Table 2 Key strategies for green tourism initiatives.

Certification and eco-labeling programs

Participating in certification and eco-labeling programs to validate and communicate sustainable practices to consumers. This strategy involves obtaining certifications such as Green Globe or EarthCheck, which assess and certify tourism businesses based on their environmental, social, and economic performance. By displaying eco-labels, tourism providers can enhance their credibility, build trust with consumers, and differentiate themselves in the competitive tourism market (Razpotnik Visković and Logar, 2022).

Stakeholder engagement programs

Developing comprehensive engagement programs to involve stakeholders at every stage of the tourism value chain. This strategy emphasizes collaboration with local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and businesses to ensure that tourism development aligns with environmental conservation and community well-being goals (Leon et al., 2022).

Community empowerment and capacity building

Empowering local communities through capacity-building initiatives and skill development programs. This strategy emphasizes the importance of community involvement in tourism decision-making processes, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for sustainable tourism development. By equipping communities with the necessary knowledge and resources, tourism stakeholders can ensure that tourism benefits are distributed equitably and contribute to local socio-economic development (Butler, 2017).

Digital marketing for sustainable brands

Utilizing digital marketing channels to promote sustainable tourism brands and destinations. This strategy involves leveraging social media, content marketing, and search engine optimization to raise awareness about green tourism offerings, engage with eco-conscious consumers, and amplify the impact of sustainability-focused messaging (Satya et al., 2023).

Personalized eco-tourism experiences

Offering personalized eco-tourism experiences tailored to the preferences and values of eco-conscious travelers. This strategy involves leveraging data analytics and consumer insights to curate unique and immersive experiences that highlight environmental sustainability, cultural heritage, and community involvement (X. Yang et al., 2024).

Integration of renewable energy

Integrating renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power into tourism infrastructure. This strategy aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower energy costs, and demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship. By investing in renewable energy solutions, tourism businesses can enhance their sustainability credentials and attract eco-conscious travelers (Murshed et al., 2020).

Emission reduction initiatives

Implementing emission reduction programs targeting transportation, accommodation, and tourist activities. These initiatives aim to minimize the carbon footprint of tourism operations by adopting cleaner technologies and promoting sustainable transportation options such as electric vehicles and bicycles (Leal Filho et al., 2023).