Climate change is significantly affecting our planet, altering both travel practices and the destinations themselves. “Green Travel” is a seven-part series exploring how climate change is reshaping the travel experience. 

It felt surreal. I was on a boat a few miles from a remote island in Fiji, preparing to dive into its crystal-clear waters and fulfill a long-held dream.

Once I zipped up my wetsuit and attached my scuba tank, I plunged about 30 feet down to a coral reef known for attracting manta rays looking to be cleaned by smaller fish.

Within minutes, several enormous reef mantas swam past me, their wingspan reaching up to 10 feet. They moved gracefully around the reef, seemingly unaware of my presence as they went about their routine.

The experience was utterly captivating.

This moment is just one example of the unforgettable experiences that await travelers in Fiji’s breathtaking natural surroundings. Its beautiful beaches and rich marine ecosystems serve as a powerful reminder of why it’s essential to protect nature for future generations – a core principle of sustainable tourism.

For numerous must-see destinations worldwide, sustainable tourism is not just a trendy phrase but an urgent requirement. The Pacific islands are idyllic yet face scarcity of resources and have a significant dependency on tourism. In Fiji, this sector contributes to 40% of the economy, according to the World Bank. However, the tourism sector often puts a strain on the environment due to development and resource consumption. These pressures exacerbate Fiji’s vulnerabilities to climate change, including rising sea levels, eroding coastlines, and increased flooding.

“For us Fijians, we don’t have skyscrapers or amusement parks to promote; we offer the sun, sand, smiles, and sea,” said Sunishma Singh, sustainability leader at Tourism Fiji, speaking with YSL News. “To sustain or grow our tourism, we must protect our natural resources.”

The nation has pledged to foster a sustainable tourism sector, outlined in its 2021 tourism development strategy, aimed at promoting environmental responsibility and supporting local communities. In 2023, Fiji became a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) to adhere to international sustainable practices for managing destinations and is currently working toward obtaining certification.

In 2022, Fiji welcomed over 636,000 international tourists, yet only 10% participated in sustainable initiatives, as reported by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.

In 2022, Americans constituted 11% of all visitors to Fiji, often staying longer than other international tourists. They were attracted to Fiji’s natural splendor and had long dreamed of visiting. Fiji Airways is the only airline offering direct flights from the U.S. to Fiji, with a travel time of approximately 10 hours from Los Angeles.

After diving with manta rays and engaging with a local community, I found myself enchanted by Fiji. My trip deepened my admiration for its natural beauty and cultural richness, while also highlighting the urgent need to conserve Fiji’s environment for the enjoyment of both future travelers and locals.

Embrace Nature

The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), the global leader in diving instruction, shares this perspective. To engage travelers in protecting Fiji’s environment, the organization is advocating for regenerative tourism through scuba diving, a concept they term “regenerative diving.” Fiji boasts over 42% of the world’s coral species and is home to one of the first PADI Eco Centers, which are dive operators focused on conservation, within the South Pacific.

At Wakaya Island Resort, where I had my manta ray dive, visitors can join forces with the resort’s nonprofit ally, the Manta Trust Fiji, to log the manta rays they encounter at the resort’s reefs, aiding in the tracking of their population trends.

“Engaging in hands-on citizen science, nurturing local ecosystems and communities, fostering a collaborative bond with nature, honoring cultural traditions, and most importantly, transforming our collective mindset to prioritize giving back rather than taking, can rejuvenate our ocean home—fostering global changes in ocean health,” stated Julie Anderson, PADI’s Director of Brand and Media.

Seek sustainable lodging

Hotels and resorts play a pivotal role in shaping your travel experience, significantly influencing the sustainability of your trip through their infrastructure, operations, and activities. It’s important for travelers to conduct thorough research and make informed choices.

My first stay in Fiji was at Waya Island Resort, an intimate adults-only retreat that welcomed guests in 2024. Each of its 17 bures, traditional Fijian bungalows, is equipped with solar panels to gradually decrease reliance on the resort’s generator. Much of the resort’s staff hails from Yalobi village, which is located across the island, and a significant portion of fresh produce is sourced from local farmers in the village.

At Six Senses Fiji, a luxury destination on Malolo Island, I discovered how a prominent resort chain embraces sustainability. The resort gets almost all its food ingredients from local suppliers, supporting the economy while allowing guests to savor local flavors—a beneficial arrangement for everyone. They also utilize Tesla solar batteries for most power needs and filter water on-site for refilling bottles provided to guests, which reduces waste and energy use. Notably, sustainability metrics are displayed for guest awareness.

There are various “touch points” throughout the property designed to encourage guests to adopt greener practices even after they return home, as explained by Raquel Saavedra, the sustainability manager at Six Senses Fiji. For instance, the presence of pigs and chickens on-site serves as a lesson in composting.

“Tourism has historically carried various negative impacts but we aim to minimize our footprint and contribute positively,” Saavedra remarked.

This includes several initiatives to assist Solevu, the nearby community leasing land to the resort, in becoming more self-sufficient, like acquiring a trash incinerator and installing rainwater tanks for residents.

Contribute to the community

When travelers dedicate part of their holiday to volunteer work, they not only address community needs but also enrich their own experience. Studies have indicated that volunteering while traveling can enhance well-being and foster a stronger sense of purpose.

“Voluntourism focuses on connecting travelers with opportunities to contribute,” remarked Anna Abelson, a sustainable travel professor at New York University’s Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, in an interview with YSL News. “It creates transformative experiences both for the local community and the travelers themselves.”

During my visit to Six Senses Fiji, I participated with the Coral Gardeners, an organization dedicated to reef restoration, on a boat trip to remove algae from coral nurseries. Since 2023, Fiji has experienced significant coral bleaching due to increasing water temperatures, which poses a threat to marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of those who rely on the ocean. Resort visitors can attend weekly presentations by the Coral Gardeners and join snorkeling excursions to help preserve the very waters they enjoy.

Engage with the culture

Many Fijian islands house not only resorts but also local villages, permitting visitors on selected days to experience Fijian culture. “The villages are an integral aspect of their regular activities,” said Marika Kuilamu, who is an assistant lecturer at the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management at The University of the South Pacific in Fiji, shared insights with YSL News.