Ecotourism - an alternative to mass tourism

What is Ecotourism?

"Responsible travel to nature areas that conserve the environment, sustain the well-beings of the local people, and involve interpretation and education" is how the International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines ecotourism. Over the years, the tourism sector has grown steadily all around the world. It has emerged as one of the service sectors with the greatest rate of growth, creating a large deal of job opportunities, developing infrastructure, and boosting economies with significant room for growth and diversification.

All of these tourism-related developments, however, may potentially put additional strain on the environment due to rising demand in tourist destinations where natural resources are already in short supply. Furthermore, as more tourists put greater strain on a destination's ecology, the continuous expansion and increased tourism traffic have posed a danger to many ecosystems of sensitive natural places. Since ecotourism entered the travel industry, travelers have had the chance to completely change their perception of travel since it helps both the environment and the tourist by being mindful of both its effect on the natural environment and the local economy.

Principles of ecotourism

Both the sector and the local population benefit from ecotourism. It also aids in providing guests with an amazing experience while increasing awareness of the surrounding environment. Its five primary parts are as follows;

i. Environmental Conservation

To prevent detrimental effects that might undermine the integrity or character of the natural environment, ecotourism raises awareness of the richness of biodiversity, and its values to people, and the environment.

ii. Cultural preservation

In regions where traditional practices and cultural foundations are in danger of disappearing, ecotourism helps to preserve cultural traditions. By charging for such information, it provides an incentive for maintaining the custom and protecting cultural

iii. Community participation

Ecotourism operations include local and indigenous communities in planning, development, and operations, contributing to their well-being. And by bringing local residents into the business of ecotourism, they help maintain and enhance the sense of place that is critical for guaranteeing long-term conservation.

iv. Economic benefits

Ecotourism seeks to retain a high percentage of revenues in the host destination by stressing the use of locally owned facilities and services, thereby, providing livelihood opportunities to the local community and directly improving the economy of the local population from the tourists who visit the area.

v. Tourist satisfaction

While ensuring conservation of the environment by carrying out activities environmentally friendly, ecotourism emphasize on providing quality service to the tourist by focusing primarily on experiencing and learning about nature, its landscape, flora and fauna and their habitats, as well as the cultural artifacts from the locality.

Benefits of ecotourism

Ecotourism involves more than just the visit and appreciation of the beautiful sight of the destination. It is a responsible journey that encourages the preservation and conservation of the environment and promotes the lifestyle of the local people. It ensures that the natural areas of the destination are preserved and that the cultures of the region are respected. The following are some specific benefits of ecotourism

a. Protection of endangered species

Ecotourism aims at balancing the economic development of tourism and conservation as well as protecting the natural resources is central to it. With the introduction of ecotourism, entrepreneurs and investors are encouraged to build environment-friendly hotels and resorts so that the construction does not negatively affect the plants and animal populations. Also, travelers and visitors can stay in the hotels while their visit leaving the local wildlife undisturbed.

b. Economic benefits

Ecotourism operators are necessarily concerned about the welfare of the local community, including their economy. The locals have trained managing and marketing tourism services as well as in hospitality for employment in the sector. It not only helps create jobs but also nurtures good relationships. The ecotourism industry creates homestay hosts, translators, entertainers, tour guides, and many more opportunities to benefit from the tourists who visit the area.

c. Awareness

Ecotourism acts as a hands-on experience that gives visitors many opportunities to learn new information and skills. It also helps them learn the importance of caring for the environment. The interaction with the environment and the locals help the tourist aware of the plight that the locals face, as well as the environmental degradation in the area, encouraging them to raise awareness and help conserve the environment.

d. Cultural enrichment

Tourists are encouraged to interact with the locals building cultural awareness of the community and the place visited. They get an opportunity to exchange and learn the customs, traditions, local heritage and festivals, crafts, ceremonies, etc of the destination and able to share the culture with the outside world.

e. Conservation of environment

Ecotourism significantly contributes to environmental protection, restoration of biological diversity, and conservation of natural resources. It increases public appreciation of the environment and to spreads awareness of the environmental problems as it brings the tourist into closer contact with nature and the environment.

Mass tourism on the other hand refers to a form of tourism that involves a large number of visitors going to the same destination which is often at the same time of the year on package holidays with accommodation and travel included. It is considered the most popular form of tourism for being the cheapest way to holiday, and is often sold in package deal where all of the tourists needs including travel fares, accommodation, meals etc. are included. Owing to the large increase inflow of visitors, mass tourism help generate a lot of income and so the government and the locals often support this form of tourism. But it has always been the subject of criticism for its negative impacts around the world, the biggest problems being large scale deforestation for the construction of hotels and guesthouses, overcrowding, litter problems, noise pollution, unequal consumption of local resources, and destruction of environment and so on.