Exploration has always been one of the main reasons why people have traveled to other destinations. But the mode of travel is evolving at a very fast rate. Ecotourism is not only a trend practiced by a limited number of tourists. It is fast becoming the most preferred mode of transport throughout the globe. Tourists today are more informed about the negative impact that conventional tourism brings. They want to travel by green means, understand the people’s customs, and contribute to the local economy. This article aims to provide a brief insight into why ecotourism is here to stay and how it is revolutionizing the tourism industry.
Why Ecotourism is Growing Fast
As will be seen, mass tourism has brought about severe issues. It has affected the environment, cultural transformation, and economic pressure. It has also led to infrastructure congestion in many tourist attractions. When it is not practiced sustainably, tourism has detrimental effects on the land and its inhabitants.
These problems are more visible to the travelers than before. The industry is gradually evolving due to the pressure from the new generation, particularly Gen Z. They expect clearer and more conscious contributions from travel companies. They desire to have conservation of the areas they visit rather than have them deteriorate.
This is following a trend of regenerative tourism, which involves giving back to the environment and communities visited. Regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability. Its operations aim to enhance and positively impact the destination where tourists go. It is meant to make a place better than before one arrived.
Ecotourism Creates Real Benefits
That is why ecotourism is advantageous for the environment. It also has good economic and social implications. Annie Combs, Co-Founder and CEO of ECPC Travel, discusses what she has devised: ecotourism is a sustainable development. It offers the economic benefit of preserving natural resources and cultural heritage.
By patronizing the so-called ‘green’ hotels or taking an eco-tour, tourists help the local people in some way. This income aids in job creation, perpetuation of culture, and conservation initiatives. It also encourages people to be more careful with the surrounding environment.
For instance, the Red Sea project demonstrates how ecotourism can revolutionize a particular area. It aims to preserve the environment while providing tourists with exclusive experiences.
Ecotourism Supports Local Cultures
The other feature of ecotourism is honoring cultural differences. Ekaterina Gvelesiani, founder of the ecohotel Paliani, stresses the need for responsible tourism. She does not recommend tourists book their accommodations in large hotels but opt for guest houses. She also warns visitors to go to the most crowded sites during the low season so as not to burden the infrastructure.
When tourists follow local customs and support local merchants and establishments, they contribute to the preservation of the culture. They also mitigate the local population’s annoyance with large numbers of tourists.
People who go on a journey have to show concern for the destinations they are visiting. It is not a simple concept to take pictures. It is about people inhabiting the area and, more importantly, accepting the existence of such people.
The Environmental Cost of Traditional Tourism
Tourism is known to be one of the biggest contributors to the emission of greenhouse gases, contributing to over 5% of the total emissions. The overall figure comprises transportation, which accounts for 90 percent of the total. Air travel, travel on sea cruises, and car hire services are other ways that contribute to climate change.
Ecotourism offers solutions. To reduce one’s carbon footprint, one can fly less often, spend more time in one location, and use environmentally friendly modes of transport. One must also change one’s habits to favor the environment: take a bus or ride a bicycle instead of driving a car.
Social media also plays a role to some extent. Influencers can either contribute to solving the issue or worsen it. For example, they can help tackle over-tourism by suggesting visiting less-popular locations and engaging in ecotourism.
Transition to Regenerative Travel
The travel industry is responding to the rise of people’s desire for purposeful leisure travel. This type of travel experience is described as authentic as initiated by the locals. This shift is not only to avoid the negative effects of the traditional leadership style. It is about actively doing good.
New forms of tourism, such as regenerative tourism, are being set as examples. For instance, many of the safari lodges in Kenya are now conservation facilities. Guests are offered luxury services to conserve wildlife and improve the living standards of the local people. This means that it is possible to pursue both luxury and sustainability at the same time, as the trend shown below demonstrates.
How Travelers Can Support Ecotourism
Travelers also can promote ecotourism. Here are a few points that can help to make a positive impact:
- Choose eco-friendly accommodations.
- Support local businesses and artisans.
- Travel during the off-season to avoid over-tourism.
- Respect local cultures and traditions.
- Reduce waste by bringing reusable items.
- Offset carbon emissions from flights if possible.
It is also equally crucial to do prior research before making any bookings. It is possible to check whether a company has set clear goals in the field of sustainability. Travel agents or operators conscious of environmental conservation practices should be identified and used. That is why self-organization does not mean you cannot make an environmentally friendly choice.
The Rise of Purpose-Driven Travel
Tourism is increasingly popular among youthful people, and this is the group most likely to opt for responsible tourism. They do not just require holidays; they seek value-based experiences. Environmental, equity, and community objectives are also on the company’s list of priorities.
Younger people who belong to the Gen Z and Millennial generation are opting for travel experiences that improve the lives of local populations. They opt for tours that are informative, engaging, and leave a lasting impression. Notably, for them, traveling is not merely a pastime activity. It is a way of serving society and humankind in particular.
Therefore, the need to adapt is an important element that travel companies must consider to remain relevant in the market. For this reason, they need to provide their customers with real value and valuable experiences.
Conclusion
Ecotourism is on the rise due to increasing awareness of the impact of tourists on the environment, increasing demand on the part of consumers, and government support for the development of such facilities. It presents an opportunity to advance sustainable and responsible tourism and engage with destinations through a sustainable tourism development framework that does not negatively impact the environment nor disrespect Indigenous people’s culture and beliefs before immortalizing it in a bottle.
