Ecotourism is a form of tourism that involves responsible travel to natural areas, conserving the environment, and improving the well-being of the local people. Ecotourism aims to minimize the negative ecological impact of traditional tourism and support conservation efforts of existing land and communities. Ecotourism usually takes place in fragile, pristine and relatively undisturbed natural areas1
The difference between Ecotourism and Regular tourism is that, the latter is more focused on sightseeing and recreation. It often involves activities that can have a negative impact on the environment, such as pollution, rapid economic exploitation, overcrowding, social disruption, and over-consumption.Here are some more key differences between ecotourism and regular tourism:
Sustainability: Ecotourism aims to be sustainable, which means that it does not damage the environment or the local communities. Regular tourism may not be as concerned with sustainability.
Education: Ecotourism often involves learning about the natural environment and its conservation. Regular tourism may not focus on education as much.
Local communities: Ecotourism often benefits local communities, as it provides them with jobs and opportunities to share their culture with tourists. Regular tourism may not benefit local communities as much.
Now that you are familiar with what Ecotourism actually is, you may be asking yourself, what particular activities are involved in this form of travel. Those who implement, participate in and market ecotourism activities should adopt the following ecotourism principles :
Minimize physical, social, behavioral, and psychological impacts.
Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
Generate financial benefits for both local people and private industry.
Deliver memorable interpretative experiences to visitors that help raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental, and social climates.
Design, construct and operate low-impact facilities.
To break it done even further, here are a few main activities that are more than welcomed as a part of ecotourism:
Hiking: Hiking is a great way to explore natural areas and learn about the environment.
Wildlife watching: Wildlife watching is a great way to see animals in their natural habitat.
Volunteering: Volunteering is a great way to give back to the environment and local communities.
Learning about the local culture: Ecotourism often involves learning about the local culture and customs.
Eco-friendly accommodations: There are many eco-friendly accommodations available, from camping to glamping. Eco-friendly accommodations are designed to minimize their impact on the environment.
Some examples of ecotourism destinations include the following:
- Bonito in Brazil
- Costa Rica
- The Amazon
- Dominica
- Australia’s Blue Mountains
- Botswana
- Alaska
- The United States’ national parks
Is Ecotourism Affordable
While sustainability in traveling is one thing, whether or not ecotourism is more affordable than regular tourism depends on a number of other factors, including the destination, the activities you choose, and the time of year you travel. In general, ecotourism can be more affordable than regular tourism, especially if you are willing to do some research and book your trip in advance.Here are some reasons why ecotourism can be more affordable:
Ecotourism often involves staying in smaller, more locally-owned accommodations. These accommodations are often less expensive than large chain hotels.
Ecotourism often involves participating in activities that are less expensive than traditional tourist activities. For example, hiking is often free, while visiting a theme park can be expensive.
Ecotourism often benefits local communities, which can help to keep prices down. When you choose an ecotourism operator that supports local communities, you are helping to ensure that your money is going back into the local economy.
There are also some cases where ecotourism can be more expensive than regular tourism. For example, if you are interested in participating in a high-end ecotourism experience, such as a wildlife safari with lunch accommodations at a unique restaurant, you may find that the cost is comparable to or even more expensive than a traditional tourist experience.Ultimately, the cost of ecotourism will vary depending on the specific trip you choose. However, if you are looking for a more affordable way to travel, ecotourism is a great option to consider.Here are some tips for finding affordable ecotourism trips:
Do your research: There are many different ecotourism operators out there, so it is important to do your research and compare prices.
Book your trip in advance: If you book your trip in advance, you are more likely to find a good deal.
Consider traveling during the off-season: If you are willing to travel during the off-season, you are more likely to find lower prices.
Stay in locally-owned accommodations: Locally-owned accommodations are often more affordable than large chain hotels.
Participate in less expensive activities: There are many great ecotourism activities that are free or relatively inexpensive.
And in addition to everything listed above,
HAVE FUN, CREATE NEW EXPERIENCES, AND SHARE THE MOMENT!
