INTRODUCTION TO ECOTOURISM

Prepared By:

Ma'am L

TOURISM according to UNWTO

Activities Outside the usual environment Not more than one consecutive year Leisure, Business and other purposes

ECO + TOURISM

Linked to the ecological concept in allusion to ecologically sustainable

Also has an economic development dimension, a dimension of special interest for the private sector (Higham, 2007)

ECOTOURISM according to Weaver

-involves travel to relatively undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with the specific objective of STUDYING, ADMIRING, and ENJOYING the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing CULTURAL ASPECTS found in these areas.

PRINCIPLES OF ECOTOURISM

1.It must be CONSISTENT with a positive environmental ethic, fostering preferred behavior.

2.It does not DENIGRATE the resource. There is no erosion of RESOURCE INTEGRITY.

3.It concentrate on INTRINSIC rather than EXTRINSIC values.

PRINCIPLES OF ECOTOURISM

4. It is BIOCENTRIC rather than HOMOCENTRIC in philosophy.

5. Ecotourism must BENEFIT the resource.

6. There is, in ecotourism, an expectation of GRATIFICATION measured in APPRECIATION and EDUCATION.

PRINCIPLES OF ECOTOURISM

7. It is FIRST-HAND experience with the natural environment.

8. There are high COGNITIVE and AFFECTIVE dimensions to the experience, requiring a high level of preparation from both LEADERS and PARTICIPANTS.

PRINCIPLES OF ECOTOURISMEcotourism also embraces the following

principles which distinguish it from the wider concept of sustainable tourism:

Contributes activity to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage.

Includes local and indigenous communities in planning, development and operation, contributing to their well being

PRINCIPLES OF ECOTOURISMEcotourism also embraces the following

principles which distinguish it from the wider concept of sustainable tourism:

Interprets the natural and cultural heritage of the destination to the visitor.

Lends itself to independent travellers, as well as to organized tours for small size groups.

ECOTOURISM has the following characteristics (Honey, 2008)

1. Involves travel to natural destinations

2. Minimizes impact

3. Builds environmental awareness

4. Provides direct financial benefits for conservation

5. Provides financial benefits and empowerment for local people

6. Respects local culture

7. Supports human rights and democratic movements

ADVANTAGES OF ECOTOURISM

Provides economic benefits for local people and can provide revenue for conservation projects.

It tends to be quite small scale and carefully managed.

ADVANTAGES OF ECOTOURISM

It raise awareness of issues amongst tourists because of their first-hand experience of the issues in the field.

It involves tourists who are well aware of the potential dangers of tourism and at least should behave more sensitively than many other tourists.

DISADVANTAGES OF ECOTOURISM

ECOTOURISM or EGO-TOURISM? Today's ecotourism, tomorrow's mass tourism? The ecotourist 'locusts'! No hiding place from the ecotourist! Ecotourism is more then just wildlife. Patronizing indigenous people

WHO ARE ECOTOURISTS? (Honey, 2008)

Better informed More experienced More adventuresome travelers than the

conventional tourist Tend to seek wide-ranging activities and multi-

destination vacations and tend to prefer modest, intimate accommodations

WHO ARE ECOTOURISTS? (Honey, 2008)

Prefer tourist facilities that profess conservation goals, offer remote settings and wildlife viewing, and provide opportunities to visit national parks or protected areas.

Many are former backpackers and are knowledgeable about the logistics of travel, developing countries and conservation.

WHO ARE ECOTOURISTS? (FENNEL, 2008)

Do-it-yourself tourists Ecotourists on tours School groups or scientific groups

ECOTOURIST(4 Basic Types)

1. Hardcore nature tourists

2. Dedicated nature tourists

3. Mainstream nature tourists

4. Casual nature tourists