Benefits Of Ecotourism

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ECOTOURISM AND SUSTAINABILITY Ecotourism is touted as a successful tool for promoting sustainable economic practices in developing nations, and for encouraging environmental conservation worldwide. The guiding principle of sustainable development is to meet the needs and aspirations of a region's present generation of people without compromising those of future generations. Sustainable development policies also seek to develop economic systems that run with little or no net consumption of natural resources, and that avoid ecological damage. Ecotourism, like other successful sustainable development strategies, provides a strong economic incentive to protect natural resources. 1.1 WHAT IS ECOTOURISM? The definition of ecotourism adopted by Ecotourism …show more content…

It is not driven by economic gains but focuses on educating tourists on travelling green. Providing accommodation that restricts mass tourism in sensitive environments ensures that the natural regeneration rate of the environmental asset is not compromised and ensures the longevity of the resource. By opting for an ecotourism experience/holiday over a conventional tourism package you are making a conscious decision to reduce your impact. This can be personally rewarding and travelers who choose ecotourism are responsible consumers. 3.3 THE BENEFITS OF ECOTOURISM There are a number of benefits to be gained from ecotourism. The first is the role it can play in economic development and diversification, particularly in regional areas. There are real economic benefits as the ecotourism market is higher yielding attracting tourists generally within a higher socio-economic group than mass tourism. These visitors have a tendency for greater expenditure and length of stay compared to tourists generally. Hence the economic benefit will stay in the local area. Employing local people ecotourism creates a value for local knowledge, and with this comes increased awareness. Tourism can act as a lever for protecting this local knowledge, local culture and local

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