ECOTOURISM - What is it?

Ecotourism means ecological tourism, where ecological has both environmental and social connotations. Born in its current form in the late 1980’s, Ecotourism came of age in 2002, when the United Nations celebrated the “International Year of Ecotourism”. The International Ecotourism Society define ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people”. This is a vibrant new movement.

Eco-tourism focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on the planet. It is typically defined as travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water re-use, and the creation s of economic opportunities for local communities are an integral part of ecotourism.

Many global environmental organizations and aid agencies favor ecotourism as a vehicle to sustainable development.

For many countries, ecotourism is not so much seen as a marginal activity intended to finance protection of the environment than as a major sector of national economy and as a means of attracting tourists. For example, in countries such as Kenya, Ecuador, Nepal, Costa Rica, Madagascar and Antarctica, ecotourism represents a significant portion of the gross domestic product and in the case of Antarctica, economic activity.

Although academics argue about who can be classified as an ecotourist, some estimate that there are more than five million ecotourists, with the majority from the United States followed by Europe, Canada and Australia.

One component of ecotourism travelers can consider is environmentally responsible hotels. The concept of “green hotels” –hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, lodges, and inns that use energy and other natural resources in environmentally responsible ways – is one that can be adopted not only by ecotourists but by anyone who travel, whether for business or pleasure. Hotels that adopt green practices help reduce the negative impact that hotel use has on the environment when they utilize renewable resources whenever possible, make efficient use of nonrenewable resources, and ensure that any byproducts that result from their operations are reused or recycled.

Although the number of hotels adopting green practices is growing, many have not yet embraced the concept. A list of supporting green hotels is located at www.greenhotels.com.