FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Eco-tourism
Who are eco-tourists?
Ecotourism appeals to a wide range of travelers, of all ages and interests. Travelers who choose ecotourism are responsible consumers interested in social, economic and environmental sustainability. Seeking authentic local experiences and opportunities to give back to the communities they visit, many eco-tourists participate in volunteerism activities. Increasingly, eco-tourists are also seeking to minimize the carbon footprint of their travel, traveling with climate in mind by planning wisely and choosing consciously.
What does ecotourism mean for indigenous people?
Ecotourism is aimed at striking a balance with local peoples whose way of life may be affected by tourism and tourist infrastructures. There is a need to involve indigenous people to ensure that their rights are respected, that they share in economic rewards (if they so desire), and they ultimately consent to having travelers visit their region. On the other hand, there is a need to preserve existing cultures, ensuring that tourism does not disrupt local life, exploit the people or tokenize their culture.
Why is ecotourism important?
Ecotourism is a growing segment of the global tourism industry that is making significant positive contributions to the environmental, social, cultural and economic well-being of destinations and local communities around the world. Offering market-linked long-term solutions, ecotourism provides effective economic incentives for conserving and enhancing bio-cultural diversity and helps protect the natural and cultural heritage of our beautiful planet. By increasing capacity building opportunities, ecotourism is also an effective vehicle for empowering local communities around the world to fight against poverty and to achieve sustainable development. Furthermore, ecotourism has provided an impetus to assist in greening the tourism industry on many fronts.
Why should I become involved in ecotourism?
Ecotourism is a tool that provides opportunities - a financially viable tool that provides sustainable solutions to economic challenges and conservation needs of local people; an alternative means of supporting rural economies to help revitalize and sustain local heritage; and a market-linked force connecting and empowering stakeholders. Equally importantly, ecotourism also provides you, the traveler with unique opportunities to gain authentic experiences, discover new places, make new friends, and have a fun, memorable time. Eco-traveling can be much more than just taking only pictures and leaving only footprints; it’s an opportunity for you to make a difference and to make a lasting impact on communities and destinations you visit.
Are there any ecotourism websites?
Here are just a few of the many websites providing information on ecotourism:
- www.ecotour.org (Conservation International homepage)
- www.ecotourism.org (International Ecotourism Society homepage)
- www.rainforest-alliance.org/ (Rainforest Alliance has a sustainability focus.)
- www.planetvivo.org (Planet Vivo is an education-oriented site consistent with ecotourism.