Ecotours and Ecotourism

What is Ecotourism?

According to The International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and benefits local communities. Conventional mass tourism often has a negative impact on the environment (e.g., pollution from jet exhaust and destruction of natural habitats from unregulated tourist activity) and the host community (e.g., insensitivity to cultural norms, leakage where little of the money you invest in your vacation actually goes to the local economy of the destination you visit). Ecotourism, on the other hand, aims to build cross-cultural understanding, preserve cultural identity, foster local economic development, and safeguard natural resources and the environment.

In summary, ecotourism seeks to:

Source 1= The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), www.ecotourism.org

Planning an Ecotour

It's easy to plan an ecotour with a responsible tourism company. Ecotourism providers exist all over the world and the possibilities for trips are as diverse as the countries where they're located. Ecotours range from budget to luxury options. You can ski in the mountains of Colorado, go on a community-based safari in Uganda, dive carbon neutral in the Cayman Islands, or explore India in the company of a native guide. When selecting a tour operator, use the Responsible Travel Practices and Responsible Travel Checklist to guide your choice.

The responsible traveler who is willing to do a little research will find a wide spectrum of experiences in the categories of ecotourism, green travel, sustainable tourism, and responsible travel. The tourism providers who offer these services share the goals of protecting the environmental, socio-cultural and economic values of the destinations they offer.

For a great selection of responsible tour operators, here are some helpful websites:

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