The True Essence of Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism

There is now a strong push for sustainable tourism practices, with many people wishing to reconnect with nature and enjoy a more pristine holiday environment while having minimal impact on their destination’s ecological balance. With globalisation and the rapid expansion of commerce and business these kind of destinations are becoming more and more rare.

In order to preserve and even rejuvenate the small amount of untouched natural attractions we have in the world, it is important to shift attitudes and tourism techniques to find a way to restore the ecological balance so we may enjoy the true beauty of those natural landscapes without severely impacting the areas we visit.

What is Ecotourism? 

Ecotourism is in essence the best way to travel and stay in those natural places with remarkable landscapes while conserving the environment around you. Ecotourism takes into account the natural features of your destination and strives to preserve them.

The nurturing and respect of the local people, customs and way of life is also important in Ecotourism, with the aim of visiting without damaging the environment reigning supreme.

This kind of tourism also has a strong theme of education and raising awareness of our impact on the world around us, with guests often being able to come away with a better understanding of the impact they have on the places they visit.

What is Sustainable Tourism?

Like Ecotourism, sustainable tourism has the same common base, however the kind of tourism this term covers is much broader than Ecotourism. Sustainable tourism can cover Ecotourism initiatives but also recognises the need for some development in order to sustain the environment for future generations.

 

Energy discussions around the Earth Sanctuary Solar array!

Sustainable tourism encourages the idea of dedicating resources to develop the tourism sector in the destination which would lead to sustainable development and conservation of environment. Recognising the fact that not all visitors will be satisfied with bird watching and bush walking, sustainable tourism may include somewhat more damaging activities done in the least damaging manner.

Whether a destination has an Ecotourism or sustainable tourism aim, the prime goal of both is to safeguard and protect the environment from the most devastating effects of industrialisation of the tourism sectors. More emphasis is placed on preservation and less emphasis is placed on making money.

Both Ecotourism and sustainable tourism operate on a set of important principles.

• To eradicate destruction, deprivation and illegitimate usage of resources.
• To protect the local people, their wellbeing and way of life.
• Create awareness around safeguarding the environment and culture.
• Build mutual respect between the hosts and the guests.
• Help to provide incremental and financial benefits for conservation purpose.
• Generate financial benefits for both local people and private industry.
• Deliver memorable experiences to visitors while raising sensitivity to the area’s political, environmental, and social climates.
• Low-impact facilities to be constructed and developed for operation.
• Create partnership with the indigenous people in the community and aid in empowerment.
• Give recognition to the rights and beliefs of the indigenous people.

Travelling in a mindful way requires a shift in attitude for many people, requiring us to realise that we did not inherit this mother Earth from our predecessors, we are just borrowing it from our successors who will have to deal with what we leave behind. We are only here for a short amount of time and enjoying all the beautiful places in the world is one of life’s great joys, so it is important to preserve our environment for future generations.