What is Ecotourism? According to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)"Responsible travel to...
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Transcript of What is Ecotourism? According to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)"Responsible travel to...
What is Ecotourism? According to The International Ecotourism
Society (TIES)"Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the
environment and improves the well-being of local people.“
http://www.ecotourism.org
Goals Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities,
and sustainable travel
Principles of Ecotourism• Minimize impact. • Build environmental and cultural awareness and
respect. • Provide positive experiences for both visitors and
hosts. • Provide direct financial benefits for conservation. • Provide financial benefits and empowerment for
local people. • Raise sensitivity to host countries' political,
environmental, and social climate.
Size of Global Tourism• Largest business sector in the world economy,
the Travel & Tourism industry is responsible for over 230 million jobs and over 10% of the gross domestic product worldwide.
• In 2006, Travel & Tourism (consumption, investment, government spending and exports) is expected to grow 4.6% and total US$6.5 trillion.
Importance of Ecotourism • Tool for economic development especially for
developing countries.
Ecotourism impacts Benefits • Incentive to develop
strong env policies • Local & national
economic sustainability• Value of env conservation
& protection• Promotes local env
education • Preservation of culture
Drawbacks• Increase strain on local
resources food, water ect.• Damage to natural env
from littering, trails ect.• Social tension between
tour operators & non operators
• Inequalities based on geographic location
Example of EcotourismI visited Belize in 2008 for educational
purposes, to experience the environment & culture and assess the ecotourism
model in Belize
Where is BELIZE?
LANDSCAPE• The climate is subtropical with a well- marked dry
season from February to May. • Numerous habitats Mountains, valleys, rainforest,
pine forest, savanna, marsh, and mangrove• Second-longest barrier reef• Diverse animals and plants • Tourists visit Belize, mostly to view wildlife, visit
archeological sites and snorkel and dive the reef