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Emese Maczko

@emesemaczko.bsky.social

968 followers 1K following 258 posts

Freelance Travel Writer focusing on #ecotourism and #sustainabletravel | Editor-in-chief for ecolodgesanywhere.com | Forbes Contributor | Bylines in Fortune, Euronews | MSN and Newsbreak Direct Publisher | -> muckrack.com/emese-maczko/

Posts Replies Media

Reposted by Emese Maczko

Valencia City of Design @valenciacityofdesign.com · 15/05/2026

6 European Cities Hiding Behind A 2-Hour Train Connection, by @emesemaczko.bsky.social for @forbes.com. 🔗 www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

6 Exciting European Cities Just 2 Hours By Train From Major Hubs

These six European city breaks are close enough through a quick train connection but far enough to leave the crowds behind.

Reposted by Emese Maczko

Forbes @forbes.com · 13/05/2026

Why Fly To Europe? These 5 U.S. Towns Will Feel Like Europe Without The Long Flight

5 U.S. Towns That Will Feel Like Europe Without The Long Flight

These American small towns are examples of how European immigrant communities carried language, food, faith, architecture, festivals and daily customs into new landscapes and cherished them over gener...

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Between February 10 and 26, Yosemite National Park visitors may catch a rare natural illusion. For a few minutes at sunset, Horsetail Fall glows like molten lava or cascading fire spilling down El Capitan. #travel #yosemite #firefall www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

Yosemite’s Firefall Is Back With New Rules, Dates And Viewing Tips For 2026

Between February 10 and 26, for a few minutes at sunset, Horsetail Fall glows like molten lava or cascading fire spilling down El Capitan. It is called the Yosemite "Firefall".

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Between February 10 and 26, Yosemite National Park visitors may catch a rare natural illusion. For a few minutes at sunset, Horsetail Fall glows like molten lava or cascading fire spilling down El Capitan. #nps #yosemite #travel www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

Yosemite’s Firefall Is Back With New Rules, Dates And Viewing Tips For 2026

Between February 10 and 26, for a few minutes at sunset, Horsetail Fall glows like molten lava or cascading fire spilling down El Capitan. It is called the Yosemite "Firefall".

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Many do not associate Canada with cherry blossom season, and tend to think of British Columbia for coastal mountains, evergreen forests and wildlife encounters such as bear viewing and whale watching. Yet, a similar spring display unfolds each year. #canada #travel www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

Forget Japan’s Cherry Blossoms This Year—Visit This Canadian Region Instead

Many do not associate Canada with cherry blossom season, but British Columbia has a similar spring display, typically with fewer crowds, for now.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Japan's cherry blossom season has become a victim of its own popularity. On February 3, 2026, Fujiyoshida canceled its popular Cherry Blossom Festival at Arakurayama Sengen Park. #japan #travel www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

Instagram Breaks Another Town? Why Japan Axed Its Famous Cherry Blossom Festival

Japan's cherry blossom season has become a victim of its own popularity. Fujiyoshida canceled its popular Cherry Blossom Festival citing overtourism as the main reason.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Travel companies are redrawing the map in 2026 by betting on new destinations and rolling out new trips to places that may not have been registered on mainstream itineraries a year ago. www.forbes.com/sites/emesem... #travel

From Libya To Palau: 7 Frontier Destinations Travel Companies Are Betting On For 2026

Travel companies are betting on new destinations and rolling out new trips to places that have not showed up on mainstream itineraries a year ago.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Are you planning a ski trip? Do you want to go to a region where sustainablility is on the forefront? Have you ever thought about how a ski region can lower their emission? www.forbes.com/sites/emesem... #travel

Inside 5 Sustainability-Focused European Ski Resorts

5 European ski resorts stand out for their sustainability efforts, designed to reduce their impact, rather than for their ability to attract large crowds.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

Would you stay in a capsule hotel?

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

We went hiking in one of Hungary’s best trails. Especially lovely in the autumn.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 26/10/2025

Sustainability spending can become a core part of property development and operations. I interviewed several hotels that prove comfort and responsibility can evolve together. #travel #hotel www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

These High-End Hotels Are Going Green Without Losing The Glamour

These luxury hotels prove that sustainability can becoming a core part of property development and operations and that comfort and responsibility can evolve together.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

Th IUCN Green List Awards recognize protected areas meeting the highest standards for biodiversity, governance and community impact. It grew this year with 27 new listings across 13 countries, making the total number over 100 listings across 230 sites. www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

5 Award-Winning Wild Places Protecting Nature And Inviting Travelers

5 new protected areas on IUCN Green List stand out as not only pioneers in conservation, but as travel destinations that blend accessibility, adventure and eco-tourism.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

“Every day you live, you make an impact on the planet. But you can choose what sort of impact you make. So choose wisely.” Read my full article on the legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall www.forbes.com/sites/emesem... #janegoodall

Jane Goodall’s Final Message: Tourism Must Save Wildlife, Not Exploit It

Today’s world lacks courage. People must find the courage to do the right thing. The health of the planet should be at the center of every political and economic conversations.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

The first week of October isn’t just another page on the calendar. This time offers a rare convergence of wildlife spectacles that you may never have heard of before. #travel #nationalparks www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

The Biggest Fall Wildlife Events Happening In The U.S. Right Now

The first week of October isn't just another page on the calendar. This time offers a rare convergence of wildlife spectacles that you may have never heard of before.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

Not all #hotel projects erase what came before. Some developers repurpose empty landmarks into #luxurystays that preserve structure, celebrate heritage and revitalize neighborhoods without sacrificing identity. #travel www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

6 Urban Hotels That Carefully Transformed Abandoned Buildings Into Luxury Stays

Not all hotel projects erase what came before. Some developers repurpose empty landmarks into luxury stays that preserve structure, celebrate heritage and revitalize neighborhoods without sacrificing ...

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

This is the last spoonful of cloudberry jam from #Finland I brought back from our summer trip. How sad? The only silver lining is that I still have bilberry jam. Sighhh. Already feel better. #travel

Yellow jam on piece of bread

Purple jam on piece of bread

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

Not all hotel projects erase what came before. Some developers repurpose empty landmarks into luxury stays that preserve structure, celebrate heritage and revitalize neighborhoods without sacrificing identity. #travel #hotel www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

6 Urban Hotels That Carefully Transformed Abandoned Buildings Into Luxury Stays

Not all hotel projects erase what came before. Some developers repurpose empty landmarks into luxury stays that preserve structure, celebrate heritage and revitalize neighborhoods without sacrificing ...

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

Canadians cut more than 3 million trips to the U.S. this summer compared to 2024. The vast majority of it was cross-border car travel that fell by roughly 2.7 million trips that are relatively low-cost, low-carbon and highly predictable. www.forbes.com/sites/emesem... #travel #canada #trump

U.S. Lost 3 Million Of Its Most Sustainable Tourists This Summer

The dependable flow of Canadian visitors did not arrive this summer. Instead, Canadians spent their travel dollars either at home or overseas.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 21/09/2025

No bad weather, only bad clothing. Guess which country? #travel #nobadweather

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 20/09/2025

Fall is among the best times for a road trip, and it becomes even more memorable when it is timed around iconic festivals. #travel #fallfoliage www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

5 Fall Road Trips In The U.S. That Pair Changing Leaves With Unforgettable Events

Fall is among the best times for a road trip, and it becomes even more memorable when timed around iconic festivals.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

Beyond his film career, Robert Redford built an equally powerful legacy in environmental activism. #sundance #remember #robertredford www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

Robert Redford's Legacy At Sundance And Its Sustainable Tourism Model

Robert Redford's legacy lives on beyond his movie career. Here is to remember his environmental activism that lasted for more than five decades.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

#FatBearWeek 2025 kicks off on Sep 18, giving everyone a chance to crown the fattest brown bear in Alaska’s #Katmai National Park. The online competition registered more than 1 million votes last year is back for its 11th season. Want to know more? #travel #alaska www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

Fat Bear Week 2025 To Bring Millions Closer To Alaska’s Brown Bears

Fat Bear Week 2025 kicks off on September 18, giving everyone a chance to crown the heftiest brown bear in Alaska’s Katmai National Park.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

Cooler weather, fewer crowds and seasonal events make October one of the best months to visit these five U.S. national parks. Each for a different reason. #travel #nationalparks www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

5 U.S. National Parks To Visit In October

Cooler weather, fewer crowds and seasonal events make October one of the best months to visit these five U.S. national parks.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

Since the release of Netflix’s hit #KPopDemonHunters, a new wave of set-jetters has headed to South Korea to visit the real-life locations they saw in the film. But what if set-jetting could be more than taking photos in front of famous locations? #travel #southkorea www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

3 KPop Demon Hunters Tours That Are More Than Photo Ops

Since the release of Netflix’s hit KPop Demon Hunters, a new wave of set-jetters has headed to South Korea to visit the real-life locations they saw in the film.

Reposted by Emese Maczko

JourneyDude in Scotland @scottishinsider.org · 29/08/2025

🪬🧿 There is no amount of money, oil, or gold in the world that is worth more than having bees, trees, and clean water.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

But safari actually means 'journey’ in Swahili. And it should be so much more than just viewing wildlife. It should be about experiencing the land in every way possible. www.forbes.com/sites/emesem... #travel #africa #safari

5 Jeep-Free African Safari Adventures You Did Not Know Existed

Are travelers ready to leave the jeeps behind? These experiences challenge outdated ideas of what an African safari should be, by offering a deeper, more sustainable ways to explore the Old Continent.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 02/08/2025

I have seen over 100 crossings during my 16 years of guiding, but I have never seen anything like this. I was visibly shaking," said Nick Kleer, who posted a video showing safari vehicles disrupting the Great Migration at the Mara River. #tanzania #travel #safari www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

Behind The Viral Video: How Safari Vehicles Endangered The Great Migration In Serengeti

A viral video from Serengeti exposes how overcrowded safari vehicles disrupted the Great Migration. What went wrong? What can tourists do to behave responsibly?

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

New executive order aims to increase U.S. national park entrance fees for foreign visitors to boost funding and the same time a Supreme Court’s decision made NPS once again vulnerable to widespread staff reductions. #forbes #trump #nationalparks www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

Why Trump’s Fee Hike May Not Solve The Deeper Problems In U.S. National Parks

The White House issued an executive order to raise entrance fees for foreign visitors to U.S. national parks at the same time the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision made park staff once again vulnerable to...

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

The primary locations of ‘Jurassic World:Rebirth’ in Thailand lie within national parks or protected areas. Visiting them responsibly is essential. Here is where it was filmed and how to visit each site with care for the environment. www.forbes.com/sites/emesem... #thailand #travel

Inside Thailand’s ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ Filming Locations And How To Visit Them

4 stunning ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ filming locations in Thailand including how to visit them responsibly.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 05/07/2025

If you forgot to book your July 4th plans, you’re not entirely out of luck. Not every national park in the United States requires advance reservations, timed entries or a lottery system. www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

July 4th Is Coming And These U.S. National Parks Are Open To Last-Minute Visitors

If you forgot to book your July 4th plans, you are not entirely out of luck. Not every national park in the United States requires advance reservations, timed entries or a lottery system.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

Whether it is witnessing ancient petroglyphs come alive with sunlight, meditating in the desert, or simply soaking in the longest golden hour of the year, the summer solstice offers a rare moment to be fully present. The only question is: where will you be? www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

Summer Solstice 2025: Date, Time And Best U.S. Celebrations

The 2025 summer solstice falls on June 20. Discover exact timings, sacred U.S. sites aligned with the sun, and where to celebrate the longest day of the year.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

U.S. is the only country among 184 global economies analyzed by WTCC and Oxford Economics that could lose $12.5 billion in international visitor spending this year. It is a 22.5% decline. the equivalent of California’s annual tourism tax revenue. www.forbes.com/sites/emesem... #travel #tourism

U.S. Could Lose $12.5 Billion In Visitor Spending, Equal To California’s Entire Tourism Tax Revenue

The U.S. is the only country among 184 global economies that is poised to lose a staggering $12.5 billion in international visitor spending this year. It is a 22.5% decline compared to 2024 and the eq...

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

#journorequest - all info about what I need for my #Forbes stories in June is my Substack. Please email me if you can comment on any topics. emesemaczko.substack.com/p/welcome-to...

emesemaczko.substack.com

Welcome to sunny June and new Forbes stories

From a regular contributor to Forbes covering sustainable travel.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 26/05/2025

I am on the first session of #GSTC sustainable tourism training. It is SO inspiring to have discussions with 40+ travel professionals from all over the world across different industries but all with a similar frame of mind: how to make tourism a force of good.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

Have you been to a country that had a “Do Not Travel” travel warning? If yes, which one? How was your experience? www.forbes.com/sites/emesem... #travel

6 Safe Destinations Defying The ‘Do Not Travel’ Label, Revealed By Travel Experts

Several popular destinations fall under a Level 3 advisory, yet they continue to draw visitors. Are we avoiding danger by steering clear of Level 3 and 4 countries or missing out on misunderstood dest...

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

For those who enjoy sipping their way through a destination at a relaxed pace, here are four slow travel experiences where the journey is just as flavorful as the destination. #travel #forbes www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

Raise A Glass To Slow Travel: 4 Destinations To Savor Local Culture One Drink At A Time

For those who enjoy sipping their way through a destination at a relaxed pace, here are four additional slow travel experiences where the journey is just as flavorful as the destination.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

NPS opened a new window on April 4, allowing employees to resign but on paid leave through Sept. It takes effect on April 18, right before the Easter holidays. NPCA estimated this would affect at least 2,400 staff members. #nationalparkservice #travel #nationalpark www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

2,400 National Park Service Staff Could Exit Before Easter Due To New Offer

National Park Service offered a five-day window on April 4, allowing employees to resign while remaining on paid leave through September. It takes effect on April 18, right before the Easter holidays.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

Have you read about a student who was killed during bathing an elephant in Thailand? Experts call touching wild animals unethical and to be avoided incl. bathing elephants. It is a sad tragedy that highlights the need to educate people about ethical wildlife viewing www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

How To Spot Ethical Wildlife Tours?

Industry experts weighed in and provided specific guides and recommendations on how to choose an ethical wildlife encounter tour.

Reposted by Emese Maczko

Nord Comms @nordcomms.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

Dreaming Of Swimming With Wild Cetaceans? 3 Responsible Destinations To Consider. Learn everything you need to know in this @forbes.com article by @emesemaczko.bsky.social www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

Dreaming Of Swimming With Wild Cetaceans? 3 Responsible Destinations To Consider

Watching them from a boat and swimming with them in open water are two completely different things.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

Have you thought about what responsibility you have through your dining choices? Would you be willing to skip a delicacy to protect biodiversity? Every choice on your plate has the power to shape the future. #dining #endangeredspecies www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

According to a Feb. 27 report from research firm Tourism Economics, visits are expected to fall 5.1%, down from an earlier view for an 8.8% increase. Spending by foreign tourists is expected to tumble 11%, representing a loss of $18 billion this year. fortune.com/2025/03/17/f... #travel #trump

Foreign tourism into the U.S. is suddenly reversing and is now expected to drop, due in part to 'polarizing Trump administration policies and rhetoric'

Tourism Economics President Adam Sacks said in the two weeks since the report came out, the situation has deteriorated further.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

I started on #substack. Here is my first post with five #journorequest all around sustainable travel to be published on Forbes. Please reach out if it is relevant to you/your client and subscribe for updates open.substack.com/pub/emesemac...

open.substack.com

What Kind Of Stories I Am Looking For In March

My inbox is always open for sustainable travel news.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

Luxury - check, Beach vibe -check, Sustainability-also check www.forbes.com/sites/emesem... #travel #thailand #whitelotus

Beyond The White Lotus, 5 Luxury Resorts With Koh Samui’s Vibe Beyond The Island

For those seeking Thailand’s high-end experience without crowds, these five luxury resorts offer a similar vibe in underrated locations across Thailand.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

Natural pools form in a variety of ways, such as the collapse of underground rivers or the flowing of mineral-rich springs. ecolodgesanywhere.com/us-natural-p... #travel #traveladdict #nature

ecolodgesanywhere.com

15 U.S. Natural Pools That Outdo Any Beach Destinations - Eco Lodges Anywhere

Skip the crowded beaches and dive into U.S. nature’s best swimming pools. From breathtaking waterfall pools to caves, these are must-visits.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

Have you been to Koh Samui recently? How was your experience? Is it truly overcrowded? I am looking for sources for a Forbes article. #journorequest #kohsamui #thailand

Reposted by Emese Maczko

David Ho @davidho.bsky.social · 09/03/2025

The idea that the countries of the Global South will be capable of recycling materials that rich countries dump on them is unrealistic.

english.elpais.com

Where do the clothes go after we put them in a recycling bin? An 11-month investigation covering thousands of kilometers

EL PAÍS followed the path of 15 geolocated garments for months and over thousands of kilometers to gauge the environmental and social costs of the mass consumption of fast fashion. Dubbed in Africa as...

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 09/03/2025

World Bank’s report estimates that every dollar invested in girls’ empowerment in Africa between 2025 and 2040 could generate $2.4 trillion in economic impact. I interviewed 6 inspiring women on how they broke the barriers #internationalwomensday #travel www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

How Women Are Breaking Barriers In Africa's Sustainable Tourism Industry

How women empowerment is not only shaping Africa' sustainable travel but also creating a lasting effect for the local communities.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

“If African women rise, wildlife will thrive,” says one of four visionary leaders I interviewed from Africa’s sustainable travel industry for International Women’s Day. What the have in common? Read on: www.forbes.com/sites/emesem... #travel #sustainability #africatravel

4 Trailblazing Women Shaping Africa’s Sustainable Travel Scene

"If African women rise, wildlife will thrive," Here is how these four women are shaping the future of sustainable travel in Africa.

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

Any other alternatives to see Giza Pyramids beyond walking tours and animal rides? Other “vehicles”? Did anyone have a positive experience despite the crowds or the relentless local salesmen/women? #journorequest for #FORBES

Emese Maczko @emesemaczko.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

A study suggests that upgrading dive sites to full marine protection (no fishing) could generate $2.7 billion extra annual revenue. It is a huge economic and environmental opportunity, but what about local livelihoods. #tourism #sustainability www.forbes.com/sites/emesem...

How Protected Marine Areas Could Bring $2.7 Billion To Scuba Tourism

Scuba diving isn't just an adventure, but it drives a multi-billion-dollar industry with over 50.7 million dives happening globally each year.