This article has been reviewed by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.
The morning sun spills gold over a quiet cove, where a handful of travelers have traded snorkeling fins for burlap sacks. They walk the shoreline, scooping up plastic and fishing net remnants—not the typical postcard of a beach getaway, but a scene that’s becoming more familiar. As World Oceans Day 2025 is set to begin, a question surfaces like driftwood on the tide: are more of us choosing to travel in ways that protect the very places we seek out?
Book Cheap Flights on Wego
The new allure of blue waters with purpose
Travel is back in full swing, and there are signs that how we travel is shifting. Wego’s latest search data from the first quarter of 2025 shows a strong appetite for ocean-rich destinations from GCC travelers. Phuket, Manila (a common international entry point to reach Palawan), and coastal Turkey all ranked among the top searches, reflecting a renewed pull toward places where sea meets soul.
Beyond wanderlust, there’s a rising consciousness. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, 69% of travelers now say they prefer sustainable travel options—even when those aren’t the easiest choice. Sixty-six percent are more likely to book with brands that prioritize sustainability, signaling that environmental awareness is shaping both destination and decision-making.
And the demand is real. ForwardKeys reported a 22% rise in beach bookings in 2023 over the previous year, with destinations like Bali’s Denpasar climbing back into global top-five rankings. In the Maldives, a country whose entire existence hinges on the ocean, tourism has reached record levels. The desire to return to the water is powerful, but now, there’s an undercurrent of purpose.
Why conscious travel is gaining ground
This shift is being driven by more than just good intentions. It’s grounded in experience. Many travelers have witnessed coral reefs bleached bone-white or waded through shorelines strewn with debris. These aren’t just vacation memories—they’re wake-up calls.
Marine crises are no longer abstract headlines. In 2024, scientists issued grave warnings about global coral bleaching. Stories of whales tangled in discarded fishing lines have struck a chord. For many, this has transformed casual interest into ethical urgency.
The boom in ecotourism supports this. As of 2025, the global ecotourism market is valued at USD 283.68 billion and is projected to more than triple by 2034. That means more travelers are doing the work—researching reef-safe sunscreens, choosing certified eco-resorts, or booking with tour operators that follow “leave no trace” principles.
The theme of this year’s World Oceans Day—Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us—reminds us that travel and protection don’t need to be at odds. They can, in fact, move together.
Coastal destinations leading the way
As travelers grow more intentional about where they go and how their journeys impact the planet, certain coastal destinations are emerging as models of sustainable tourism. These places aren’t just blessed with natural beauty—they’ve taken bold, often community-led steps to preserve it.
From Southeast Asia to Southern Europe, here are four standout examples of how protecting the ocean can also power thriving, eco-conscious travel.
Philippines: Palawan’s protected paradise
Palawan continues to draw eco-conscious travelers with its untouched beauty and strict conservation policies. From limiting overdevelopment to banning single-use plastics and promoting community-led tours, its model is proving that protecting paradise pays off.
Book Cheap Flights to Philippines
Indonesia: Raja Ampat’s conservation blueprint
In Raja Ampat, local communities and dive operators collaborate to protect marine biodiversity. With visitor limits and sustainable reef policies in place, sightings of manta rays are increasing—proof that thoughtful tourism can help endangered ecosystems recover.
Book Cheap Flights to Indonesia
Turkey: Quiet sustainability on the turquoise coast
Turkey now boasts over 625 Blue Flag-certified beaches, marinas, and tourism boats, ranking third globally. From Antalya to Bodrum, these certifications provide peace of mind for travelers who prioritize clean water, safety, and local stewardship.
Book Cheap Flights to Turkey
Portugal: A beacon of Blue Flag beaches
Portugal’s 444 Blue Flag sites reflect years of investment in sustainable beach infrastructure. For travelers planning a European coastal escape, the Blue Flag has become a shorthand for trust—and a powerful incentive for destinations to raise their environmental standards.
Book Cheap Flights to Portugal
What’s still holding us back?
While the shift is real, the road isn’t without obstacles. Nearly half of travelers say sustainable options are too expensive. Others feel overwhelmed by the pressure to make “all the right choices.” And of course, some just want a restful escape, without the burden of activism.
Yet, 2025 feels different. Sustainable travel is now part of the mainstream conversation. From booking sites highlighting eco-friendly stays to beach signs explaining turtle nesting rules, awareness is being built gently, everywhere.
Sustainable travel doesn’t mean giving up comfort or joy. It means refining our relationship with the places we visit. Sipping coconut water without a plastic straw. Snorkeling with reef-safe sunscreen. Listening to a marine biologist explain what makes a reef resilient.
A wave of hope
On this World Oceans Day, the travel community has every reason to be hopeful. The question—Are we choosing sustainable shores?—isn’t just rhetorical. It’s a reflection of a growing movement.
Each booking that considers sustainability, each resort that invests in marine protection, and each traveler who pauses to learn rather than just lounge contributes to a future where paradise is preserved, not just visited.
