Ecotourism Factors

Ecotourists desire quality time in unusual and lovely environments.

A "green traveler" or "ecotourist" heads to unusual and lovely natural surroundings to enjoy and interact with nature, and to aid in conservation projects in an attempt to minimize his impact on the environment at all times. He also enjoys and learns about local peoples' history, culture and heritage, and participates in supporting the ecosystem of each destination. Many different (and occasionally conflicting) factors pertain to this fast-growing segment of international tourism.

Environmental Benefits

Ecotourists might volunteer to repair park trails, adding to the conservation of the area.

Well-planned and conducted ecotours benefit local ecosystems by increased funding for conservation projects through ecotourism dollars. Many ecotours provide protection for the environment by carefully limiting human impact on natural surroundings and educating tourists on the ecology of the area, as well as guiding them into local habitats. Ecotourists travel for environmental education about the destination as well as for pure enjoyment of the flora and fauna of nature.

Potential Environmental Problems

When conducted solely for profit with little concern for the delicacy of natural environments, ecotours can cause a great deal of damage to the local ecosystem. Careful attention to environmental issues of waste management, damage and disruption to wildlife and vegetation, water quality and pollution is important to valid, sustainable ecotourism.

Economic Value of Ecotourism

Ecotourism can help stabilize the local economy of an area with new businesses, providing work for local people as tour guides or providing food, accommodation and services to tourists. Careful training is necessary for local guides so they can provide the rich environmental education that ecotourists desire and demand.

Sociological Factors

Enjoyment of local cultures is an important aspect of ecotourism.

Ecotourists prefer to spend more time in local habitats and environments, working or learning from the people who live there. Well-done ecotourism facilitates and enhances these activities, since social interaction between local peoples and tourists is a big part of the attraction of ecotourism. Quality interaction enhances the local economy as well because the longer the tourist is present, the more money exchanges hands.

Cultural and Historical Factors

Ecotourists enjoy learning about an areas' history and culture.

Ecotourists are curious about an area and its natural environment, but also the history and culture of the people living there. Exceptional ecotours work to provide opportunities for learning about how people have lived and worked, their traditional skills, arts and crafts, local customs and rituals, traditional preparation of foods and religion. Cultural and historical factors greatly add to the success of an ecotour, adding deep enjoyment to the overall experience.

References

• Pennsylvania State University: Promoting Ecotourism on Private Lands, Marc McDill
• John Sinclair Trust for Conservation: Ecotourism - An Overview

Resources

• Global Development Research Center: Defining Ecotourism
• Adventure Ecotourism in Ecuador: Piedra Blanca Ecotourism Project