Defining Ecotourism: On-Line Lesson
Ecotourism is "responsible travel to natural areas which conserve the environment and improves the welfare of local people" (Ecotourism Society, 1993).
Ecotourism is "nature-based tourism that involves education and interpretation of the natural environment and is managed to be ecologically sustainable" (Australian Commission on National Ecotourism Strategy).
Ecotourist: anyone connected with nature or culture travel (Ecotourism Society,1993).
Ecotravel is "all forms of ecotourism, conservation-focused tourism, and other types of nature travel that market the earth" (Mclaren, D., 1998).
Primary Concerns of Ecotourism:
 | environmental; |
| economic; and |
| social |
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Environmental concerns include the impact that large numbers of tourists have on the flora and fauna of an area. Non-discriminating tourists have ruined habitat and harassed animals spoiling the very experience that attracted them in the first place. Economic concerns relate to impacts of tourism on the local economy. Most third world tourism destinations, prior to becoming a popular tourism site, are relatively self-sufficient communities. The local community will transition from a self-sufficient to a "modernized" economy. This modernized economy is largely dependent on a global economy and private industry. One important economic challenge is to develop tourism which will pay for nature conservation and increase the value of undisturbed natural areas. |
Moose watching in Maine |
Social concerns are the impact tourism has on local people. The local inhabitants need to be included in tourism development and beneficiaries of the conservation efforts to support tourism development.
Read: Ecotourism
Basic Ecotourism Industry Structure
Travel Agents / Retailers: sell air and land travel products.
Outbound Tour Operators: the primary sales and marketing organizations.
Inbound Tour Operators: companies that provide the daily services for tour operators in a local destination or country.
Ecolodges / Accommodations: operate local nature dependent lodges, guides and interpretive services.
Local Vendors: offer a wide variety of local services from ground transportation, guides, equipment and activities.
Principles of Ecotourism
Ecotourism will be evaluated not by:
scale (numbers of visitors and/or development); or
motive (why the tourists travel to a particular site).
But rather by:
impact
| transmitting viruses; |
| introducing non-indigenous (non-native) plants and animals; |
| introducing western culture (or any other) into local customs, dress and communication; or |
| improving local economy and thereby increasing the value of conservation efforts by local people. |
| Sustainable
Tourism is defined as encouraging balanced travel and tourism and heightened
respect for people and their environment through development of sustainable
infrastructures (energy, water, waste, and transportation), efficient financing mechanisms
designed to enhance public and private interests, as well as a balancing of tourist
satisfaction with community involvement, employee concerns and environmental needs. For more information see Earth Pledge Foundation. |
Cross Country Skiing in Yellowstone NP |
An Example of Ecotourism Principles from the Tourism Industry Association of Canada
Code of Ethics for Tourists
A high quality tourism experience depends on the conservation of our natural resources,
the protection of our environment, and the preservation of our cultural heritage. The
Tourism Industry Association of Canada, in cooperation with the National Round Table on
the Environment and the Economy, has developed and adopted a Code of Ethics and Practices
to achieve these objectives.
You can help us in our continuing efforts by giving consideration to the following
guidelines.
1. Enjoy our diverse natural and cultural heritage and help us to protect and preserve it.
2. Assist us in our conservation efforts through the efficient use of resources including
energy and water.
3. Experience the friendliness of our people and the welcoming spirit of our communities.
Help us to preserve these attributes by respecting our traditions, customs and local
regulations.
4. Avoid activities which threaten wildlife or which may be potentially damaging to our
natural environment.
5. Select tourism products and services which demonstrate social, cultural, and
environmental sensitivity.
We wish you a pleasurable and rewarding visit and look forward to welcoming you again
soon.
The full text of this document is available through Tourism Industry Association of
Canada. This document includes guidelines for Tourists, Associations, Accommodation, Food
Service, Tour Operators and Ministries. For further details on this guide, write to TIAC -
1016-130 Albert Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1P 5G4.
Charter for Sustainable Tourism
The Charter for Sustainable Tourism was developed at the World Conference on Sustainable
Tourism, in Lanzarote,
Canary Islands, Spain on 27-28 April 1995. The transcript of the findings of the
participants is available at Charter for Sustainable
Tourism.
Tourism Development
Tourism development requires vast infrastructure systems such as roads, communications and visitor accommodations. These developments can have a significant impact on the environment and local community.
|
Tourism Market Demand Tourism market demand studies focus on the character of tourists or potential tourists using the following information:
|
Rafting on the Kennebec RIver, ME |
Ecotechniques
Ecotechniques are aimed at minimizing the impacts of tourism development. These techniques include:
| use of solar energy (for electricity and heating water); |
| capture and reutilization of rainwater; |
| recycling of garbage; |
| natural cross-ventilation; |
| use of native building materials and techniques; and |
| building structures designed for minimal environmental impact. |
Distinctions Between Primary Types of Ecotourism Businesses
Outbound Operator: these businesses arrange itineraries and market tours directly to clients or wholesale the tours to travel agencies. They may be commercial ventures, non-profit organizations, and/or environmental organizations providing ecotravel for their members.
Inbound Operators: arrange travel services from within the destination country. These services may include food, lodging, entertainment and educational tours on a local level.
Ecotourism Trends
Industry Structure
| Travel Agents Role in Ecotourism |
| Outbound Tourism Operators |
| Itinerary Development |
| Inbound Operators |
| Ecolodges |
| Non-Government Organizations (NGO'S) |
| Growing Entrepreneurship in Communities |
| Ecotourism Standards, Licensing, and Certification of Businesses |
| Models of Sustainability |
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