Puerto Jiminez, Costa Rica

I always pay close attention to strategic political policy that aims to boost tourism for travel destinations. 

Many international economies would completely collapse without the business of tourism, so let’s celebrate those who are doing it right.  The following passages are from The World’s Ten Best Ethical Destinations, via Ethical Traveler:

“All of us are part of a social revolution that is transforming the planet. Environmental and human rights movements in places like Asia, the Middle East and Latin America now hinge on our ability to communicate—in real time—with allies all over the world.  But as we navigate the global village on our tablets and smart phones, let’s not forget the power of actual, physical travel.  The ability to travel swiftly and safely between lands and cultures is almost as recent a development as social networking, and as crucial a tool for positive change.”

Whoa!  Awesome.

And, why I love the tourism industry in a nutshell…

“Travel is one of the world’s largest industries.  Where we go—where we spend our travel dollars—has real economic and political significance.  Mindful travel can bring many benefits, both personal and global.  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.”

Tourism Policy.

“Every year, Ethical Traveler reviews the policies and practices of hundreds of nations in the developing world.  We then select the ten 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.  By visiting these countries, we can use our economic power to support best practices.”

Via Ethical Traveler, the winners: (in alphabetical order, not in order of merit):

• Barbados
• Cape Verde
• Costa Rica
• Ghana
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Mauritius
• Palau
• Samoa
• Uruguay

Here’s to keeping up the good work.;)