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The world’s most eco-friendly travellers

Brazilians have emerged as the most eco-minded travellers in the world, in a new poll which shows that holidaymakers are becoming increasingly mindful of their environmental impact.

In an online survey that polled 32,000 travellers across 16 countries, Brazil boasted the greatest number of eco-warriors – or, at a minimum the most well-intentioned – as 74% of respondents said they consider their carbon footprint when planning their vacation.

The least likely to think about the environment when booking their accommodation and type of holiday? That dubious distinction goes to Denmark and the Netherlands, with 36% of Danes and 39% of Dutch respondents expressing interest in the environment.

Elsewhere, the results were split.

A little more than half (53 percent) of Americans expressed interest in sustainable travel, while that figure rises slightly to 59% for Australians.

Globally, more than half (52 percent) of respondents said they will choose a destination based on its social or environmental impact this year.

Meanwhile, despite good intentions expressed for the upcoming travel season, last year only 10% of global respondents said they took a sustainable vacation, defined as an eco-tour, volunteering trip, farm stay, camping trip or trip for learning about a new culture.

Socially positive tourism was also included in the survey.

The results of the poll also revealed that environmentally-conscious travellers also happen to be big spenders, as 50% said they intend to book luxury accommodations this year.

Here are a few guilt-free luxury accommodations that have made efforts to be green:

Mandarin Oriental at CityCenter Las Vegas, USA

LEED-certified to conserve as much energy it consumes in glittery Sin City.

The Savoy Hotel, London, UK

Multiple award-winner for eco-initiatives including title of ‘Green Hotel of the Year' at the European Hospitality Awards 2013 and the Sustainable Tourism Leadership Award in 2013 by Virtuoso.

Saffire – Freycinet, Coles Bay, Australia

Built on a former caravan site, the Saffire was designed to blend into its surroundings leaving minimal impact

Monte Novo Eco-Luxury Villas, Montargil, Portugal

Activities such as fishing, canoeing and hiking help visitors to the luxury villas reconnect with nature.

The Hridayesh Spa Wilderness Resort, Garjia, India

The luxury resort is parachuted within the Jim Corbett National Park in Garjia and offers guests Indian safari escapades.

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