TRAVELTITBITS
If you are looking for a more meaningful way of choosing travel destinations for this year, the latest list of the World's 10 Best Ethical Destinations for 2013 may fit the bill.
The Ethical Traveler, a volunteer and non-profit organisation of the Earth Island Institute, selected 10 countries _ all in the developing world _ that are doing the "most impressive job" of promoting human rights, preserving their environment, and upholding civil society, all while creating a sustainable, community-based tourism industry.
"With the number of international arrivals expected to top the billion mark in 2013, travellers have more power than ever. Every dollar we spend is a statement about which countries and governments we choose to support," said Ethical Traveler executive director Jeff Greenwald. "By visiting the countries on our list, savvy travellers can have great vacations and promote the values we all share."
The winning destinations listed in alphabetical order are:
- Barbados is a coral island in the Caribbean. The island is famous for its natural features such as white-sand beaches, caves and the huge 275-year-old baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) with a trunk the size of a circle created by 15 adults joining hands, arms outstretched. The island is also the birthplace of singer Rihanna.
- Cape Verde is an island country in the central Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa. It has beautiful coastlines, and a mix of African, Caribbean and European cultures. Activity highlights include climbing the country's only active volcano, Mt Fogo, sunbathing, and discovering the hometown of the late singer Cesaria Evora, the "Barefoot Diva". Cape Verde's Boa Vista island is also a nesting spot for loggerhead turtles.
- Costa Rica in Central America is famous for aquatic ecosystems, beautiful white- and black-sand beaches and protected forests.
- Ghana is situated on the southern coast of West Africa. About 15% of its territory is environmentally protected. According to Ethical Traveler, the country maintains a high degree of press freedom and has a stable democracy that recently re-elected a pro-environment president.
- Latvia in Northern Europe has large forests, about half of its territory, where wild animals can be observed. The country is also highly rated for human rights and press freedom.
- Lithuania, the neighbouring country of Latvia, has a proactive government in supporting sustainable tourism development. The country has always been named one of the world's most ethical destinations.
- Mauritius in the Indian Ocean is a volcanic island of lagoons and long beaches with coral reefs surrounding most of the coastline. Other attractions are the national botanical garden, giant tortoises and tea plantations. It is also a dream honeymoon destination.
- Palau is located in the North Pacific Ocean and the southeast of the Philippines. The island has green forests, mountains, lakes including Jellyfish Lake, and is fringed by large barrier reefs. The island nation of Palau is one of the most famous and spectacular destinations for diving and snorkelling.
nSamoa, in the Pacific Ocean, halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, is known for its natural beauty. Visitors can experience swimming with green turtles and mixing with locals to learn how they spend their daily lives, which include planting, fishing and weaving.
- Uruguay in South America is famous for its picturesque beaches including the Golden Coast and a long shoreline with white sand. The country also supports gender equality so the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders as well as women's rights are among the best in the region.
Also included in the World's Best Ethical Destinations for 2013 is a "Destinations of Interest" section. These include Myanmar, Cuba and Namibia because the countries are in the midst of dramatic social change.
"By choosing our destinations well and remembering our roles as citizen diplomats, we can create international goodwill and help change the world for the better," said Mr Greenwald.
Visit www.ethicaltraveler.org
New Manila-Bali flights
Cebu Pacific will launch direct flights between Manila and Bali in March.
Bali will become the airline's 20th international route and second destination in Indonesia after Jakarta, according to Cebu Pacific vice-president Candice Iyog.
The service will operate twice a week on Tuesday and Saturday. The targeted customers are not only the Filipinos, but also Chinese tourists who can travel with the airline's service from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xiamen to Manila and then take a connecting flight to Bali, Ms Iyog said.
Hotels help
Hilton Pattaya and Hansar Samui have each launched charity projects.
Hilton Pattaya's scheme is called "The Charity Teddy Bear for Underprivileged Kids Project" to raise funds for the Human Help Network Foundation Thailand, which helps children in need by providing them with a home and an education.
The teddy bears _ in bikini, chef and bathrobe costume _ are 999 baht each from the hotel and also the foundation, based in Pattaya.
Hansar Samui has recently launched handmade elephant toys in three sizes from small to large, priced at 400 baht, 500 baht 700 baht respectively. The proceeds will be donated to help fund education projects for children in southern Thailand.
If you have news or comments to share, send them to karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th.
Share this article
About the author
Writer: Karnjana KarnjanatawePosition: Reporter
Bangkok Post online classifieds
Try buying selling goods and properties 24/7 in our classifieds which has high purchasing power local expatriate audience from within Thailand and around the world.
Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2013/01/03/be-a-conscious-explorer/
0 comments:
Post a Comment