News Summary
Puerto Rico has unveiled ‘The Green Path,’ a new initiative to promote responsible tourism and eco-friendly travel practices. Developed by Discover Puerto Rico, this program encourages visitors to engage in sustainable practices and offers certification upon completion of learning modules. The initiative also involves local businesses and golf courses in sustainability efforts. With a growing demand for eco-tourism and agrotourism, Puerto Rico aims to create a stronger connection between travelers and the island’s culture while protecting its natural resources.
San Juan, Puerto Rico – In a significant move to boost responsible tourism, Puerto Rico has officially launched “The Green Path,” a new initiative aimed at promoting eco-friendly travel practices among visitors. This program is part of Puerto Rico’s broader commitment to preserving its unique culture and environment, as the island showcases rich biodiversity, including iconic sites like El Yunque Rainforest and its renowned bioluminescent bays.
Discover Puerto Rico, the destination’s primary marketing organization, developed “The Green Path” to encourage travelers to engage in sustainable practices that support local businesses while helping to secure a sustainable future for the island. The initiative features a series of eco-friendly practices that visitors can adopt during their stay.
As part of this program, tourists have the opportunity to achieve certification by completing four learning modules available on “The Green Path” microsite (accessible at thegreenpath.discoverpuertorico.com). Upon completing the modules, participants not only receive a certification badge identifying them as “Responsible Travelers to Visit Puerto Rico,” but they also gain access to exclusive travel perks and discounts. This incentivizes visitors to contribute positively to Puerto Rico’s conservation efforts as they explore the island.
In addition to individual initiatives, notable golf courses such as Fort Buchanan Golf Club, St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort and Golf Club, and Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Golf & Beach Resort are participating in sustainability efforts by joining the “Monarchs in the Rough” program facilitated by Audubon International. This program focuses on creating ecological sanctuaries to benefit monarch butterflies. Furthermore, the Bahia Beach golf course has independently earned certification from Audubon International for its successful implementation of sustainable practices.
The emphasis on sustainability is echoed in comments from local tourism leaders, who stress the significance of aligning vacation values with responsible practices. As awareness around eco-friendly travel grows, so does the sector of agrotourism in Puerto Rico. This emerging trend highlights isolated farms and sustainable agricultural techniques that offer visitors a chance to connect more intimately with the island’s culture and natural resources.
Local farmers contribute significantly to the agrotourism movement, creating unique opportunities for travelers to experience real-life agriculture, which extends beyond traditional tourist attractions. This rise in ecotourism is a response to an increasing global demand for sustainable travel options, with the Puerto Rican government and local tourism boards actively promoting lesser-known destinations to ease overcrowding in popular spots like San Juan.
The Green Path initiative also encompasses tailored resources for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, promoting responsible gathering practices that align with the overall goals of sustainable tourism. Puerto Rico’s tourism economy witnessed a noteworthy rebound, with lodging revenues reaching $1.95 billion in 2024, underscoring the importance of such initiatives in supporting economic growth and environmental stewardship.
By encouraging visitors to explore off-the-beaten-track regions, The Green Path aims not only to enhance the visitor experience but also to bolster the local economy in these areas. The initiative is designed to provide immersive education, engaging storytelling, and interactive content that inspires responsible travel behavior among tourists.
Ultimately, the launch of “The Green Path” reflects Puerto Rico’s ongoing effort to cultivate an ecologically sustainable tourism landscape that prioritizes both the island’s rich natural resources and the well-being of local communities. As tourists increasingly seek authentic and responsible travel experiences, initiatives like The Green Path may pave the way for a more sustainable future in the tourism industry.
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Additional Resources
- First Call Golf
- Wikipedia: Eco-tourism
- Travel and Tour World
- Google Search: Puerto Rico agrotourism
- PR Newswire
- Google Scholar: sustainable travel
- Travel Pulse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sustainable Development
- USA Today
- Google News: Puerto Rico tourism growth
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
