In fact, the European Union and Schengen Area Member States hold 19 of the top 20 spots in this ranking, according to Euromonitor, an independent source of strategic market research, according to EU Helpers.
"With 17 of the top 20 spots, Europe dominates the Sustainable Travel Index 2023. Sweden continues to be at the top of the list, followed by Finland and Austria. Uruguay, a destination in South America, has entered the top 20 for the first time and has advanced 15 spots from the previous year, according to a provider press release.
The European countries typically rank highly in this rating, leaving behind locations in the Americas, Asia, and Africa. The top 20 nations in terms of sustainability are listed as follows:
Sweden
Finland
Austria
Estonia
Norway
Slovakia
Slovenia
Iceland
Switzerland, Latvia
France
Ireland Denmark
Prague Republic
Germany
Portugal
Croatia
Uruguay
Romania
Poland
Whereas Melbourne, Madrid, and Seville top the list of cities with the most sustainable destinations.
Environmental, social, and economic sustainability are among the many distinct criteria used to rate the nations.
According to Caroline Bremner, Head of Travel at Euromonitor International, "Our Sustainable Travel Index uses 56 indicators across seven pillars - Environmental, Social, Economic, Risk, Demand, Transport, and Lodgings - to determine the comparative performance of sustainable travel and tourism for 99 countries through scores and weightings to produce an overall ranking."
In an effort to lessen the environmental impact of tourism, European nations have long worked to encourage and implement various forms of sustainable tourism. For instance, Iceland has launched a push to encourage fewer people to take longer trips and curb the country's mass tourist habits.
On the other hand, in an effort to lessen the impact on the environment, Belgium plans to suggest a European aviation tax on fuel or airline tickets.
Despite the rising cost of living, nearly 80% of travelers globally are ready to spend an additional 10% or more for sustainable travel features, according to the Euromonitor International Travel Index. In addition, 41% of travelers are willing to pay an additional 30% or more for adventure and ecotourism.