Article Highlights:

 

  • Ecotourism focuses on conservation, offering nature-based experiences like wildlife safaris and hiking in protected areas.
  • Sustainable travel emphasizes reducing tourism’s environmental and cultural impacts while supporting local economies.
  • Top destinations for ecotourism include Costa Rica, Bhutan, and New Zealand.
  • Sustainable travel tips include choosing eco-certified accommodations, supporting local businesses, and respecting wildlife.
  • Organizations like Re:wild are crucial in protecting biodiversity and ensuring safe conditions for conservationists.

 

Tourism is pivotal in connecting people to new cultures and experiences, but its environmental and social impact cannot be ignored. Two key movements within the industry, ecotourism and sustainable travel aim to counteract these effects while enriching travelers and supporting local communities. But what is ecotourism? How does it differ from sustainable travel? And what steps can travelers take to minimize their impact?

 

What Is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism is a specialized subset of sustainable travel focusing on natural environments. It aims to conserve biodiversity, support local communities, and offer educational experiences to travelers. Typical eco tours include wildlife safaris, trekking in protected areas, or visiting indigenous communities to learn about their cultural practices. For instance, hiking in Costa Rica’s Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve or observing wildlife in Kenya’s Maasai Mara are prime examples of ecotourism activities.

According to Wes Sechrest, CEO of Re:wild, an organization focused on conserving biodiversity, “Global Rescue ensures that our scientists and conservationists in the field have access to lifesaving help if anything goes wrong in the many remote locations where we work.” Organizations like Re:wild exemplify how ecotourism partners with conservation efforts, benefiting ecosystems and the species within them.

 

Best and Worst Ecotourism Destinations

 

Best Destinations:

  • Costa Rica: A global leader in ecotourism, Costa Rica offers diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, volcanoes, and coastal areas. Travelers can engage in eco tours like canopy walks, birdwatching, and visiting turtle nesting sites.
  • New Zealand: Known for its pristine landscapes, New Zealand promotes sustainability in travel and tourism through activities like hiking in Fiordland National Park and exploring the geothermal wonders of Rotorua.
  • Bhutan: This Himalayan kingdom limits mass tourism and prioritizes environmental conservation by charging a sustainable development fee for visitors.
  • Kenya: Home to iconic wildlife safaris, Kenya’s ecotourism initiatives protect natural habitats while supporting local Maasai communities.
  • Norway: Famous for its fjords and Northern Lights, Norway integrates sustainable travel with nature-based experiences like glacier hikes and eco-lodges.

 

Worst Destinations:

  • Over-touristed Areas: Popular destinations like Venice, Machu Picchu, and Bali often face environmental degradation due to overtourism. These areas struggle with pollution, overcrowding, and cultural disruption, making them poor ecotourism examples.
  • Unregulated Wildlife Experiences: Locations offering unethical animal interactions, such as elephant rides in Thailand or tiger petting in some zoos, undermine conservation efforts and animal welfare.

 

What Is Sustainable Travel?

Sustainable travel encompasses a broader philosophy to minimize tourism’s negative impacts while maximizing its positive contributions. Unlike ecotourism, which focuses on natural environments, sustainable travel considers all aspects of tourism, including urban destinations and cultural sites. Key principles include responsible resource use, reducing carbon footprints, and supporting local economies.

Sustainability in travel and tourism can be achieved through various practices, such as staying in eco-certified accommodations, avoiding single-use plastics, and participating in carbon offset programs for flights.

 

Tips for More Sustainable Travel

  • Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Opt for hotels or lodges with recognized sustainability certifications. Many establishments reduce energy use, conserve water, and implement waste management practices.
  • Support Local Businesses: Dine at local restaurants, purchase souvenirs from artisans, and book tours led by residents to contribute directly to the local economy.
  • Travel Light: Packing only essentials reduces fuel consumption for transportation. A lighter load on planes and vehicles means less energy is required to move them.
  • Use Public Transport or Walk: Reduce your carbon footprint by choosing trains, buses, or bicycles over private cars or flights for short distances.
  • Avoid Over-Touristed Destinations: Seek out less crowded locations that distribute tourism revenue more evenly and reduce the strain on popular areas.
  • Respect Wildlife and Nature: Follow “Leave No Trace” principles by avoiding littering and staying on designated paths. Avoid interactions that exploit animals or disrupt their natural behavior.
  • Offset Carbon Emissions: Invest in programs that counterbalance your travel’s carbon footprint, such as tree-planting initiatives or renewable energy projects.

 

Ecotourism vs. Sustainable Travel

While both movements share the goal of reducing tourism’s adverse effects, their approaches differ:

  • Focus: Ecotourism emphasizes nature-based experiences and conservation, while sustainable travel covers all aspects of tourism, including cultural and urban contexts.
  • Activities: Eco tours often include visiting national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, or indigenous communities. Sustainable travel might involve exploring cities responsibly, supporting cultural heritage, or reducing energy consumption during a trip.
  • Impact: Both prioritize environmental stewardship, but ecotourism leans heavily on engaging with and preserving natural ecosystems.

 

Making a Difference

Last year, 76% of the world’s most experienced travelers expressed worries about overtourism, with 31% having experienced it firsthand. Popular destinations like Machu Picchu, the Great Barrier Reef, and Florence, Italy, faced strained local resources due to their immense popularity. Addressing this requires collaboration between governments, travelers, and the tourism industry.

“Governments can set visitor limits, promote off-peak travel, and invest in sustainable tourism infrastructure to preserve these destinations for future generations,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board member at the U.S. Department of Commerce. “Travelers, conversely, can make a difference by seeking lesser-known locales, traveling during off-peak seasons, and embracing responsible tourism practices. These measures alleviate pressure on popular destinations and allow travelers to discover hidden gems and enjoy a more authentic experience.”

Whether embarking on an eco-tour or practicing sustainable travel, every traveler has the power to impact the world positively. By making conscious choices—from where we stay to how we interact with local cultures—we can ensure that our adventures benefit both people and the planet. As the travel industry continues to evolve, combining the principles of ecotourism and sustainability will be key to preserving the beauty and diversity of our world for generations to come.