Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s a lifestyle choice, especially for travelers looking to reduce their footprint. If you want to attract eco-conscious guests to your vacation rental, offering or recommending outdoor activities is a game-changer.
Forget the standard tourist traps; these travelers want to see nature, support local communities, and leave the environment better than they found it. The best part? Being a sustainable host is not only good for the planet but also a great way to differentiate yourself in a highly competitive space. Here’s a guide to outdoor activities that your eco-conscious guests will love and that will motivate them to book with you.
1. Wildlife tours & guided nature walks
Eco-minded travelers love to get out in nature, but they want to do so responsibly. Partnering with a local naturalist or conservation group to offer guided hikes can be a big draw. These walks educate guests about local ecosystems, endangered species, and conservation efforts while minimizing their impact on the environment.
If you’re near a wildlife reserve or protected area, feature ethical wildlife tours that avoid overcrowding or disturbing natural habitats. Encourage guests to travel with sustainable equipment, such as reusable water bottles and biodegradable sunscreen, to keep their footprint small.
2. Farm-to-table & foraging experiences
Food is a big part of travel, and eco-conscious guests appreciate farm-to-table experiences that celebrate local cuisine. Recommend farm tours where they can see how food is grown, participate in a farm-to-fork meal, or even harvest their own produce.
In regions where wild herbs, mushrooms, or berries are plentiful, foraging tours can also be excellent options. Just ensure that the experiences are led by knowledgeable guides who follow sustainable practices. Do you have a garden at your rental? Allow guests to pick their own herbs or vegetables to cook with. It’s a small but unforgettable touch!
3. Kayaking, paddleboarding & canoeing
Many eco-conscious travelers would choose a low-impact water activity over gas-powered boats. If you’re close to a river, lake, or coastline, consider renting kayaks or paddleboards. These activities allow guests to explore natural waterways without pollution or noise.
For an even more eco-friendly experience, connect with tour companies that offer guided paddles focused on conservation efforts, such as marine wildlife protection. You can also provide guests with insights on how to paddle responsibly, such as avoiding nesting areas or fragile ecosystems.
4. Green cycling adventures
Biking is an amazing way to see a destination without the emissions. If your region has beautiful bike trails, suggest a few local rental shops that rent eco-friendly bicycles (extra points if they’re e-bikes and the power comes from renewable energy).
For urban locations, suggest bike-sharing programs or guided cycling tours that feature local history, street art, or hidden gems. Rural hosts may focus on trails that run through vineyards, nature reserves, or picturesque small towns. If you have the room, you can also offer free bikes for guests. It’s a nice gesture toward environmental sustainability.
5. Beach or trail clean-up days
Many eco-minded travelers want to contribute to their destinations. Hosting or sponsoring beach clean-ups, river restoration days, or trail maintenance projects can attract guests who are passionate about environmental stewardship.
Reach out to local conservation organizations to find out if clean-up efforts are already in the works so guests can lend a hand. If not, you could volunteer for a smaller clean-up and reward participants with coffee from a sustainable roastery or a discount at a nearby eco-conscious café.
6. Stargazing & dark sky preserves
Light pollution is a real problem, and eco-conscious travelers are on the hunt for places to experience the night sky in all its glory. If your rental is in a rural or remote area, promote stargazing as a highlight of the stay.
You can even have a stargazing guide, a telescope if possible, and cozy blankets ready. If there’s a certified Dark Sky Park nearby, make sure to include it in your recommendations. Finally, ask guests to turn off lights they don’t need to help reduce light pollution and enjoy a more immersive experience.
7. Eco-friendly fishing & sustainable seafood experiences
Sustainable practices are key for travelers who enjoy fishing. Suggest local fishing charters that follow catch-and-release policies or use sustainable fish harvesting.
If your vacation rental is near a coast, showcase restaurants with sustainably caught seafood or even oyster farming excursions where guests can learn about aquaculture’s role in ecosystem health. Include a guide in your rental about local, sustainable seafood choices and where to find them.
8. Volunteering with conservation projects
Travelers who prioritize sustainability want more than just relaxation during their vacations—they want to make a difference. If there are any local conservation projects like tree planting initiatives, wildlife rescue programs, or regenerative farming ventures, let your guests know!
Even spending half a day volunteering can be a deeply rewarding experience that creates a connection to your destination. Many eco-travelers also support carbon offset programs. If you find a reputable initiative that helps offset their stay’s carbon footprint, let them know about it.
9. Natural hot springs & eco-friendly wellness activities
Wellness and sustainability often go hand in hand. If your region has natural hot springs, promote them as a soothing, all-natural experience.
Other eco-conscious wellness activities could include forest bathing (a Japanese ritual of mindful immersion in nature), sound baths in natural settings, or yoga classes held outdoors using eco-sustainable mats and props. If you offer wellness amenities at your rental, go green with them, like organic bath products and reusable water bottles.
10. Sustainable wine, beer, & coffee tasting
Travelers who care about sustainable tourism are often food and beverage lovers themselves, though they’d rather spend their money on businesses that follow ethical practices.
If your region has organic wineries, breweries that use local ingredients, or coffee roasters committed to fair trade, feature these experiences in your recommendations. Some even offer eco-tours to showcase their eco-friendly practices, like solar-powered production facilities or zero-waste packaging.
How to make these experiences stand out in your listing
Now that you have a lineup of eco-friendly activities make sure potential guests know about them:
- Add an “Eco-Travel” section in your property description, focusing on sustainable activities nearby.
- Use keywords like “sustainable travel,” “eco-conscious activities,” and “nature-focused experiences” to attract like-minded guests.
- Add photos of guests enjoying these experiences (with permission) or scenic shots of the landscapes they’ll explore.
- Offer your own recommendations by creating a printed or digital guidebook of your top eco-friendly picks.
Hosting sustainably with Hosthub
Offering environmental conservation activities is great for the planet, but it also helps you attract the right guests and make your rental stand out. Promoting responsible outdoor experiences will create more meaningful stays while supporting sustainable travel.
At Hosthub, we make hosting easier so you can focus on what matters—giving your guests great experiences. With synchronization of your calendars and rates across 200 channels and a Unified Inbox with AI, which allows you to send personalized suggestions to travelers, you’ll enjoy peace of mind while delivering stellar stays. Start a free trial or request a demo today!
