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3 Mins The Reality Behind the Stone Tower Insta-Trend: Why This Seemingly Harmless Hobby Harms Nature 2026 June 25 You're scrolling through Instagram or TikTok, and a magical photo catches your eye: on the banks of a rushing mountain stream, in the glow of the setting sun, towers of perfectly balanced, stacked stones rise up. Aesthetic, calming, slightly spiritual, and incredibly 'photogenic'. It's no wonder more and more hikers feel compelled to build one themselves and capture the moment. Building stone towers along riverbanks and in forests has become a global Insta-trend. However, there's a huge problem: while they look great in photos, they actually cause significant ecological damage. Why does this seemingly harmless hobby pose a threat to nature, and why are national parks around the world asking us to stop?
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4 Mins Leave No Trace! The 7 Golden Rules for Responsible Hiking 2026 June 23 When we leave the bustling cities and head towards forests and mountains, we are all seeking the same things: fresh air, undisturbed silence, untouched landscapes, and the calming closeness of nature. But have we ever considered how much of an impact our mere presence has on these fragile ecosystems? A tent pitched in the wrong spot, straying off a path and trampling tiny plants, or carelessly discarded food scraps all leave invisible scars on the wilderness.
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3 Mins Pack Less, Travel Lighter! The Secrets of Minimalist Packing and a Capsule Wardrobe 2026 June 22 There's a classic travel scenario we all know too well: kneeling on the tarmac in the middle of the airport, desperately trying to rearrange your suitcase because the check-in desk revealed you're two kilos over the weight limit. Or the other extreme: sweating in the middle of a beautiful, cobblestoned old town, dragging a massive wheeled monstrosity behind you, wishing with every step you'd left half your belongings at home. Statistics show that tourists don't use at least 30-40% of the clothes and items they bring with them on holiday.
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3 Mins Digital Detox in Nature: How to Switch Off Your Phone and Truly Connect with the World 2026 June 21 As modern travellers, we live with a rather peculiar dependency: we feel that if we don’t capture a moment with our phone or instantly share it on social media, it’s as if the moment never happened. We stand on the world’s most breathtaking mountain peaks, deep in ancient forests, or by a crystal-clear stream, and instead of breathing in the fresh air, we’re staring at our screens. Notifications, pinging emails, and the endless scrolling of news feeds keep us captive even during our holidays. Our brains remain in a constant state of alertness, turning the much-anticipated rest into just another source of digital stress.
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3 Mins Free culinary mentoring programme for local producers 2026 June 18
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12 Mins Our global sustainability challenges game is launching - join as a provider! 2026 June 05 Timed to coincide with World Environment Day, we are opening up the opportunity for tourism businesses, attractions, and offices to join our global sustainability challenges game.
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4 Mins Slow travel, maximum experience: Why you'll regret not cycling on your holiday this year 2026 June 03 Most holidays start the same way: stress at the airport check-in desk, endless traffic jams on the way to the beach, and the hopeless battle for overpriced parking spaces. By the time you finally reach your chosen attraction, your stress levels are through the roof, and all you remember from the trip is a blur of motorways. What if this summer you let go of all that and switched to a pace where the holiday doesn't start when you arrive, but with the very first metre? Slow travel isn't just a boring hippie trend; it's the recipe for genuine, quality experiences – and the best tool for that is a bicycle.
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4 Mins The Treasure Beneath Our Feet: Why Soil Protection is the Foundation of Conscious Hiking 2026 May 31 When we grab our backpacks and set off to explore the world, our gaze is often fixed on the horizon. The surrounding mountain peaks, dense forests, and rugged valleys easily make us forget that the greatest natural treasure actually lies directly beneath our feet. Soil is not just an inanimate layer we walk on but an incredibly complex, fragile, and living ecosystem. In line with I-DEST's global sustainability perspective, it’s important to understand that responsible tourism begins with the very first step – more precisely, with where and how we place our feet. Protecting forests and mountains isn’t just about picking up litter; preserving the invisible balance depends on respecting the soil and vegetation.
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4 Mins Green Splash: How to Swim Ethically and Sustainably in Natural Waters 2026 May 26 On a hot summer day, there’s nothing better than cooling off outdoors. Whether it’s a peaceful alpine lake, a majestic river, or a tropical beach, natural waters around the world provide the perfect refuge for travellers. However, while we recharge, our presence can place a significant burden on these fragile ecosystems. In line with global sustainability efforts, it’s time to raise the bar when it comes to enjoying the beach. Following the ethos of the I-DEST international platform, we’ve gathered tips on how we can ensure our swimming adventures leave no negative trace on nature.
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4 Mins Sustainable Travel in 2026: Booking.com Report Shows a Shift from Intention to Action 2026 May 03 Booking.com’s 2026 Travel & Sustainability Report highlights a clear turning point in global tourism: more sustainable travel is no longer just a niche aspiration, but an increasingly important factor in real booking decisions. In 2025, travelers booked 100 million room nights at properties displaying a third-party sustainability certification on Booking.com, while the number of certified properties on the platform grew to 28,000, a 22% year-on-year increase.
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5 Mins Free mentoring programmes launched for local producers in Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County 2026 April 24 Brand building, culinary development, expert support, and new market opportunities for local product producers
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4 Mins The Power of the Fork: How Travellers Shape Global Food Systems (Sustainable Development Goal 2) 2026 February 28 When we set off on a journey, we usually seek experiences and relaxation, rarely considering that the food on our fork is not just a bite of local speciality but also carries a global responsibility. The UN's Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) aims to eradicate hunger, improve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture. As travellers, we are the world's 'guests', and our choices can significantly contribute to ensuring that local communities' food supplies are not depleted but enriched by our visit.
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3 Mins Passport to Change: How Can We Fight Poverty as Travellers? (Sustainable Development Goal 1) 2026 February 23 When we talk about sustainable travel, most people immediately think of a plastic-free water bottle or the ecological footprint of flying. But environmental protection is only one side of the coin. The UN's Sustainable Development Goal 1 is to eradicate poverty in all its forms, and in this global mission, the conscious traveller can be a surprisingly powerful catalyst. The question is not whether we should travel, but where and how the currency we carry flows into the bloodstream of the local economy.
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8 Mins Valentine's Day with a Twist: Romance and Sustainability Across Five Countries 2026 February 07 For many, Valentine's Day is all about red roses and candlelit dinners, but at I-DEST, we believe the most beautiful declaration of love is a conscious step towards our shared future. This year, let's forget mass tourism and choose destinations where romantic moments go hand in hand with sustainability. We've gathered 5 enchanting locations from 5 different countries, where respect for nature and culture adds true depth to the experience.
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4 Mins The future of tourism hinges on 3 words – but most people overlook them 2026 February 01 We often talk about sustainable tourism as if it were solely a matter of technology, regulations, or "green" solutions. However, a recent article from the EU Tourism Platform highlights a different perspective: the next chapter of tourism will be shaped by the human factor – skills, resilience, and inclusion. In the article, Vanguelis Panayotis, who is involved in the management of the Tourism Transition Pathway and leads the subgroups on "Resilience" and "Skills & Inclusion" under the Together for EU Tourism (T4T) initiative, shares his insights.
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6 Mins How does compassion for nature shape the behaviour of responsible tourists? 2026 January 18 New international research on responsible behaviour of nature tourists
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4 Mins I-DEST.COM turns one year old 2026 January 15 The i-dest.com website officially launched on 15 January 2025. This summary presents the key events and development milestones of I-DEST's first year in chronological order – from its launch to its international presence. Thank you to all the partners and users who helped shape I-DEST's first year with us; we will continue to build on this foundation in the coming period.
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5 Mins 5 destinations where snow becomes a true experience 2026 January 06 This winter has brought a true gift to Central and Eastern Europe: thick snow blankets, frozen waterfalls, and crystal-clear mountain air await travellers.
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6 Mins What have we learned from 2025? Sustainable tourism trends that will define 2026 2025 December 31 By 2025, tourism had in many ways "returned" to its peak: according to the UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer, international tourist arrivals increased by 5% in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, and exceeded 2019 levels by 3%. However, this surge highlighted an important point: growth alone is not the goal. The real question is how destinations can remain liveable for locals while staying attractive to travellers. The following trends are based on the experiences of 2025 and are expected to gain further momentum in 2026 – not just in theory, but in very practical decisions: what guests choose, how providers prepare, and what tools destinations can use to manage the pressure more effectively.
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5 Mins Sustainable New Year's Eve: how to celebrate without overwhelming destinations? 2025 December 29 New Year’s Eve and the start of the new year are often about travel, relaxation, and experiences for many. However, it’s also one of the busiest times of the year for tourist destinations. The good news is that with a few mindful decisions, celebrating and sustainability don’t have to be mutually exclusive. This article offers tips on how to make your end-of-year travel enjoyable, peaceful, and responsible – both for visitors and host communities.
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3 Mins Sustainable hotel: why is a 'green towel programme' not enough? 2025 December 19 When we talk about sustainable hotels, most people immediately think of signs saying "we only change towels on request," recycling bins, or messages like "let's save water." These are useful steps, but the reality is far more exciting: a recent hotel study revealed one of the most important lessons – sustainability is not the responsibility of just one department. It's not just the cleaners, not just the maintenance team, and not just management – every part of the hotel contributes to reducing (or potentially increasing) the environmental impact.
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7 Mins “Experience over gifts” – a sustainable experience gift guide 2025 December 14 In December, it’s easy to fall into the trap of last-minute gift hunting: objects, wrapping, courier boxes, unnecessary compromises. A more sustainable approach is often simpler too: giving experiences instead of gifts. A well-chosen activity not only creates memories but also supports the local economy, reduces unnecessary consumption, and often has a smaller environmental impact than buying yet another item. This guide will help you choose an experience gift that truly brings joy while being mindful, local, and seasonal.
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7 Mins In the footsteps of St. Lucy's Day: witch tales, charms, and common sense – with sustainable winter getaways 2025 December 13 13 December, St Lucy’s Day, is one of the most symbolically rich days in Hungarian folklore: it is associated with both light and darkness, prohibitions, divinations, fertility magic, and yes, the figure of the witch. The green of the Lucy wheat, the legend of the Lucy chair, or the ‘kotyolás’ tradition all reflect how our ancestors tried to take control of the darkest period of the year – through communal rituals, playful (and sometimes frightening) stories, and practical protective customs.
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5 Mins How is climate change transforming our travels in Europe? 2025 December 08 In recent years, more and more of us have noticed that travelling is no longer quite the same as it used to be. Record-breaking hot summers, unexpected floods, wildfires, and a lack of snow on Alpine ski slopes – these issues not only make headlines but also influence our travel plans. A 2024 European study examined how climate change is shaping the future of tourism and how we perceive travel destinations, safety, and experiences.
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6 Mins In the Footsteps of Saint Nicholas – Memorial Sites in Europe and Beyond 2025 December 05 Virtual tour on St Nicholas' feast day
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6 Mins Gastronomic Tourism and Sustainability in 2025: Inspiring Best Practices from International Trends 2025 November 17 Wine and gastronomy tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in global tourism. The global market has now exceeded a value of $11.5 billion, which is estimated to reach $40 billion by 2030. In connection with this, gastronomic travel is increasingly focusing on sustainability: more than half of international tourists seek out producers and businesses that represent responsible farming, local ingredients, and community involvement, according to the latest edition of the “Report on Gastronomy Tourism in Italy 2025.”
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3 Mins Swap Crowds for Stories: Why Off-Season Travel Makes Sense 2025 November 02 Places and people truly meet in the off-season. Peak season is loud, fast, and crowded. Outside those peak months, the pace slows, providers have time for you, and spaces can breathe. When you travel off-season, you receive higher-quality attention, connect more authentically with locals, and leave a smaller environmental footprint. This trio is why, for us, the off-season isn’t a trick—it’s a mindset.
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3 Mins Green transition in travel – how does the EU's Green Transition programme support tourists? 2025 September 20 The European Union's Green Transition programme might initially sound like regulations, directives, and dry EU reports to many. However, the goal is far more tangible: creating a tourism environment where visitors can make decisions based on truly transparent information and feel confident that their choices contribute to a more sustainable future. From autumn 2026, this will no longer be just a recommendation but a mandatory practice across EU member states, ensuring tourists everywhere can plan their trips based on reliable and comparable data. The programme not only sets requirements for destinations and service providers but also enriches the everyday experiences of tourists.
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10 Mins Sacred wonders and sustainable experiences – 5 European Marian shrines everyone must see 2025 September 03 Marian shrines have been centres of Catholic faith, culture, and community identity for centuries. They are not only destinations for pilgrimages but also offer cultural, natural, and gastronomic experiences. Alongside spiritual enrichment, visitors can explore local traditions, the beauty of the landscape, and the hospitality of the community, making these sites rewarding destinations for all travellers. Many of these locations also set an example in sustainability, whether through environmental protection, energy efficiency, or community involvement.
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6 Mins Lakes, rocks, spirits – 6 natural wonders in Transylvania you must see before you die 2025 August 28 Harghita County lies in the heart of the Eastern Carpathians, with its dense pine forests, volcanic mountains, and fairy-tale lakes making it one of Transylvania's most diverse natural regions. The area is rich in geological formations millions of years old, crater lakes bearing witness to ancient volcanoes, salt karst formations, and limestone gorges. This geological diversity offers unparalleled opportunities for nature exploration and mindful, value-based discovery. Visitors to Harghita County will not only encounter breathtaking landscapes but also gain insight into a past shaped deep within the Earth – and by exploring these treasures in an environmentally conscious way, they can contribute to preserving the region. Here, we present six unique locations that are among the natural treasures of Harghita County.
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5 Mins Fighting food waste as a tourist – small choices, big impact 2025 August 24 The experience of travelling is closely tied to gastronomy. When exploring a new city, one of the first things we often do is sample the local specialities, enjoy the abundant offerings at a hotel breakfast or on the terrace of a cosy restaurant. But while we indulge in new flavours, it’s easy to order too much or leave half the food on our plates. This seemingly small habit is one of the drivers of global food waste.
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4 Mins Tourism in the Shadow of Climate Change – Insights from a Recently Published Study 2025 August 18 A few days ago, the study titled Tourist demand and destination development under climate change: complexities and perspectives was published, examining the relationship between tourism and climate change. The authors use literature reviews and case studies to demonstrate how demand and supply are transforming and which destinations are most at risk.
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5 Mins Time travel, geological wonders, flavours: sustainable adventures in the Novohrad–Nógrád Geopark 2025 August 14 The Novohrad–Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark, as Europe’s first cross-border geopark, uniquely connects the natural, geological, and cultural treasures of Hungary and Slovakia. The geopark not only focuses on preserving geological heritage but also adheres to the principles of sustainable and responsible tourism – in line with GSTC standards and the Sustainable Development Goals. The active involvement of local communities, the protection of cultural heritage, and the sustainable use of natural resources all contribute to ensuring that the region remains liveable, authentic, and attractive in the long term. Here are five iconic locations to explore, offering not only a glimpse into the diversity of the geopark but also the chance to experience sustainable travel.
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4 Mins Sustainable Tourism by 2030 – How Can We Achieve the Goals Together? 2025 August 09 Tourism is often considered the world's "happiness industry" – experiences, relaxation, discovering new places. But as planes fill up and hotels report record bookings, the downsides of mass tourism are becoming increasingly evident in many parts of the world: overburdened ecosystems, displacement of local communities, and the rapid depletion of natural resources.
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6 Mins Refreshing adventures, smart water use – sustainable water experience tips from the Carpathian Basin 2025 August 04 While water is becoming a luxury in many parts of the world, we in the Carpathian Basin still enjoy its abundance – but this is no excuse for wastefulness. One of the greatest challenges of climate change is water scarcity: drying lakes, desertification, and overburdened water resources remind us that freshwater is precious. This abundance comes with responsibility. The Carpathian Basin remains rich in water resources: mineral springs, thermal lakes, waterfalls, streams, and interactive water experiences await visitors. But cooling off in the summer can also be a conscious choice – where water experiences are not just services but part of a sustainable mindset. In this selection, we showcase places where enjoyment and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. Water-related attractions – spas, waterfalls, lakes, and museums – not only provide entertainment but also educate on sustainable water use. We've gathered some locations where water experiences are not just services but integral to environmental awareness.
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7 Mins Discover the sustainable wonders of Harghita County – 7 locations, 7 experiences, for 4 seasons 2025 July 30 Harghita County is the sustainable heart of Székely Land: a place where time slows down, nature comes closer, and culture is not a museum exhibit but a living reality. While the closure of the Praid salt mine left many uncertain, this period truly highlights the diverse and rich offerings of the region.
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5 Mins Making mindful choices in relaxation too – what does it mean if a place has a GSTC-based sustainability certification? 2025 July 27 In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of travellers who not only seek experiences during their trips but also aim to reduce their ecological footprint and make a positive impact on the places they visit. According to Booking.com’s 2023 report, 76% of guests expressed a desire to travel more sustainably, and 41% regularly look for such options when booking. A similar study by Expedia revealed that an increasing number of users are willing to pay more for accommodation with credible green certifications.
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3 Mins New international research: the sustainable tourism market is booming 2025 July 21 According to the latest forecasts from Market Research Future (MRFR) as of July 2025, the global sustainable tourism market could grow tenfold by 2034. The research trends speak for themselves.
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4 Mins Travelling for Local Flavours – How to Support a Region's Gastronomy Responsibly 2025 July 20 Travel isn’t just about sights – it’s about flavours too. A plate of local food, a piece of artisan cheese, or a pastry from a small family bakery can open a door to a region’s culture like nothing else. But culinary delights go beyond personal enjoyment: with the right choices, you can make a real impact on the local economy, culture, and sustainability.
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4 Mins More than a memory: what and how to photograph while travelling – ethically? 2025 July 18 Photographs taken during a journey play an important role in preserving memories. A well-captured moment can bring back the atmosphere of the trip, the scent of the landscape, the memory of conversations. At the same time, a photograph is not just a personal imprint but also a message: it influences how others perceive a particular place or community. This is why, for the conscious traveller, photography becomes an ethical question. It matters what we capture – and how we do it.
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4 Mins The future of tourism is green, or it has no future – Travalyst calls for climate action, I-DEST responds 2025 July 17 Travalyst, the international initiative founded by Prince Harry, made a bold statement in July 2025, calling on the entire tourism sector to take climate action. The call clearly states that preparing for climate change is not optional but a responsibility – particularly for those in the tourism industry.
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6 Mins Travelling Along the SDGs - Exploring a New Kind of Tourism 2025 July 16 Travel today means far more than just relaxation or seeking adventure. For an increasing number of visitors, it’s important that the journey they embark on not only provides experiences but also represents values. But what does this mean in practice? And what does it mean to travel in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
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3 Mins How to reduce your ecological footprint while on holiday? 2025 July 13 Exploring the world is a wonderful experience – but it's important not to leave too big a footprint behind. Our ecological footprint matters not just in our daily lives but also when we travel. The good news: you don't have to give up on adventures, you just need to plan more consciously! Here's how you can make your travels more sustainable – step by step.
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1 Mins How to spot sustainable accommodations – 7 simple signs to look out for before booking 2025 July 07 Nowadays, more and more accommodations advertise themselves as “green” or “eco-friendly” – but how can you really tell if that’s true? Sustainability is not just about recycled paper towels and a few plants at the reception desk.
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2 Mins What does sustainable tourism really mean? – Facts, myths, and practical examples 2025 June 29 "Sustainable tourism" is a term that seems to pop up everywhere these days: in hotel advertisements, travel guides, blogs, and grant applications. But what does it really mean? And what are the common misconceptions about it? It's time to clear things up – preferably with a refillable bottle. 😉
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2 Mins 5 tips for sustainable packaging – travel eco-consciously 2025 June 29 Sustainable tourism isn’t just about where you travel to, but also how you prepare for the journey. Packing can be eco-friendly if you make conscious choices and plan ahead. Here are 5 simple yet effective tips to make your suitcase help the planet!
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3 Mins 5 Hungarian destinations where sustainability matters 2025 June 29 The future of tourism is moving towards responsible, community-focused, and sustainable solutions. In Hungary, more and more destinations are striving to balance memorable experiences with environmental, social, and cultural sustainability. I-DEST supports these locations in progressing along this path in a measurable, credible, and visitor-friendly way. Here are five exemplary Hungarian destinations.
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3 Mins 7 tips for choosing sustainable travel destinations 2025 June 29 Travelling today is no longer just about collecting experiences – it's also about taking responsibility. Tourism has a significant impact on the environment, local communities, and cultural heritage. But why should you choose sustainable destinations? Here are 7 compelling reasons that benefit not only the Earth but also the traveller.
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