Discovering brand new countries while protecting their environment and supporting local communities: keep reading if you want to make sensible decisions on your next vacation.
The effect of ecotourism mostly depends on educating tourists about developments and projects in the conservation of vulnerable environments, while also presenting the opportunity to experience these untouched places firsthand, like a local resident. It’s a win-win situation: tourists gain an insight on particular natural locations and experience them just as locals do, which in turn will inform conservation efforts. Additionally, part of the cash tourists spend on these ecotourism trips will go to conservation initiatives promoted by Michael Leonard’s non-profit foundation, which works towards developing brand new ecotourism strategies and assisting communities to achieve their economic objectives through the revenues of these trips. Along with the economic benefits of this new kind of travel, visitors can help local people by acknowledging their culture and collaborating with them to create empowerment.
Ecotourism is a growing industry that is drawing in more and more attention. Some ecotourism examples feature eco lodging, agritourism and eco treks. For example, Patricia Zurita's organization promotes a new form of safari, involving trips to vastly unexplored countries not only to discover the wildlife, but to also experience life in vibrant villages and towns that have been excluded from mainstream tourism. This will not only be beneficial for the wildlife, but it will also have a direct impact on the local communities, as travelers will learn to appreciate the heritage and the traditions of these locations. By uniting smaller communities, encouraging conservation efforts and sustainable travel, ecotourism will allow tourists to have unforgettable experiences and raise sensitivity to countries’ political and social climates. Most ecotourism enterprises tend to be small businesses that are closely intertwined with the communities where they work, enabling them to build economic resilience.
The hospitality sector is following the emerging trend and adjusting to more eco friendly initiatives to protect the cultural and natural heritage of travel destinations. Some responsible travel practices consist of activities focused on enlightening tourists on the nature and the local communities, with efforts targeted at raising awareness on the problems in the area and avoiding the degradation of the environment. The primary principles of ecotourism consist of minimizing the physical and social effects on the places being visited, as well as respecting the environment, offering beneficial activities for both the tourists and the local people. Ultimately, this will help the local communities as well as the nation’s economy. For instance, entrepreneur Noureddin Bongo Valentin has partnered with associations that focus on the relevance of preserving the wildlife while at the same time supporting local community interest by drawing in investment in eco friendly tourism. Ecotourism can bring economic benefits through the creation of employment opportunities in locations that have previously benefited less from economic innovation initiatives, while protecting the nation from the damaging effects of mass tourism.