![]() ![]() Tour operators and travel companies may conduct ecotours as a marketing ploy to get the attention of travelers looking for more environmentally friendly travel options. We learned about local conservation efforts of a penguin colony on the brink of extinction (environmental), supported a local farm and conservation group (economic), and had a high-quality social engagement learning about New Zealand’s connection to the environment (Social). The penguin tour I did in New Zealand is a great example of a sustainable eco-tour. When I went on a tour with a local company in New Zealand to learn about and support the conservation of little penguins that was ecotourism. I consider the multi-day hikes I do in the European Alps nature-based, as I am just out for a hike. Whereas sustainable ecotourism is visiting a place with the goal of contributing to conservation while benefitting the community for a positive impact. Nature-based tourism is traveling to a natural landscape to simply enjoy nature. Many people use nature-based and ecotourism interchangeably, but they are not the same. For ecotourism to be sustainable for generations to come, it must include all three pillars, or the triple bottom line, of sustainability as seen in the infographic. Sustainable ecotourism is responsible travel to protected or vulnerable natural areas that focus on environmental conservation/education while sustaining local communities’ economic and social well-being. Therefore ecotourism should contribute to environmental conservation and the alleviation of poverty. Ecotourism is often conducted in protected natural areas surrounded by vulnerable communities such as nature reserves, national parks, wilderness areas, heritage sites, or natural monuments. On the other side of the coin, unsustainable ecotourism can be detrimental to both the natural and local communities. ![]() When ecotourism is executed sustainably, then yes, it can be synonymous with ethical tourism – creating a powerful positive force for conservation and local communities. One of the most common buzzwords used in the sustainable travel industry is ‘ecotourism.’ Many travelers rely on this word being synonymous with environmentally friendly, ethical tourism. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |