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What Exactly is Ecotourism?

Written by: Anne Loehr

Article Overview: A brief history of ecotourism and why it is an important economic factor.

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What Exactly is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism was first used in Central America and was defined as: “Environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature [and any accompanying cultural features –both past and present ] that promotes conservation, has low negative visitor impact , and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations .’’ Hector Ceballos-Lascurain [1983].

The US based Ecotourism Society [now The International Ecotourism Society] defined it as “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well being of local people .’’ Both these definitions include the elements of environmental conservation, community development and responsible travel to/from the destination, a concept that forces us to consider modes of transport. Interestingly, no mention is made in either definition of sustainability. It is becoming increasingly accepted that the tourism experience should be sustainable.

Why should we even consider ecotourism?
Currently, ecotourism is considered the fastest growing sector of the tourism market in the world. The International Ecotourism Society identified the trends leading to the fast growth to be:

• Increase in the overall travel market
• Growth in popularity of vacation to natural areas
• Dissatisfaction with simplistic travel packages offered by travel firms and facilities
• Urgent need to generate funding and human resources for management of protected areas in ways that meet the needs of local rural populations
• Recognition of the importance of tourism within the field of sustainable development

So, not only is ecotourism a potentially positive force, it is also something that people want to do. Judging by the press coverage alone, consumers are increasingly interested in green products.

Conde Naste Traveler, one of the most respected travel magazines has an annual ecotourism award, in which it dedicates up to three pages on ecotourism tour operators, destinations and hotels / resorts. They often feature unique ecotourism activities all over the world.

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Article Tags: ceballos, conde naste traveler, conservation community, definition of sustainability, dissatisfaction, ecotourism award, environmental conservation, hector, international ecotourism society, modes of transport, natural areas, responsible travel, sustainable development, tourism experience, tourism market, travel firms, travel magazines, travel market, travel packages, visitor impact

About the Author: Anne Loehr
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Anne Loehr, a graduate of Cornell University, owned and managed international eco-friendly hotels and tour companies for over 15 years. She is also a certified coach, specializing in coaching hospitality industry clients. Her book "A Manager's Guide to Coaching: Simple and Effective Ways to Get the Best Out of Your Employees" is now available in bookstores and on Amazon. Her work has been mentioned and/or featured in Newsweek International, National Geographic Traveler, Elle (Canada), CNN Money, Washingtonian, and Body + Soul. Her business partner has worked as a business advisor for many conservation organizations and focuses on helping international hotels and destinations become more “green” and sustainable. He has worked with ConsCorp Africa, Madagascar tourism board, Marriott Hotels and many international financiers. Anne combines all of these skills in Hospitality Sustainability Solutions, using coaching and other business skills to help hotels and resorts become more sustainable.

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