received LEED -the most widely used green building rating system in the world, or CHSE. Places in Thailand, Bali, and Costa Rica are major examples.

This part of the tourism industry is always quite controversial and needed constant reminders. The riding of elephants for guests' experience is definitely non-ethical. This is a form of torture to the animals no matter how carefully it's done... and needs to be banished. What we're supporting is to have experience with the elephants in all the activities such as walking, playing, and bathing them. No riding! The notorious "ethical police" PETA will knock on your door if they found out that your outfit promoting or selling elephant riding in one of your tour packages.

Being curious and open to new experiences is what makes travel so transformative. It’s about stepping outside your comfort zone, immersing yourself in new cultures, and truly appreciating the beauty of diversity. When we travel with a sustainable mindset, we’re not just tourists… we should all be respectful guests in someone else’s world. By embracing local customs, supporting small businesses, and reducing our environmental footprint, we not only enrich our own experience but leave a positive impact behind. Travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about learning, growing, and carrying those lessons back with us to practice in our everyday lives. Let’s make curiosity, respect, and sustainability the heart of every adventure! ??