by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 9:35 AM ET, Wed April 23, 2025
Earth Day may offer a moment to reflect, but forward-thinking travel brands and advisors know sustainability is no longer just a slogan. In 2025, it’s not a trend—it’s the gold standard.
From solar-powered Caribbean resorts to scenic rail adventures across Canada’s East Coast, luxury isn’t about excess anymore—it’s about intention, impact, and immersive eco-conscious experiences.
Green is the "IT" Colour
Travel advisors are now encouraged to incorporate sustainability into their offerings proactively.
As highlighted in Karryon, "Don’t wait for your clients to ask: Why sustainability should be part of every pitch," advisors should proactively incorporate sustainability into their offerings, even if clients do not frequently inquire about it.
According to the report, while travellers may not explicitly request green travel options, data indicates that many are interested in climate-conscious choices.
Booking.com’s 2023 Sustainable Travel Report reveals that 76% of global travellers want to travel more sustainably. 65% are willing to pay extra for eco-friendly options, as highlighted by Expedia Group Media Solutions.
Green with Envy: Caribbean Resorts Are Raising the Bar
The Caribbean is setting benchmarks with its green hotel initiatives. As reported by Caribbean Journal, the possibilities and programs supporting sustainability are rapidly expanding—driven by rising demand and a redefined concept of wellness travel: leaving a place better than we found it.
Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, for instance, operates a substantial solar farm and a hydroponic system supplying 90% of its produce, with surplus shared with the local community.
Similarly, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa in Grand Cayman boasts a large-scale solar array, geothermal cooling, and turtle-friendly lighting, earning it a LEED Silver certification.
Secret Bay in Dominica integrates sustainability into every guest experience, from eco-friendly check-ins to locally sourced amenities.
Rockhouse Negril Jamaica's Rockhouse Foundation has helped invest millions of dollars in local schools.
Green Transportation: Ride the Rails
The train offers a clear advantage over the car and plane.
Rail travel supports the growing trend of slow travel, where the journey is as meaningful as the destination. It invites travellers to appreciate landscapes, local stops, and reduced consumption.
VIA Rail's Corridor trains offer a scenic and eco-friendly alternative to flying or driving for those exploring Canada's East Coast.
Connecting cities like Québec City, Montréal, Toronto, and Ottawa, these trains provide comfort and convenience while reducing carbon footprints.
The Ocean sleeper train provides a scenic way to see Atlantic Canada between Montréal, Québec and Halifax, Nova Scotia – crossing the Maritimes in one day.
Rocky Mountaineer offers routes through Canada’s breathtaking Rockies; fully electric-powered engines on select routes dramatically reduce carbon footprint.
In 2019, they added 10 new GoldLeaf rail cars to its fleet, with energy efficient enhancements. The company also plants a tree with Tree Canada to honour the employment anniversary of each team member.
Travellers indulge a front row seat to glaciers, turquoise lakes, and towering peaks—knowing the journey is committed to preserving the landscapes.
Did you know: Trains produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions per passenger kilometre than cars or planes? According to the International Energy Agency, rail travel emits up to 80% less CO₂ than air travel on the same route.
Luxury Gets the Green Light
Luxury and sustainability are no longer mutually exclusive, but intertwined.
Travel Weekly reports the most coveted experiences are those that tread lightly, give back, and immerse travellers in places with purpose.
Whether it’s a solar-powered beachfront villa in the Caribbean or a panoramic train journey through Canada’s untouched wilderness, luxury and sustainability are no longer at odds—they’re increasingly one and the same.
“Sustainable tourism was largely defined on the concept of doing no harm,” Sven Lindblad, founder and CEO of Lindblad Expeditions told Travel Weekly.
“The concept is to ensure that when we go someplace, we don’t damage it and we make sure it’s available for future generations to also enjoy.”
As Lindblad notes, it’s not just about avoiding harm but elevating destinations through thoughtful, regenerative travel.
"With regenerative tourism, there’s an opportunity for tourism to actually improve the destination,” says Lindblad.
"[However], when it comes to nature, is it possible to leave a place ‘better’ than before?”
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