A key tenet of ecotourism is the attention it can draw to conservation of natural resources and habitats. Because ecotourism is environmentally conscious travel, it brings attention to the limited resources of a particular area and attracts conservatory advocates to help protect those resources. Ecotourism also promotes traveler education and awareness, and can help preserve the integrity of a destination while benefiting the people who live there.
Consider how environmentally friendly a hotel is before choosing it. Find out how it cuts down on water and waste, and whether it is involved in environmental or conservatory efforts. Also, education is a key factor in ecotourism, and learning about the local customs, people, behavior and even language can help minimize travel impact on a destination. When purchasing souvenirs, booking guides or eating at restaurants, consider choosing locally owned establishments, as your money will go toward benefiting the local population.
Misconceptions include believing one cannot enjoy a high-quality hotel or amenities like those that "nonrenewable" travel often provides. Ecotourism supports a wide range of options for travelers, including high-quality hotels.
Another misconception is that ecotourism will make your trip more expensive, but because the range of prices for ecotourism tours and accommodations is wide, there can be less expensive options available.
One more popular misconception is that destination choices are limited, but ecotourism encompasses every continent and every type of terrain. You can experience many types of trips and destinations through ecotourism.
Benefits of responsible travel include the influx of money that comes into the community from outside. This source of income helps local people directly. Also, ecotourism supports companies that are environmentally conscious as well as locally based.
Ecotourism can have positive effects on the local culture and environment by increasing awareness of the indigenous people and culture, and can promote conservatism of the local environment. While ecotourism can help bring money to a local community, an unusually sharp increase in visitors and money can disrupt the normal routine of life. Such effects can cause shifts in the local economy, as more tourist-serving businesses arise, and may also affect the lifestyle of the people as they depend more on tourism as a means to wealth.
