If we want to study an area of tourist interest for bringing it under the concept of Eco-tourism, what parameters should be selected? Or what aspect we have to study and analyse? What changes are expected to convert tourism in to Eco-tourism?
Most of the topics mentioned in the question such as cultural, environmental, social aspects need to be studied in eco-tourism. Circular economy and green economy could be linked when studying eco-tourism.
I think the most useful analysis to be done prior to starting ecotourism is the assessment of the current carbon footprint vs. the carbon footprint that would result once you start the ecotourism business. A good estimate of the number of visitors, the type of tours or activities planned and the changes in the environment by way of construction and modifications should be fully taken into account for making an accurate estimate of the future carbon footprint. Certainly the cultural impact on the locals as well as their economic future should also be considered in addition to what changes in the phsyical environment that would occur and their impact on fauna and flora.
Ecotourism can be defined by three core criteria: nature, learning and sustainability. The ecotourist market has been segmented by the nature and learning criteria only. It has been assumed that ecotourists are environmentally concerned and therefore sustainability is a factor in their decision-making. However, little empirical research has confirmed this assumption. This study surveyed 243 respondents participating in an ecotourism experience in Australia. It identified ecotourists according to the nature and learning criteria as per previous segmentation studies. Pro-environmental attitudes were measured as an indication of their support for sustainability. Results revealed no significant differences in pro-environmental attitudes between those identified as ecotourists and those considered non-ecotourists. While demand exists for nature and learning experiences, compliance with the sustainability criterion seems to be no more a factor in ecotourist decision-making than for mainstream tourists. Implications are that market segmentation research should consider all relevant criteria when segmenting a market for a particular product to ensure supply matches demand. However, demand for certain products can be created by innovative marketing practices. This would enable the ecotourism industry to respond to the market's demand for nature and learning, but also influence the behaviour and structure of the market with regard to sustainability.
Narelle Beaumont (2011) The third criterion of ecotourism: are ecotourists more concerned about sustainability than other tourists?, Journal of Ecotourism, 10:2, 135-148, DOI: 10.1080/14724049.2011.555554
Dear Mr. Nafees Mohammad The existence of local cultural values that are worth selling, including artistic value, professional management, security policies for tourists or visitors who come, adequate road access, positive local government regulations and benefits for visitors, complete accommodation, high-level services, transportation of equipment very supportive, traditional programs that can be displayed, safety guarantees, long-term services from tourism agents and workers, safe places to visit, sophisticated tour guides, clear tariff equations, transparency in implementation so that no visitors feel disadvantaged when visiting a place tour. Cleanliness of lodging, and most importantly pollution free. Regards.
I just reviewed it quickly. No doubt, it is a good book, but it is on protected areas. Such areas are already under protection. I need a reference for open area.
When ever you come across such book or paper, please share it.
Students learn about natural resources, environmental history, conservation and community growth and development, as well as the practical aspects of ecotourism, such as planning trips, wilderness training and safety, and financial and business managemen
Ecotourism can be defined as, "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people." Most ecotourism experiences are aimed at helping people to foster an appreciation of the environment, the conservation of wildlife, plants and resources, and respect and understanding of native peoples.
The field is socially important because it provides a way for people to travel responsibly, and to learn about and respect the environment of these natural places. Ideally, Ecotourism professionals organize and execute an experience for travelers that demonstrates local environmental sustainability and cultural sensitivity. Besides being tour guides, Ecotourism professionals also travel to other countries and help the local people in ecologically-sensitive areas to set up their own ecotourism programs. Programs which are well-run can help to conserve natural resources, and can be an incentive for local people to preserve their resources, rather than exploit them .
Rightly pointed out. But I don't think plagiarism is applicable here. I always appreciate, If someone search for me and share the required information. Sometime people share link only, which is also not good. The best way is to share information along with link.
Dear Nafees, parameters that you are looking for are set by the law of your home country that protects nature. The way how law treats i.e. national parks, from that point you have to start creating framework and parameters.
The concept of ecotourism can also be implemented in hotel and marina business operations that wants to be promoted as an eco-hotel or eco-marina. So, parameters are set in internatiinal standards issued by eco-certification organizations (i.e. Green Globe).
Eco-tourism has to be sustainable, meaning (among others) being socially integrated. Especially in rural areas of developing countries it can help to generate off-farm livelihoods.
The topic of formation of ecological consciousness among modern tourists is becoming more and more popular. If you like to travel, but would like to leave behind a trace of the discoverer, and not a "carbon footprint", then use the rules of the" green " tourist.
1. Take care of your trash
Want to organize a picnic behind the hotel, explore the rainforest or climb the mountains? Think about where you will put the accumulated garbage later. It is not difficult to take a special waste bag with you, leaving it in the nearest trash can. If you were able to carry your belongings to the place of rest, then you can easily carry an empty container to your destination. The problem is that the garbage left in nature can destroy someone's habitat, polluting the water source and soil over time. Animals can eat, for example, a cellophane bag or solid waste and die.
In addition, in many countries there is a strict system of fines for not bringing garbage to the trash can. This is a rather painful topic for inexperienced tourists. For example, discarded garbage on the beach in Singapore, a cigarette butt or chewing gum will cost 1,000 local dollars.
2. Give preference to durable packaging
A rag eco-bag can solve the problem of plastic bags, and a reusable water bottle will save you from a mountain of plastic containers.
3. Choose the right Souvenirs
Masters of souvenir crafts Red book often does not stop. Endangered species of animals or plants are spent on cute trinkets that have been gathering dust for years in sideboards and on bookshelves, no longer bringing any joy.
It is quite obvious that you should not buy figures made of tusks of African elephants or dried wings of rare species of tropical butterflies. But even if the population of any animal species is not close to zero, it does not mean that you need to buy 10 snake skin wallets. There is little environmental responsibility in such an act.
4. Give up some exotic dishes
Shark fins, turtle soup, crocodile tail, whale meat, etc. Of course, some people have only one chance in life to try such a dish. But this is exactly the kind of life experience that should be abandoned, so as not to become one of the reasons for the increase in demand (and, accordingly, supply) for the brutal killing of endangered animals.
5. Buy products from local farms
If possible, give preference to organic products produced locally at the place of your arrival. In this way, you will also help local producers and contribute to reducing the carbon emissions that appear during the transportation of products from other countries. So forget at least for the duration of the trip about foreign soda, chocolate bars and chips. And why all this, if in the same countries of Southeast Asia, for example, from all sides you are surrounded by sweet and alluring exotic fruits?
6. Choose the "green" mode of transport
In a recent study, scientists from Canada found that 25% of cars are responsible for 90% of all pollution associated with vehicle exhaust. It is better not to think about the consequences of one hundred percent traffic. At the same time, not a single day of urban residents can do without a "refreshing" breath of carbon dioxide and other carcinogens.
When traveling to green and clean corners of the planet, try to keep them as clean as possible. If on your own two feet there is absolutely no way, and public transport is tired, then give preference to Cycling. And the bike "does not roll"? You can rent an electric car, a hybrid car or a car with a fuel-cell engine.
7. Stay in green hotels
Recently, tourists are increasingly paying attention to the environmental component of the hotels where they stay. In an effort to meet the latest eco-trends and not lose customers, hotels of all levels apply the principles of saving water and electricity, use alternative energy sources, properly dispose of garbage, use environmentally friendly materials in construction and even conduct educational work among the staff. In order to find out whether a hotel is concerned about the environment, it is enough to find information about whether it has a special environmental certificate (LEED, Green Hotel, Green Leaf, Green Key).
By the way, some hotels attract tourists with the presence of exotic dishes and shows with wild animals. Here you can also go on the principle and refuse such a hotel. You can even save money, because turtle soup for lunch is not offered for a beautiful smile.
8. Choose environmentally friendly entertainment
Traveling in Indonesia, for example, you can refuse to visit the zoo in Surabaya, which has already been nicknamed the zoo of death because of the unbearable conditions for animals.
When studying the traditions of the Faroe Islands, one should not admire and even more so take part in the mass slaughter of black dolphins and whales.
If you come to enjoy the South African views, do not accept the services of organizing a hunting Safari.
Do you want to try your hand at scuba diving somewhere off Bermuda? Don't forget the importance of preserving endangered coral reefs.
When planning what places you want to visit in a new country or city, study the cultural program also from an environmental point of view. There are many reviews and tips on this topic posted on the Internet. There is no need to create a stir by funding the extermination of species or the mistreatment of animals.
9. Try to relax unconventionally and without harm to nature
Comfortable rooms in five-star hotels are hard to refuse. But at least once you can try to relax unusually. "Green" tourism is becoming more and more popular with each new season. And the imagination of conservationists does not sleep: ecotourism, rural or agrotourism, tourism of immersion or stay in the countryside, environmental educational programs and so on. The choice is really impressive.
10. Small "green" tips
When going on a trip, do not forget to turn off your home appliances. When staying in a hotel room, do not turn on the air conditioner unnecessarily or leave the light on in the bathroom. Use water sparingly, because in some countries it is a truly invaluable resource.
It may seem that in some ways such tips limit your rest. But now the topic of ecology concerns everyone.
"I'll just try it once and nothing bad will happen" is not exactly a good type of adult behavior, is it?