The world’s most ethical destinations

Every year, Ethical Traveler reviews the policies and practices of hundreds of nations in the developing world. It then selects ten that are doing the most impressive job of promoting human rights, preserving environment, and upholding civil society while creating a sustainable, community-based tourism industry. By visiting these countries, Ethical Traveler asserts, we can use our economic power to support best practices.

Each country selected as a Best Ethical Destination offers the opportunity to experience unspoiled natural beauty, and to interact with local people and cultures in a meaningful, mutually enriching way. The countries on this list are actively improving the state of their people, government and environment. They are the destinations most worth your money and your leisure time.

Ethical Traveler is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, and a project of the Earth Island Institute. No money or donations of any kind are solicited or accepted from any nations, governments, travel bureaus or individuals in the creation of its annual list.

And which countries made the 2013 list? Take a guess – and prepare to be pleasantly surprised!

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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 ... more
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 less

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