ECO TOURISM

Inspiration

We were inspired by the boom in eco-tourism and the growing need for sustainable travel options that benefit both travelers and local communities. We wanted to create this eco-tourism web app after the overtourism crisis in Thailand in 2018. With Maya Beach forced to close due to extensive environmental damage from overcrowding, we realized the tourism industry desperately needed better sustainable travel options. This would prevent harm to local ecosystems while also encouraging travelers to discover hidden gems rather than already overloaded destinations.

What it does

Our eco-tourism app allows travelers to discover responsible destinations and experiences worldwide easily. Key features include:

Search/browse lesser-known sustainable travel spots
Real-time safety and sustainability incident reporting
Options to book eco-lodges, take eco-tours, volunteer programs
Travel tips and standards for protecting environments

How we built it

We used SvelteKit to build a fast, interactive web app. We integrated mapping features using Google Maps API and built custom components for browsing destinations and trip planning.

Challenges we ran into

Gathering comprehensive sustainability data and building out destination discovery features were challenging. We overcame this by tapping into crowdsourced data and public databases.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We focused on creating an intuitive, user-friendly interface and experience. We implemented a clean, modern design using bold colors and easy-to-navigate menus. Users have praised the seamless functionality, allowing them to search destinations seamlessly, browse sustainability practices, and access travel tips. The web app is fast and responsive, thanks to optimization.

What we learned

Sustainable tourism requires a data-driven approach. We learned that eco-conscious travelers want more than just sustainability ratings and certifications - they want an educational, enlightening experience. Our focus simply on surfacing lesser-known spots or displaying badge icons was not enough. We can better empower meaningful travel by incorporating storytelling around local cultures, environments, and more into the web app.

What's next for Eco-Tourism

Adding more destinations, expanding functionality for reviewing/rating sustainability practices, integrating with travel booking platforms, and growing our global community of conscious travelers!