Natural hot springs are a siren call to travelers, alluring with their promise of geothermal bliss amidst stunning landscapes. Yet, our yearning for rejuvenation must be balanced with responsibility. When done correctly hot springs destinations are a sound ecotourism destination. But many people believe that ecotourism is too expensive. Not the case with hot springs since you can spend as little or as much as you want on your hot spring journey.

The global ecotourism market size is expected to have increased by 13.5% to $249.16 billion in 2024, from $219.53 billion in 2023, and is predicted to reach $428.97 billion in 2028.

Booking.com surveyed more than 33,000 travelers across 35 countries and territories in 2023 to examine the trends shaping sustainable travel. Travelers confirmed that sustainable travel is important to them (81%), with half of all respondents (50%) citing that recent news about climate change has influenced them to make more sustainable travel choices.

Of the total population 43% of today’s travelers would be willing to pay more for travel options with a sustainable certification. But a whopping 73% of millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable goods, including eco-friendly travel.

According to Travel Weekly, 70% of travellers expect an increase in demand for nature-based tourism experiences post-pandemic. A survey of travelers’ plans for 2023 saw that 78% planned to stay in eco-friendly accommodation this year.

The top three markets, China, Japan, and Germany, collectively possess over 26,000 hot spring establishments, and the markets of Asia-Pacific and Europe enjoy nearly 95% of global hot spring tourism revenues. The hot spring businesses generated $56.2 billion in revenues in 2017. This means getting sustainability right will have a huge impact.

These fragile ecosystems, where volcanic warmth weaves magic with pristine waters, are vulnerable to the impact of human activity. Springs are special places where underground water flows naturally to the land surface.

As we seek solace in steaming pools, it's vital to remember that we're guests in nature's sanctuary, and our footprint should be as light as the steam rising from the earth. But recent stats suggest that 61% of travelers are interested in learning more about ecotourism, whereas only 46% feel clear on how to actually arrange sustainable trips. So let’s take a look at best practices.

Sustainability at Hot Spring Resorts

Ojo Caliente utilizes passive rain collection, xeriscaping (landscaping that requires little or no irrigation), low-flow plumbing fixtures, and solar energy to heat water; it also operates its own wastewater treatment plant. The spa’s philosophy is to honor and protect the sacredness of the property and the waters while creating a safe and nurturing environment for guests. Spa treatments incorporate organic Round Barn Apothecary skincare products, which are formulated with sustainable plants and herbs indigenous to the Southwest.

Two Bunch Palms in California recently became the first carbon-neutral resort spa in the U.S. as a result of its green ethos emphasizing the connectivity between individual, community and planetary health. They focused on the construction of a 3.5-acre solar field to generate 100 percent of the 270-acre property’s electrical power.

Castle Hot Springs was awarded the Sustainable Certificate by the Arizona Sustainability Alliance. This place is committed to having a low impact on the environment. They farm their own produce onsite, compost all green waste, and use drip irrigation practices for landscaping and farming. Making Castle Hot Springs one of the best hot springs in terms of sustainability.

Hanmer Hot Springs was awarded the coveted Qualmark 100% Pure New Zealand Experience Award for their sustainable tourism practices. They strive to look after both the community and environment by sustainably conserving their thermal water resources. They are adding 5 new pools to the complex and taking a sustainable approach to powering and operating the pools.

Iceland is a formidable world leader in harnessing clean, renewable energy. The tiny island generates its power from just two sustainable sources: hydropower, drawn from waterways and glaciers; and geothermal, which is fueled by the country's 600 natural hot springs. The latter is what heats almost every home in Iceland. Within Sky Lagoon, they've eliminated the need for single-use plastics and packaging. They provide water filling stations for hydration, refillable spa products in timed showers, and multi-use shoe bags to store personal items.

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat found in the majestic Ipoh, Malaysia, has recently been awarded the International Sustainability Awards in 2024 for the Implementation of Zero Waste and Net Zero Approaches in The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat in Malaysia 2024. In Southeast Asia, ecotourism is expected to grow by 17% annually due to increased demand for eco-friendly destinations. The Banjaran minimizes its environmental impact, utilizing organic, chemical-free skincare products, strict policies against single-use plastics, and advanced water and energy conservation technologies. One standout initiative is the onsite organic gardens spanning almost 100 square meters, where Chef Boon carefully selects local herbs, native vegetables, and fresh produce for the resort’s restaurants. Guests are invited to participate in sustainable farming experiences, harvesting their own produce for meals during their stay.

What are the Benefits of Being Sustainable?

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council defines Ecotourism as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and creates knowledge and understanding through interpretation and education of all involved (visitors, staff and the visited).

Most hot springs visitors return again and again for the experience and for the unique mineral content and health benefits provided by that spring or spa.

As travelers seek to avoid mass tourism and the environmental consequences that come with it, 80% are now expressing a desire to learn about the local culture when on vacation and 76% would like to feel that they’re reconnecting with nature.

When people connect with nature during their travels, it can lead them to appreciate it more and become invested in protecting it. Tourism can also provide a compelling incentive for governments and organizations to institute environmental policies and conservation measures. This includes the creation of national parks, nature reserves, and other protected areas to preserve their biodiversity and correspondingly boost their tourism appeal. Because of its economic importance and influence, tourism can trigger environmental innovation through the advancement of green infrastructure, processes, and technologies. For instance, tourism can lead the way in the development of renewable energy infrastructure, like wind and solar farms, on remote islands or rural areas that would not usually be exposed to clean energy.

Everything you do while on vacation has an impact on your ecological footprint—how you get there, where you stay, what activities you do, and what you eat.

Leave No Trace: A Mantra for Every Soak

The "Leave No Trace" principle is the cornerstone of sustainable adventure. It's a code of conduct, a silent promise we make to the environment, ensuring future generations can experience the same natural wonder we cherish. Here's how it translates to a mindful hot spring visit.

Pack it in, pack it out: This may seem obvious, but it's the foundation of minimizing our impact. Too often we hike into a hot spring and find it surrounded by food wrappers and trash. Not cool. Bring reusable water bottles, snacks in non-disposable containers, and ditch the single-use plastics. Bring a bag to make sure you take everything with you. Biodegradable options for sunscreen and insect repellent are also crucial to protect water quality.

Minimize campfire impact: If campfire facilities are available, use only dead and down wood, and properly extinguish your fire before leaving. Consider opting for camp stoves instead, especially in dry or fire-prone regions. Stay a few hundred feet from the springs for all fires as the ash can get into the water, making a bad experience for others.

Respect wildlife: Observe animals from a distance, never approach or feed them. Avoid using loud noises or disruptive behavior that can stress delicate ecosystems.

Dispose of waste responsibly: Pack designated bags for trash and leave only footprints. If restrooms are unavailable, utilize designated "dig-it-deep" toilets and pack out toilet paper in sealed bags. If you need to poop in the woods stay at least 300 feet from any water. Ideally this should be farther for hot springs since their wate depends on underground sources which could be miles away.

Protecting Clean Water

The lifeblood of hot springs is their water. Its purity sustains the delicate ecosystem and fuels the therapeutic benefits we seek. Protecting it demands vigilance and conscious choices.

The surrounding land use has big effects on your bathing experience. Development and agriculture can suck away groundwater, leaving you with a puddle to bath in. Pollution and nutrients used in nearby lands can get into hot springs water, exposing you to pollution. High levels of nutrients can create algal blooms, leaving you covered in slimy algae.

The Japanese Hot Spring Law from 1948 requires a natural hot spring, commonly referred to as onsen, to meet certain criteria to be classed as a hot spring; (a) hot water emerging from the ground at a temperature in excess of 25 °C and/or (b) containing a certain amount of designated substances such as naturally occurring mineral elements. This Hot Spring Law provides for the protection of Japan’s hot springs by aiming for the proper use of onsen facilities using on-site inspections to monitor the onsen water quality.

In Germany, hot spring spas and health resorts must be officially recognised by the German government and abide by the laws and legal decrees of individual states as well as follow guidelines provided by organisations such as the German Spa Association (Deutscher Heilbäderverband) and the German Tourism Association (Deutscher Fremdenverkehrsverband).

In Austria the water laws state that landowners hold the rights to the groundwater below their land, which has restricted the development of geothermal energy in favor of hot spring spas, resorts and health clinics and their importance for the country’s tourism industry.

In the Czech Republic protective restrictions are in place for the hydrothermal system of the famous hot spring spa town Karlovy Vary, which have been repeatedly upgraded since 1861. Protection zones extend in all directions from the hydrothermal system and its source and were established to restrict or exclude activities such as building,mining and the transport of hazardous waste materials.

In Iceland one of the main objectives of the Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources is the conservation of geological formations including hydrothermal features and geothermal areas as sources of renewable energy. This means, uninhabited natural wilderness areas are supposed to be excluded from development and should remain untouched. Article 37 of the Nature Conservation Act identifies the type of landscapes in Iceland that require special protection and should not be disturbed: waterfalls, hot springs and other thermal sources, as well as surficial geothermal deposits.

Avoid harsh chemicals: Lotions, soaps, and sunscreens can contaminate the water, harming beneficial microbes and affecting the delicate balance. Opt for biodegradable products or rinse off thoroughly away from the pools. Use reef-friendly sun tan lotion if you need to.

Mindful bathing: Shower before soaking to remove dirt and oils, and refrain from shaving or applying cosmetics near the water's edge. Minimize the use of soap at the springs. Springs are sensitive and often have unique plants near them. Soap and other chemical can kill them. Chemicals in springs can often harm fish and other aquatic life that live downstream of the hot springs.

Respect designated areas: Some hot springs have separate pools for swimming and soaking. Adhere to these guidelines to prevent cross-contamination and maintain individual pool temperatures.

Report pollution: If you witness anything impacting the water quality, such as spills or improper waste disposal, immediately inform park rangers or authorities to mitigate the damage.

Protecting Plants and Wildlife

Hot springs often act as havens for unique and threatened species, drawn to the warmth and specific ecosystem conditions. Springs also sustain rare species of plants and animals that often occur nowhere else on earth.

Our responsibility extends to safeguarding these vulnerable inhabitants. Ecotourism is credited with helping to preserve over 1 million acres of rainforest across Latin America.

Never disturb wildlife: Wildlife ecosystems suffer from off-trail hiking, littering, and overcrowding. This includes avoiding their nesting or breeding grounds, maintaining a safe distance, and never capturing or feeding them.

Respect protected areas: Some hot springs lie within protected zones due to the presence of endangered species. Always adhere to regulations and restrictions in place to protect their habitat.

Support conservation efforts: Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations dedicated to preserving the ecosystem and the species thriving within it.

Spread awareness: Inform fellow travelers about the importance of responsible hot spring etiquette and the ecological significance of these geothermal wonders.

Mind the Bugs

Some hot springs have bugs that might get in the way of your peace and happiness. One of these is the getting bitten by mites. Barley visible to the naked eye, these tiny crimson mites scurry about on rocks and the top of water in and around select hot springs in Idaho and the Northwest.

They cling to the body (including clothing left next to the pools) and proceed to bite the skin in an unsuccessful attempt to lay eggs. The bites leave itchy red sores behind that usually heal completely after a couple weeks. It is highly advisable to use itch relief cream and avoid itching the bites. The human immune system kills off the eggs before they can hatch and eventually builds up enough immunity to kill off the mites themselves.

A Ripple Effect of Sustainability

Our efforts to protect hot springs extend beyond the immediate vicinity. Sustainable travel choices throughout your journey minimize your overall environmental footprint

Clean Energy: 68% of global travellers want their chosen accommodations to implement energy-saving practices like solar panels or water-efficient systems.
Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge opened in 1986 was the first hotel in Colorado to be heated entirely by clean, renewable geothermal sources courtesy of heat exchangers submerged in the Yampah Spring.

Opt for eco-friendly transportation: Choose walking, cycling, or public transportation whenever possible. If driving is necessary, consider carpooling or opting for fuel-efficient vehicles.

Support local communities: Stay at eco-friendly lodges or homestays, choose locally sourced food and crafts, and seek experiences that benefit the local economy.

Respect cultural practices: Tourists unfamiliar with local customs can unintentionally offend or disrupt traditional ways of life. Some hot springs hold cultural significance for indigenous communities. Be mindful of traditional customs and dress codes, and avoid behavior that may be disrespectful.

Advocate for sustainability: Speak up for responsible tourism practices, support policies that protect natural resources, and encourage others to embrace sustainable travel choices.

Resources

Leave No Trace Principles: https://www.fws.gov/project/leave-no-trace-principles
National Park Service Guidelines for Responsible Hot Spring Soaking: https://www.nps.gov/hosp/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm
Learn more about the ins and outs of greenwashing: https://www.littlegreenmyths.com