A study dictates which tourist attractions are more sustainable in Europe.
We will not get tired of repeating it: 2020 is the year to rethink, also, the way in which we do tourism. Our trips have an impact on the environment and, needless to say, it is not always positive. While concern about climate change settles once and for all in our minds –and, hopefully, in political agendas–, we dream of how we will continue traveling and enjoying the wonders of the globe... without having a negative impact on the environment.
When we visit tourist attractions, we often do not consider anything beyond the cultural or leisure benefit it has for us. Nevertheless, the negative environmental impacts of tourism are substantial, including the depletion of natural resources, as well as increased pollution and waste. By 2030, it is expected a 25% increase in CO2 emissions (from 1,597 million tons to 1,998) just from the tourism industry.
The study also analyzes by category, in this infographic the most eco-friendly museums and galleries in the world.
With this idea in mind, the team at Uswitch – an online and telephone comparison and switching company that helps compare prices on a variety of products and services – has considered: in a world where we need to reduce waste, adopt renewable resources and reduce our carbon footprint... which European tourist attraction is making the biggest commitment with sustainability?
To draw your conclusions, has analyzed 27 of the most visited tourist attractions in the world and has classified them in a study based on six ecological credentials: low emissions, water reduction, recycling schemes, regeneration efforts, renewable energy and sustainable transport. Each attraction could score a maximum of 10 points for each element, and a weighted ranking system was used to achieve a final score of 60.
In our gallery you will discover, from best to worst, the 13 European tourist attractions with the greatest commitment to sustainability. And why not, keep this in mind the next time you queue up to visit one of these icons.
The study also shows the map of the most sustainable attractions in the world.