Top ethical tourism destinations, 2013

13. Namibia

Namibia is cited by Ethical Traveler as one of Africa’s most environmentally progressive nations. However, its annual cull of cape fur seals has cost it a place on the list. Yet, Namibia’s tourism has picked up in the last five years, with nearly a million visitors annually, most of whom visit the wildlife reserves and national parks (the famed Etosha National Park is in the country’s northwest). Organized tours of the dreamlike Skeleton Coast, with its perennial fog, and the Namib Desert offer unparalleled wildlife viewing experiences while hikes to Fish River Canyon are a rage among the adventuresome. Sandboarding in the desert is another pastime that is fast catching on among tourists. Windhoek and Swakopmund are the most popular cities.

Namibia has a High Commission in New Delhi (Address: 86, Paschimi Marg, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi 110057. Phone: Tel: 91-11-2614-0389)

Official tourism website

12. Cuba

Fifty years after the Revolution led by Ernesto “Che” Guevara and Fidel Castro put Socialist Cuba on the map (and off it for most travelers), President Raul Castro is ushering in surprising changes. Exhorting tourists to explore Cuba as it steps out of the long shadows of the past, Ethical Traveler writes: “As Cuba evolves internally and in relation to its neighbors, we encourage ethical travelers to deepen their understanding of what has enabled this much-maligned country to endure—and to witness personally the struggles, successes and aspirations of the Cuban people.” Cuba was a notable presence at the 32nd International Trade Fair of India in November 2012, aiming to promote the island nation as a tourist destination and exporting its legendary Havana cigars.

Cuba has an embassy in New Delhi (Address: W-124 A, Greater Kailash Part I, New Delhi 110048. Phone: 91-11-2924-2467)

Official tourism website

11. Burma

Although Ethical Traveler picks only ten countries for its coveted list of destinations, it also names to a watch-list countries that are making a significant and responsible effort to address issues such as human rights, environment and social welfare to make them better and safer tourism destinations. Foremost among those nations is Burma, officially (and controversially) renamed Myanmar. Since 1988, when the junta wrested control after placing the country’s democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest, Burma has been off limits for international tourists. Ethical Traveler now recognizes the “welcome tide of change” in Burma after Aung San Suu Kyi’s release from house arrest in 2011 and US President Barack Obama’s subsequent visit to Rangoon to meet Aung San Suu Kyi in her home. India and Burma have strengthened trade relations in the recent past and the frontier town of Moreh in the northeastern state of Manipur has become an important centre of commerce with the Golden Triangle.

Burma/ Myanmar has an embassy in New Delhi (Address: 3/50 F, Nyayamarg, Chanakyapuri New Delhi 110021. Phone: 91-11-2467 8822/3)

Official tourism website

10. Uruguay

For most Indians, Uruguay comes to mind only in relation to soccer but this coastal nation in eastern Latin America. Ethical Traveler commends Uruguay for its “extensive human rights laws, including the most liberal LGBT rights in South America.” In fact, Uruguay goes further than most First World nations in recognizing same-sex civil unions, allowing gays to serve openly in the military, and legally permitting same-sex adoption and enforcing anti-discrimination laws to prevent discrimination over sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Uruguay also scores high on environmental criteria. The six-city Uruguay tour covering the capital Montevideo and the cities of Colonia, Punta del Este, La Paloma, Piriápolis and La Barra - José Ignacio is very popular with tourists, many of whom flock to the six major hot springs in the country. The Montevideo Carnival in February is also a huge attraction.

In India, Uruguay has an embassy in New Delhi (Address: B-8/3, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-110057 Phone: 91-11-2615-1991/2/3)

Official tourism website

9. Samoa

Ethical Traveler commends Samoa for consulting with local communities to designate national parks and improve coastal management, as well as for reducing crime rate. These Polynesian islands fringed by tranquil, diversity-rich coral reefs are a favourite with scuba divers, deep-sea anglers and surfers.

Samoa does not have diplomatic presence in India.

Official tourism website

8. Palau

Can you place Palau on the map? Don’t be embarrassed if you can’t – you’re just one among many who have even heard of this western Pacific island nation, located near the islands of the Philippines and Indonesia. Scuba enthusiasts, on the other hand, will gasp at the mention of Palau – this archipelago surrounded by a fringe reef offers some of the best-rated dive sites and live-aboards. Dolphin-watching, sport-fishing, kayaking, canoe tours and sail charters draw adventurous tourists year-round. Palau has demonstrated strong scores in environmental responsibility and human rights and earns its place among Ethical Traveler’s top 10 destinations.

Palau established diplomatic relations with India in 2005.

Official tourism website

7. Mauritius

Significant improvements in property rights, monetary freedom, and management of government spending have elevated Mauritius to a high rank on the Heritage Foundation’s Economic Freedom Index 2012. Mauritius is also foremost among the island states that are taking proactive steps in environmental policies. For the casual traveler, Mauritius offers charming beaches and activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling, deep-sea fishing. Foodies will love the Creole, Chinese, Indian or Muslim fare. Indians will connect easily with the multiplicity of familiar festivals such as Holi, Ougadi and Cavadi celebrated by Mauritians of Indian descent.

In India, Mauritius has a High Commission in New Delhi (Address: EP-41 Jesus & Mary Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021. Phone: 91-11-24102161) and a Consulate in Mumbai (Address: Office No 1105, 11th Floor, Regent Chambers, Jamnalal Bajaj Marg, 208, Nariman Point, Mumbai – 400021. Phone: 91-22-22841410)

Official tourism website

6. Lithuania

On Ethical Traveler’s list, Lithuania was among the top scorers on environmental criteria, human rights and social welfare. Lonely Planet did not hesitate to name this former Soviet republic the best-kept secret in Europe. A member of the European Union since 2004, Lithuania is today a house of treasures for the seeking traveler, offering everything from hundreds of miles of serene Baltic coast, heritage and history in copious doses to outdoor hiking trails, nature activities, and sport and clubbing.

Lithuania has an embassy in New Delhi (Address: ID-129, Anand Niketan, New Delhi – 110021. Phone: 91-11-4313-2200)

Official tourism website

5. Latvia

Tourists who return from Latvia recommend that the country be “enjoyed slowly.” Apart from the capital Riga (and its historical centre of Old Riga), the cities and towns of Cesis, Kuldiga, Sigulda and Talsi are also on the tourist map. Latvia has about 500 km of Baltic coastal beaches, forests, rivers, national parks and birding hotspots. Ecotourism has caught on in Latvia and the countryside is full of hiking trails and native wildlife, including the rare European bison or wisent. History and architecture buffs are promised a rewarding trip while military history enthusiasts will find the secret Soviet bunkers and ancient battle sites of great interest. Latvia is well-rated for human rights and press freedom, and also received high ratings for environmental protection. Latvia also was the highest ranked of this year’s countries according to The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report for 2012, showing Latvia to be a leader in gender equality.

Latvia has Consulates in New Delhi (Address: 57, Golf Links, New Delhi - 110 003 India; Phone: 91-97114-11712) and Chennai (Khivraj Complex II, 2nd Floor, 480, Anna Salai, Nandanam, Chennai – 600035; Phone: 91-44-24340252)

Official tourism website

4. Ghana

Ghana, the Land of Sunshine, has the reputation of being the friendliest country in Africa. According to Ethical Traveler, Ghana maintains “a high degree of freedom of the press and has a stable democracy which just re-elected a pro-environment President.” About 15 percent of the country’s territory is environmentally protected in some form.

In India, Ghana has embassies in New Delhi (50-N Satya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021. Phone: 91-11-2688-3298) and Mumbai (6A, Kapur Mahal, 65, Marine Drive, Mumbai 400 020. Phone: 91-22-2281-0938)

Official tourism website

3. Costa Rica

The waters of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans lap against the shores of Costa Rica – literally, the Coast of Riches. That’s a lot of coastline for a small Central American nation, but you can drive from coast to coast in three hours or air-hop between them in under an hour. The beaches – of white and black sands – are a lodestone for tourists, particularly surfers looking for the perfect wave. A peaceful and democratic nation that has not maintained an army since 1949, Costa Rica thrives on tourism and is one of the world’s most visited destinations. Biodiversity is Costa Rica’s mainstay – the tiny country supports 4 percent of the world’s wildlife and plant species. Not surprisingly Costa Rica, which recently supported a ban on shark-finning, scored highest in environmental protection among the Ethical Destinations. The nation has also reported a dramatic plunge in crime rates thanks to increased focus on citizen security; it was the Happiest Country out of 151 chosen by the Happy Planet Index, an initiative of the New Economics Foundation.

Costa Rica recently opened an embassy in New Delhi (Address: 2/15, 3rd Floor, Shanti Niketan, New Delhi 110021. Phone: 91-11-4108-0810)

Official tourism website

2. Cape Verde

One of Cape Verde’s most famous exports is the iconic morna singer Cesária Évora, fondly nicknamed the Barefoot Diva. Évora passed on in 2011 but her music – and others in the tradition – plays on in Cape Verde. This archipelago of 10 islands off Africa’s western coast has cast behind its dark past of slave trade and ocean piracy to emerge as one of the continent’s most desirable destinations, with beaches, wildlife, food and music on offer. The islands were uninhabited until the Portuguese colonized them in the 15th century and the country’s riches were quickly exhausted with the abolition of slavery and the exit of the Portuguese. Today, according to Ethical Traveler, Cape Verde serves as a model for political rights in Africa. Last year, the island nation saw its tourism figures balloon by 27.4%, with tourists choosing to vacation for nearly six nights on average. Cape Verde also scores high on renewable energy indices. It increased its total installed renewable capacity by 751.14%, indicating “a decisive movement towards sustainability and away from fossil fuels.”

For travel enquiries, contact the Cape Verdean Consulate General in New Delhi (Address: 6/24, Shanti Niketan, New Delhi, India. Phone: 91-11-2411-4292 / 3)

Official tourism website

1. Barbados

Most tourists return from Barbados sated on rum and flying fish, tanned to a crisp, and with reggae still thumping in their ears. Don’t be fooled by the “slow and easy” Barbadian way, for the Caribbean island is bursting with things to see and do. Enjoy the heritage attractions and museums of Historic Bridgetown (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) or pack off on island safaris or revitalising forest hikes, or follow a nature trail to view the famed Barbados Green Monkeys and the fiery red-and-yellow national flower, the Dwarf Poinciana. If all of that sounds like too much legging about, there’s always the beach. Plenty of it.

In India, Barbados has a consulate in Mumbai. (Address: Barbadian Consulate in Mumbai, India, 21, Suvas, Main Avenue, Santa Cruz (West), Mumbai 400 054; Phone: 91-22-2646-1878)

Official tourism website