Ecotourism

Although it may seem conceptually simple, ecotourism has suffered from the lack of a precise, widely accepted definition. The International Ecotourism Society has attempted to minimize this confusion with a short and simple definition of ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.” Many ecotourism scholars have instead argued that it is more important to focus on essential criteria to be met rather than trying to craft a universal definition. Most scholars agree that to be considered ecotourism, nature-based travel must meet at least four criteria:

  • Minimization of environmental impacts: through sensitive “green design” using locally available materials; energy conservation and use of renewable energy; reduction, recycling, and proper disposal of wastes; and regulation of visitor ...
  • Loading...
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles