How Eco-Luxury Travel Is Shaping The World's Most Exclusive Destinations

2026-01-29 04:40:13

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Driven by millennials, Gen Z and high-net-worth travellers, eco-luxury tourism is transforming how and why the world's elite travel

PUBLISHED: Thu 29 Jan 2026, 12:55 PM

By:
Melanie Swan

Luxury travel is being redefined as the world's most discerning travellers seek extraordinary experiences that are as responsible as they are refined. Eco-luxe travel is taking hold across some of the world's most unique destinations as the industry blends a growing demand for ethical and sustainable travel while not letting go of the demand for opulent escapes.

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Last year, The Forbes Research 2025 High Net Worth Survey, which polled 250 global high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) with more than $2 million in investable assets between April and May, found that the wealthy are changing the way they live, and travel.

The majority (65 per cent) of those surveyed said that environmental sustainability and eco-conscious practices are important factors in their decision to support luxury travel operators and destinations, up from 40 per cent in 2024. This number was highest in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) where it was 78 per cent, followed by Asia-Pacific with 76 per cent and North America lagging behind with 53 per cent.

Closer to home, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is doing its part to bolster its eco-luxe positioning into 2026 as demand grows. Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said:“Eco-luxury is increasingly popular because it solves a modern contradiction: travellers want exceptional experiences without feeling irresponsible for enjoying them. The core eco-tourism traveller is financially secure, well-educated, and well-travelled. They seek meaningful, private, and authentic experiences delivered at a high standard over visible excess.”

The 'Ecotourism Market Report by Traveler Type (Solo, Group), Age Group (Generation X, Generation Y, Generation Z), Sales Channel (Travel Agent, Direct), and Region 2024-2032' on ResearchAndMarkets forecasts that the ecotourism industry is projected to grow to $561.9 billion by 2032.

The report found that millennials are leading the way, demanding unique experiences over material goods with social responsibility at the forefront. Their comfort with the use of technology to book off the beaten track experiences versus more curated travel agency organised trips, has allowed them to tap into uniquely authentic and sustainable experiences.

But as the concept of eco-travel evolves, so too has the luxury market responded.“For destinations and hospitality brands, eco-luxury provides a high-value model that protects resources, attracts high-yielding visitor segments, elevates the experience, and creates deeper emotional connection to a place through thoughtful design, meaningful storytelling and a shared sense of responsibility,” added Harrison, who says that RAK's approach is inspired by this philosophy.“We are designing a tourism ecosystem that blends world-class hospitality, nature and cultural immersion in ways that are intentionally low-impact and deeply rooted in place.”

Later this year, Saij, a Mantis Collection Mountain Lodge, will open on Jebel Jais, the UAE's tallest mountain, bringing together eco-conscious architecture, wellness-led hospitality, farm-to-table gastronomy and immersive nature experiences to deliver a form of luxury that is“extraordinary, yet responsible”, said Harrison.

Norman Brandt, the hotel manager at Relais & Châteaux PIkaia Lodge in the Galápagos National Park, Ecuador, said today's concept of true luxury for travellers is about access, responsibility, and respect for the environment.“Pikaia was designed with a minimal footprint in mind, from renewable energy systems and water recycling to architecture that blends into the volcanic landscape rather than competing with it. What guests really notice, though, is how effortless it all feels - spacious suites, refined interiors, intuitive service, and highly personalised itineraries,” Brandt said.

The resort's culinary programme focuses on thoughtful sourcing, working with local fishermen, respecting seasonality, and minimising waste.“For us, sustainability isn't something guests have to think about; it's simply part of the experience,” Brandt added.

While eco travel has been growing for some time, the pandemic accelerated a shift that was already underway, Brandt said.“Travellers returned with a clearer sense of what matters to them, space, nature, purpose, and connection, with much less interest in volume-driven tourism.“At Pikaia, we noticed guests arriving with a deeper curiosity about the Galápagos itself, how the ecosystems function, why regulations matter, and what it means to visit a protected destination responsibly. Places like the Galápagos, where conservation isn't optional, have become powerful examples of what thoughtful travel can look like.”

The guests who visit value quality over quantity, and they're looking for something meaningful and memorable, not just a beautiful place to stay, authentic access to nature and culture, comfort without excess, expert guidance, and the chance to learn along the way.“Above all, they want to feel confident that their travel choices reflect their personal values, something that becomes very tangible when experiencing the Galápagos through a lodge that is deeply connected to conservation.”

Eco practices also benefit business, with the energy systems installed at Pikaia now paying off, giving energy independence, waste education and better water management.

Gen Z and younger millennials are driving this to be a long-term change, to create meaningful, first-hand experiences and emotional connection.“The future of luxury travel will favour places like Pikaia, where experiences are immersive, responsible, and deeply connected to place, showing that luxury and sustainability don't compete, they complement each other,” Brandt said.

At Relais & Châteaux Awasi Patagonia, Chile, local guides are a key part of the experience to help guests immerse into the natural surroundings and culture, without disturbing the ecosystem which includes wildlife such as pumas and minimising human impact. It is a way for the global brand to blend local knowledge with sustainable practices and authentic experiences.“Eco travel has grown significantly in recent years, driven by a redefinition of luxury and accelerated by the pandemic,” said Luiza Mattos, Awasi's marketing director.“Travellers are increasingly prioritising exclusivity, privacy, and meaningful experiences over traditional displays of ostentation, which aligns naturally with eco-conscious travel. Being immersed in nature, away from crowds, and experiencing destinations in a more responsible way has become a new form of luxury.”

A hybrid energy system which relies primarily on solar power significantly reduces long-term energy costs, fuel consumption, and dependence on external resources, allowing for more stable operations in a remote location and lowers environmental impact. Water reuse and waste management systems help reduce consumption and operating costs over time too, easing the bottom line.

However, Mattos admits that one of the main challenges is ensuring that sustainability remains authentic.“There is also the challenge of balancing guest expectations of comfort with the realities of operating responsibly in remote environments,” Mattos said.

“Gen-Z is likely to continue influencing this shift. This generation places strong value on environmental responsibility, ethical practices, and transparency, and is less tolerant of greenwashing. While they may not yet represent the core luxury audience, their values are already shaping industry standards and influencing decision-making across generations.”