Forbes Lists Serbia a Top Responsible Travel Destination for 2025

Serbia is making its mark on the global travel scene as one of the top destinations for responsible travel in 2025. Featured in Forbes’ recent roundup of 15 destinations to visit next year, Serbia offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism initiatives that make it a standout choice for eco-conscious travelers.

Whether you’re an adventurer seeking unspoiled landscapes or a history buff eager to immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions, Serbia is poised to offer an unforgettable experience while ensuring a positive impact on local communities and the environment.

Why Serbia Made the List

Forbes highlighted Serbia’s “adventurous side,” noting that it is one of Europe’s last true hidden gems. Often overlooked by mainstream tourists, Serbia provides an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience, with the opportunity to engage in sustainable, nature-based activities. A major highlight is the Undiscovered Balkans adventure, which takes travelers on a seven-day itinerary showcasing Serbia’s wild landscapes, ancient cultural heritage, and a wide range of outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and canyoning. The focus is on low-impact tourism that prioritizes local knowledge, environmental conservation, and cultural exchange.

The itinerary includes stops at Tara National Park, one of Serbia’s most pristine natural areas, and along the scenic Drina River, where eco-tourism efforts are actively supporting river conservation. Local guides, intimately familiar with the land, lead travelers on immersive adventures, ensuring that each journey supports sustainable tourism and provides economic opportunities for nearby communities. For example, a portion of every booking goes towards environmental conservation projects, ensuring that the benefits of tourism directly contribute to preserving Serbia’s natural treasures.

An Authentic Experience with Local Impact

Serbia’s appeal to responsible travelers is not just about its natural beauty, but also about the authentic experiences it offers. In a world where many destinations are overrun by mass tourism, Serbia provides a rare chance to connect with locals and experience life in its most unspoiled form. In line with responsible travel principles, Undiscovered Balkans works closely with local communities, ensuring that travelers have meaningful interactions that promote cultural understanding and sustainable development.

Visitors to Serbia can engage in activities that are deeply rooted in local traditions—such as staying with families in rural villages, learning about ancient crafts, or participating in agricultural activities. These experiences not only provide a richer understanding of Serbia’s history and culture but also help sustain traditional livelihoods and promote the region’s sustainable growth.

A Growing Hub for Eco-Friendly Adventure

As more travelers turn to sustainable tourism options, Serbia’s diverse offerings in eco-friendly adventure tourism are becoming increasingly popular. From exploring dense forests to rafting through crystal-clear rivers and canyoning in breathtaking gorges, Serbia’s rugged landscapes offer countless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The country’s commitment to preserving these natural wonders, while simultaneously providing visitors with an engaging and environmentally responsible experience, places it firmly on the map as a destination for the conscientious traveler.

The spotlight on Serbia comes at a time when the country is making significant strides in promoting eco-tourism and sustainable practices. Local operators, like Undiscovered Balkans, are carefully curating itineraries that highlight both the country’s untapped potential for eco-tourism and its rich cultural heritage, all while ensuring that visitors leave a minimal carbon footprint.

Serbia: A Responsible Alternative in a Busy Europe

For those looking to escape the crowds of more popular European destinations, Serbia provides a refreshing alternative. Situated at the crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe, it offers both natural and historical treasures without the over-commercialization seen in more well-known hotspots. Travelers can hike through Tara National Park, paddle along the Drina River, or explore Serbia’s medieval monasteries and Ottoman-era fortresses—all while supporting sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities and preserve the country’s unique environment.

By choosing Serbia in 2025, travelers are not just visiting a beautiful country, but also supporting a growing movement of responsible tourism that prioritizes environmental sustainability, local economic empowerment, and cultural preservation.

A Vision for the Future

Serbia’s inclusion in Forbes’ list of must-visit destinations for responsible travel in 2025 is a testament to the country’s growing commitment to eco-friendly tourism and sustainable practices. With local guides, sustainable businesses, and responsible tour operators working together, Serbia is setting a powerful example of how tourism can be a force for good. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, or simply a peaceful retreat in a less-traveled corner of Europe, Serbia offers something special for every kind of traveler.

As travel trends continue to shift toward sustainability, Serbia stands out as a destination that not only offers remarkable experiences but also ensures that its growth as a tourism hub contributes to the preservation of its landscapes, culture, and communities for generations to come. If you’re looking for an adventure that has a positive impact, Serbia should be at the top of your list in 2025.

Read the whole article here.