Ecotourism
Responsible travel to natural areas which conserves
environment and sustains the well being of local people.
Generally Ecotourism refers to two criteria:
environmentally responsible and
socially and culturally sound.
the
Characteristics of mass tourism
Characteristics of ecotourism
Large groups of visitors
Small groups of visitors
Urban
Rural
Touristic general marketing activities
Eco-marketing activities.
Average prices for purposes of market
penetration
High price with purpose of filtering the market
Impact on natural environment
Little impact on the natural environment
Advanced control options
Limited possibilities of control
Management based on macroeconomic
principles
Management based on local economic principles
Anonymous relationship between visitors and
local community
Personalized relationships between visitors and
local community
General development goals
Local development objectives
Behavior-oriented leisure
activities/entertainment, opponents to education
and training actions
Loyalty in the process of training and education
for appropriate conduct for the natural
environment
Intensive development of tourism facilities
Reduced development of tourism facilities
( Distinct characteristics between mass tourism and ecotourism)
Standards of ecotourism
1. Protection of the Ecosystem
a. Maintenance of the ecosystem where the ecotourism attraction is located.
b. Protection and maintenance of wildlife especially endangered species .
c. Wildlife live harmoniously with people.
2. Maintenance of the physico-chemical conditions of the area .
a. Maintenance of the quality of fresh water and marine resources .
b. No wastes overflow and contamination of the environment (water, soil and air).
3. Conservation of local culture and history .
a. Culture of locality is maintained.
b. Historical structures are maintained as part of cultural heritage.
4. Infrastructures and signboards blend with the environment.
5. Sustainability .
a. Maintenance of Carrying Capacity of the environment.
b. Environmental education program is part of the ecotourism package.
c. Livelihood must benefit more the local community than outside entrepreneurs.
d. The local government supports the ecotourism project through ordinances and
resolutions; and
e. The Management Board (community-based) and appropriate government
agencies, support the project through strict enforcement of environmental laws .
f. Experience and product management should follow principles and practices
associated with ecological, socio-cultural and economic sustainability.
Environmental impacts
Direct benefits
Direct costs
1. Provides incentive to protect environment,
both formally (protected areas) and informally
Danger that environmental carrying capacities
will be unintentionally exceeded, due to:
2. Provides incentive for restoration and
conversion of modified habitats
1. Rapid growth rates
2. Difficulties in identifying, measuring and
monitoring impacts over a long period
3. Eco tourists actively assisting in habitat
enhancement (donations, policing, maintenance,
etc.)
3. Idea that all tourism induces stress
Indirect benefits
Indirect costs
1. Exposure to ecotourism fosters broader
commitment to environmental well-being
1.Fragile areas may be exposed to less benign
forms of tourism (pioneer function)
2. Space protected because of ecotourism
provide various environmental benefits
2. May foster tendencies to put financial value
on nature, depending upon attractiveness
Economic impacts
Direct benefits
1. Revenues obtained directly from Eco tourists
Direct costs
2. Creation of direct employment opportunities
1.Start – up expenses (acquisition of land,
establishment of protected areas,
superstructure, infrastructure)
3. Strong potential for linkages with other
sectors of the local economy
2. ongoing expenses (maintenance of
infrastructure, promotion, wages)
4. Stimulation of peripheral rural economies
Indirect benefits
Indirect costs
1. Indirect revenues from Eco tourists (high
multiplier effect)
1. Revenue uncertainties to in situ nature if
consumption
2. Tendency of Eco tourists to patronize cultural
and heritage attractions as ‘add-ons’
2. Revenue leakages due to imports, expatriate
or non-local participation, etc.
3. Economic benefits from sustainable use of
protected areas and inherent existence
3. Opportunity costs
4. Damage to crops by wildlife
Sociocultural impacts
Direct benefits
Direct costs
1. Ecotourism accessible to a broad spectrum of
the population
1. Intrusions upon local and possibly isolated
cultures
2. Aesthetic/spiritual element of experiences
2. imposition of elite alien value system
3. Foster environmental awareness among Eco
tourists and local population
3. Displacement of local cultures by parks
4. Erosion of local control (foreign experts, inmigration of job seekers).
Indirect benefits
Option and existence benefits
Indirect costs
1. Potential resentment and antagonism of
locals
2. Tourist opposition to aspects of local culture
(e.g. hunting).