The non profit organization Ethical Traveler highlights an annual list of developing countries that are doing the most to promote human rights, support social welfare and preserve their environments. The non profit organization reviews policies and practices and selects a top 10. As so many countries are fighting for tourists, more and more travelers make a point of weak ethical conditions and pick countries with less issues. By visiting these ethical good countries travelers can use the economic leverage to reward good works and support best practice. All countries in the world have shortcomings, however the select countries are making a genuine effort to do the right thing.
The list of the world’s best ethical destinations in 2023, according to EthicalTraveler.org, in random order:
- Barbados*
- Botswana
- Cape Verde*
- Chile
- Costa Rica*
- Mongolia*
- Palau*
- Seychelles
- Timor-Leste
*was also in the top-10 list of the 2020 or 2021 edition
Of the countries in the top 10, seven are island nations, indicating a clear trend. Climate change affects islands dramatically, so they tend to be very aware of the importance of effective environmental policies. Remarkable is that no developing Asian country qualified this year; all betrayed too many human rights abuses and showed too little movement toward sustainability.
About the research
Ethical Traveler conducts a survey of developing countries to identify the world’s best travel and tourism destinations. The research is focused on four categories: environmental protection, social welfare, human rights and animal welfare. For these categories information of the past and present are evaluated. This helps to select countries that are actively improving the state of their people, sustainablity, government and environment. Information is used from sources like Freedom House, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Reporters Without Borders, UNICEF, LGBT and the World Bank. After a short list a detailed research case is performed.
You want to reward the good ethical work of Cape Verde and also want to enjoy a holiday? Book a holiday to Cape Verde and experience the beauty.