Ecotourism
By Lauren Woodliff for the CTAE Resource Network
Also known as…
•Ecological Tourism
•Nature Tourism
•Sustainable Tourism
What is Ecotourism?
EcotourismCharacterized by travel to
natural areas to enjoy native
environments, natural
scenery, wildlife and partake
in outdoor oriented activities
More on Ecotourism..
Travel to destinations where plants, animals, geological
formations and cultural heritage are the main attractions.
Common ecotourism activities:
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Wildlife viewing
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Bird watching
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Mountain climbing
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Hiking
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Nature photography,
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Agriculture
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Scuba diving
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Snorkeling, and
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Safaris
Benefits
Ecotourism destinations are often located in
developing countries that have wide range of
natural features.
• Benefits:
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Local economic growth
Cultural awareness
Environmental conservation & resource protection
Environmental education
Takes the place of environmentally harmful tourism:
 Water Parks
 Excessive development
Examples of Ecotourism Sites
• International
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Great Barrier Reefs, Australia
African Safaris
Machu Picchu, Peru
Rainforest Canopy Tours, Costa Rica
Everest Treks, Himalayas
Glacier Hikes, Antarctica
• U.S. National Parks
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Grand Canyon
Denali
Yosemite
Yellowstone
Everglades
Examples of Ecotourism Sites in Georgia
• Cumberland Island
• Okefenokee Swamp
• Stone Mountain
Can you think of any more?
The goal is to provide a natural
experience while minimizing disturbance
to surrounding wildlife habitat
Happy Medium:
Customers want to be close to nature
Customers want to be comfortable
Facility design should be low impact
and environmentally responsible
Ecotourism Business
Development
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Focus on sustainability
Minimize human impact
Environmentally responsible operations
Design facilities in “harmony” with nature
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Examples:
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Tree House Lodging
Tents and Canopies
Eco Lodging
Agritourism
A type of Ecotourism where agricultural
activities are the primary attraction.
Includes:
• Farm tours
• Wine and vineyard tours
• Hay Rides
• Dude ranch & Cattle drives
Education is a large aspect of
Ecotourism
• Visitors want to learn:
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Guided tours
Informational Signs and Placards located on trails
Brochures
Outdoor classes
Agriculture
Four steps for
successful and sustainable tourism
development:
Ecotourism: Discussion
▫ Why are Ecotourism and
other sustainable travel trends important?
 For the local community?
 For the environment?
▫ From the examples and destinations presented:
 Where would you want to go?
 What would you want to do there?
 Can you think of other examples that haven’t been
discussed?
▫ Have you ever been an Ecotourist?