Kota Kinabalu and Monteverde: Leading Sustainable Tourism

World Tourism Day 2025 overview

This year’s World Tourism Day theme, Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, shines a light on the growing movement toward more thoughtful, responsible travel. As traveler attitudes evolve, so too does the understanding of what it means to make a positive impact. Booking.com’s 2025 Travel & Sustainability Report reveals that for the first time, more than half of travelers (53%) are now mindful of tourism’s effect on local communities, not just the environment.* Travelers are increasingly committed to supporting the economies of the destinations they visit with 73% wanting their travel spending to benefit local economies and 69% hoping to leave places better than they found them.* In honor of this shift, we’re spotlighting a selection of destinations making meaningful progress where both travelers and locals are helping shape a fairer and much more sustainable future for tourism.

Important details from the source

• This year’s World Tourism Day theme, Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, shines a light on the growing movement toward more thoughtful, responsible travel.
• As traveler attitudes evolve, so too does the understanding of what it means to make a positive impact.
• Fringed by rainforest and coral reef, Kota Kinabalu offers travelers the chance to explore one of Southeast Asia’s richest ecosystems, while contributing to efforts that protect it.
• The region is home to important conservation initiatives like the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which focus on rescuing and rehabilitating endangered and unique wildlife.
• Operators are helping shape a more thoughtful approach to tourism by designing experiences that support native livelihoods and reduce environmental impact on treks, tours, and island stays.
• Where to stay: In the city’s heart, the Hilton Kota Kinabalu offers modern comfort with four dining venues, a cocktail bar, and a rooftop pool boasting panoramic views of the city and harbor.
• Committed to responsible hospitality, the hotel holds a recognized third-party sustainability certification.
• For a more remote getaway, Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa features spacious villas with private balconies overlooking either jungle or the South China Sea.
• Decorated with warm wooden furnishings, the resort is Travelife for Accommodation-certified, highlighting its dedication to sustainable accommodation practices.
• High in Costa Rica’s misty mountains, Monteverde is a pioneer of responsible tourism, where lush cloud forests, local-led conservation, and a deep respect for nature come together.

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