Ecotourism In Singapore Essay

Introduction
The popularity of ecotourism is on the rise as the world becomes more aware of the importance of the environment, and it is even “considered as the fastest-growing segment of the tourism industry.” (Björk, 2007). It has become so significant that United Nations declared 2002 to be International Year of Ecotourism (IYE) (TIES, 2002).
So what exactly is ecotourism? According to www.ecotourism.org, it is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people" (TIES, 1990). It does not only involve the protection of the natural environment, but also the social, cultural, political and economical environment of a country. Natural environment also includes the cultural areas, and where locals live. However, the development and promotion of ecotourism sometimes happen at the expense of the local community and the environment. Other than responsible travel to natural areas, ecotourism also educates ”travelers on local environments and natural surroundings” (kgenereux, 2012). A strong emphasis is not only placed on the natural environment, but the cultural environment too, especially when it comes to the multicultural nation of Singapore.
In Singapore, the government first started upgrading and conservation efforts through the Tourism Product Development Plan in 1986, which involved the “saving of our historic districts, such as Chinatown, Little India, Arab Street and our colonial hub, and the rejuvenation of the Singapore River” (Singapore Tourism Board, 2013). Such places have a very strong importance in Singapore’s cultural heritage. These actions also improve Singaporeans’ living environment for those residing there, and maintain its cultural values.
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...Despite the issues faced, there have been solutions to address these issues and improve the situation. An example would be the foreign worker levy to manage the carrying capacity in Singapore, affected by the increasing host population, foreign workers as well as tourists coming into Singapore. Even though revisions are still in progress, it will still help to solve these issues in the long term.
The support for preservation of the cultural environment is very strong among the government and Singaporeans as it affects the living environment too. This will help to ensure that Singapore’s local culture maintains its uniqueness and does not change in future generations, and still attracts tourists to Singapore.
Singapore and Singaporeans in general have positive attitudes and it also brings it positive impacts, therefore, there is a future for Ecotourism in Singapore.