Ecotourism is a relatively new concept in the world of travel. It has only been around since the 1980s (30 years isn't very long in terms of modern history). It essentially deals with the practice of protecting and encouraging all of the good things about modern travel (history, culture, economy, social integration) while attempting to reduce or remove all of the bad things (pollution, destruction of land and culture, unfair employment issues, etc.) Here are some working definitions:
Ecotourism is responsible travel to fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas that strives to be low impact and small scale. It is designed to educate the traveler; provide funds for conservation; directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities; and foster respect for different cultures and for human rights. Eco tourism is held as important by those who participate in it so that future generations may experience aspects of the environment relatively untouched by human intervention.
Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.
Ecotourism may appeal to ecologically and socially conscious individuals. Generally it focuses on volunteering, personal growth and environmental responsibility. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. One of the goals of ecotourism is to offer tourists insight into the impact of human beings on the environment, and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats.
Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and creation of economic opportunities for local communities.
Ecotourism, responsible tourism, jungle tourism and sustainable development have become prevalent concepts since the late 1980s, and ecotourism has experienced arguably the fastest growth of all sub-sectors in the tourism industry. The popularity represents a change in tourist perceptions, increased environmental awareness, and a desire to explore natural environments. At times, such changes become as much a statement affirming one's social identity, educational sophistication and disposable income as it has about preserving the Amazon rainforest or the Caribbean reef for posterity.
Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel. This means that those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities should follow the following ecotourism principles:
Minimize impact.
Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people.
Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental and social climate.
While this general ideology sounds wonderful, how does it apply to the general state of travel and how will it affect the world at large?
As the largest business sector in the world economy, the Travel & Tourism industry is responsible for over 230 million jobs and over 10% of the gross domestic product worldwide.
In 2006, Travel & Tourism (consumption, investment, government spending and exports) is expected to grow 4.6% and total US$6.5 trillion.
Tourism is a principle "export" (foreign exchange earner) for 83% of developing countries, and the leading export for 1/3 of poorest countries.
For the world's 40 poorest countries, tourism is the second most important source of foreign exchange, after oil.
So now it becomes clear just how important this relatively new concept is. Socially conscious economics are progressive and altruistic in design. Widespread adoption of ecotourism's tenets will undoubtedly prove successful in reducing harm while maximizing local benefit. While in its current form, ecotourism may resemble something of a hippie retreat; it is an increasingly important model for the responsible economic and social growth of developing countries. Tourism is a healthy and stable source of income across the globe. Promoting the education of healthy and positive relations with the host environments will improve the lives of the locals while preserving the natural surroundings for future generations. When the lives of the poorest in this world are made better by those with clear hearts and minds, the species as a whole has won a significant victory.
Ecotourism is responsible travel to fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas that strives to be low impact and small scale. It is designed to educate the traveler; provide funds for conservation; directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities; and foster respect for different cultures and for human rights. Eco tourism is held as important by those who participate in it so that future generations may experience aspects of the environment relatively untouched by human intervention.
Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.
Ecotourism may appeal to ecologically and socially conscious individuals. Generally it focuses on volunteering, personal growth and environmental responsibility. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. One of the goals of ecotourism is to offer tourists insight into the impact of human beings on the environment, and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats.
Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and creation of economic opportunities for local communities.
Ecotourism, responsible tourism, jungle tourism and sustainable development have become prevalent concepts since the late 1980s, and ecotourism has experienced arguably the fastest growth of all sub-sectors in the tourism industry. The popularity represents a change in tourist perceptions, increased environmental awareness, and a desire to explore natural environments. At times, such changes become as much a statement affirming one's social identity, educational sophistication and disposable income as it has about preserving the Amazon rainforest or the Caribbean reef for posterity.
Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel. This means that those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities should follow the following ecotourism principles:
Minimize impact.
Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people.
Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental and social climate.
While this general ideology sounds wonderful, how does it apply to the general state of travel and how will it affect the world at large?
As the largest business sector in the world economy, the Travel & Tourism industry is responsible for over 230 million jobs and over 10% of the gross domestic product worldwide.
In 2006, Travel & Tourism (consumption, investment, government spending and exports) is expected to grow 4.6% and total US$6.5 trillion.
Tourism is a principle "export" (foreign exchange earner) for 83% of developing countries, and the leading export for 1/3 of poorest countries.
For the world's 40 poorest countries, tourism is the second most important source of foreign exchange, after oil.
So now it becomes clear just how important this relatively new concept is. Socially conscious economics are progressive and altruistic in design. Widespread adoption of ecotourism's tenets will undoubtedly prove successful in reducing harm while maximizing local benefit. While in its current form, ecotourism may resemble something of a hippie retreat; it is an increasingly important model for the responsible economic and social growth of developing countries. Tourism is a healthy and stable source of income across the globe. Promoting the education of healthy and positive relations with the host environments will improve the lives of the locals while preserving the natural surroundings for future generations. When the lives of the poorest in this world are made better by those with clear hearts and minds, the species as a whole has won a significant victory.
About the Author:
BookIt.com is an online travel company determined and dedicated to becoming the leader in providing travelers with the most intuitive online booking experience full of relevant information, helpful guides and travel tips. Find a great travel deal today at BookIt.com!
No comments:
Post a Comment