Kate Clarisse E. Roncesvalles COTM 2-A
Nov. 12, 2019
ECOTOURISM
RATIONALE
Tourism is considered as the world’s largest industry and is a major source of economic
development. It generates personal and corporate income, tax revenues, investments, foreign
exchange profits and infrastructure developments for locals in developed and developing countries.
The tourism industry is undergoing major global changes bringing both opportunities and
challenges to any business operating within this competitive environment. Being a vital part of the
industry, ecotourism when properly implemented can integrate conservation and rural
development by helping to protect valuable natural resources. The scope of tourism industry
generates both positive and negative impacts due to its enormous size, which must be properly
understood and managed.
BENEFITS OF ECOTOURISM
Ecotourism provides support through employment and other means, but not at the expense
of the local environment. It helps protect natural habitat and pristine environments. Eco tourists
learn about the ecosystem without missing out on adventure, excitement and relaxation.
Ecotourism allows countries and communities to build their economies without harming the
environment. It does not only promote the protection of the environment but also emphasizes the
sake of the community. The environment is the base of tourism. Without such places, tourism isn’t
possible due to the high level of motivation that the environment of a certain are gives to travelers
to urge them to travel. Ecotourism also provides income for staff who work at eco sites. It allows
them the opportunity to receive training in skills that can transfer to other areas of employment.
The advantages that ecotourism offer travelers are personal, but their effect are widespread.
COSTS OF ECOTOURISM
Ecotourism have direct and indirect impacts to the three dimensions of tourism. It directly
affects the environment through impacts of permanent environmental restructuring and generation
waste residuals. Tourist activities such as hiking, wildlife observation and the likes also causes a
great impact to the environment as well as the problems associated with the economic valuation
of nature. It also costs our economy through the startup expense and on-going expenses such as
acquisition of land, establishment of protected areas, development of superstructures, revenue
uncertainties, revenue leakage due to imports and non-local participation, opportunity costs and
damage to wildlife. Since tourism involves interaction between individuals that are culturally
different, socio-cultural costs such as cultural and social intrusion, imposed elite alien value system,
erosion of local control, local inequalities and disputes, potential local resentment and tourist
opposition to aspects of local culture are most likely to happen.
DEFINITION OF ECOTOURISM
According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Ecotourism
is defined as environmentally responsible visiting of relatively unspoilt natural areas, in order to
enjoy and appreciate nature and any accompanying cultural features – both past and present), that
promotes conservation, has low negative visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socio
economic involvement for local populations.