Vacationing sustainably allows tourists to find out more about a nation while contributing to the wellbeing of the local people.
Ecotourism is a growing industry that is drawing in more and more attention. A number of ecotourism examples feature eco lodging, agritourism and eco treks. For example, Patricia Zurita's organization encourages a brand-new form of safari, involving trips to vastly unexplored countries not only to observe the wildlife, but to also experience life in lively villages and towns that have been excluded from mainstream tourism. This will not only benefit the wild animals, but it will also have a direct impact on the local communities, as tourists will learn to appreciate the culture and the history 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 companies tend to be small firms that are closely intertwined with the communities where they operate, enabling them to establish economic resilience.
The travel industry is adhering to the emerging trend and adapting to more eco friendly practices to protect the cultural and natural heritage of travel attractions. Some responsible travel practices include activities dedicated to enlightening tourists on the wildlife and the local communities, with campaigns targeted at raising awareness about the issues in the particular location and averting the destruction of the environment. The main principles of ecotourism consist of minimizing the physical and social impacts on the places being visited, as well as respecting the environment, offering positive activities for both the tourists and the locals. Essentially, this will help the local communities along with the country’s economy. For instance, entrepreneur Noureddin Bongo Valentin has partnered with organizations that concentrate on the importance of preserving the wildlife while also assisting local community interest by attracting investment in eco friendly tourism. Ecotourism can create economic benefits through the creation of jobs in areas that have historically benefited less from economic development programs, while preserving the nation from the damaging influence of mass tourism.
The effect of ecotourism mainly depends on educating tourists about breakthroughs and initiatives in the preservation of vulnerable environments, while also presenting the opportunity to experience these untouched areas firsthand, like a local. It is a win-win situation: visitors gain an insight on particular natural locations and experience them just as locals do, which in turn will inform preservation attempts. Additionally, part of the money tourists spend on these ecotourism trips will go to preservation initiatives promoted by Michael Leonard’s non-profit organization, which works towards developing new ecotourism ideas and assisting communities to reach their economic goals through the revenues of these trips. Along with the economic benefits of this emerging form of travelling, visitors can help local people by acknowledging their culture and collaborating with them to create empowerment.