According to the International Ecotourism Society, travel and tourism is responsible for more than 230 million jobs and more than 10 percent of the gross domestic product worldwide. Additionally, tourism is the second most important source of the world's 40 poorest countries (behind oil), making it a necessity to the people who live in these nations. Buying their crafts, staying in their hotels and eating their food while visiting helps them support their families.
Much how ecotourism supports local economies, it also can assist the people who live in the area through volunteerism. Some ecotourism itineraries include volunteering with the hosts, lending a helping hand to make their communities a better place. Additionally, ecotourism can improve cultural appreciation for the hosts when they share entertainment, food and customs with visitors.
One of the main focuses of ecotourism is its benefits for the ecosystem. When executed properly, ecotourism should impact only the wildlife and land in positive ways, according to the Trails website. For example, noninvasive wildlife viewing from a distance does not affect the natural lives of animals, but instead intensifies a viewer's appreciation and understanding for the creatures.
