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!

Gallery View:The world’s most ethical destinations
CLOSE

1 - 13 of 13

PrevNext

1 - 8 of 13

PrevNext

5 of 13 photos

PrevNext

previous next

PrevNext

Yahoo Lifestyle Entertainment Photo By ThinkStock Tue, Jan 29, 2013 5:00 AM EST

PrevNext

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 ... more
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 less