Ecotourism

Ecotourism is a new trend in the field of tourism. The sector is reported to be growing at the rate of 5% annually and hence the industry is gearing up to meet the needs of the environmentally conscious tourists. It is also hoped that the new trend will help to limit the exploitation of natural resources in popular tourist destinations and lead to greater preservation of the eco-system.

What is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism basically means traveling more responsibly. When you opt for ecotourism, you visit areas that are blessed by nature and where people make a conscious effort to conserve the environment. Besides, your visit should intend to sustain the well-being of native people. Ecotourism also enhances the knowledge of a traveler. Thus, ecotourism is a lot more than simple sight-seeing or globe-trotting.

Benefits of Ecotourism

Ecotourism is intended to be beneficial for the traveler, the environment, as well as the local community. Here we discuss the specific benefits of ecotourism.

1) Conserves environment

When you plan to take up an eco-tour, make sure your tour guide offers you experiences that would have limited impact on nature. Revenue generated through legitimate eco-tours is used towards preserving and protecting the environment.

2) Boosts local economy

Most commercial tours are primarily designed to enhance the profits of private companies. However, the bottom line of ecotourism operators is to provide financial benefits to the local community. By managing things on a local level, more jobs are created for the community. For instance, local tourism has encouraged growth in jobs such as entertainers, tour guides, translators, homestay hosts, etc.

3) Makes travelers more conscious towards the environment

Eco-tours help tourists gain hands-on experience about the perils of harming the environment and inspires them to become more environmentally sensitive as a tourist.

4) Makes you culturally enriched

Eco-traveling ensures you get to know the culture of a place. Good cultural exchange with the local community promotes intellectual growth and promises a memorable experience.

Popular Destinations for Ecotourism

As famous tourist destinations are becoming filthy due to a massive influx of tourists and lack of regulations, ecotourism destinations are gaining attention. Here are some of the most famous destinations for ecotourism.

Costa Rica:

With its unmatched rain-forests, pristine beaches, and spectacular volcanoes, Costa Rica is one of the most popular ecotourism destinations in the world. Its natural beauty is well-protected and you can find plenty of eco-friendly accommodations to choose from. The tourist attractions are mostly run by local people. The focus is on offering wildlife and nature-centric ecotourism activities that can be cherished by families.

Kenya:

With its rich biodiversity encompassing grasslands, mountains, beaches, and coral reefs, Kenya is a fantastic destination for ecotourism. Home to lions, giraffes, and rhinos and a variety of birds, Kenya has a flourishing safari tourism business. Illegal poaching, deforestation, and soil erosion are some of the issues that are a cause of concern in Kenya. The authorities are alert now and have come up with certification programs for ecotourism. Currently, there are several organizations that are working towards ensuring that travelers behave responsibly and do not disturb the eco-system.

Antarctica:

Tourism is booming in Antarctica even though it is one of the most difficult terrains on Earth. Thousands of people are thronging the place to see the unmatched beauty of the icebergs and meet penguins and whales in their most natural habitat. There are associations of tour operators in place to promote responsible behavior by tourists traveling in the continent.

Galapagos Islands:

The most prominent place for wildlife viewing, Galapagos Islands is home to the most unique diversity of plants and animals. To keep tourism sustainable and preserve the unique fauna, the Galapagos National Parks has a visitor management system which ensures measures are taken to save electricity and restrict waste generation.

Ecotourism destinations are full of natural beauty and the operators ensure that the tourists behave responsibly. So, go-ahead and be an ecotourist and ensure you do your bit to preserve the environment and improve the local economy.