Ecotourism differs from traditional tourism in that it places a value on the health of the local people, animals and environment. Rather than aiming to earn a profit at all costs, it aims to earn a profit while respecting local people, animals and nature as a whole, or allowing them to benefit in some way from the endeavor. The best ecotourism companies make conscious choices in every aspect of their business. For instance, they recycle products and choose biodegradable materials whenever possible. Traditional companies such as cruise ships often throw away a large amount of trash, so these differences can have a large impact on the environment.
Many countries have embraced ecotourism because of its positive effects on their economies. Costa Rica, for example, thrives on ecotourism, which accounts for a large portion of the money it brings in each year. According to the International Ecotourism Society, 83 percent of developing countries rely on ecotourism as their main "export," and it serves as the main export of one-third of the poorest countries.
Ecotourism can be sustainable if all parties adhere to several important guidelines. First, the local people must agree to the way in which their land and resources are being used. The International Ecotourism Society puts forth guidelines on running an ecotourism business. It stresses that an ecotourism business should minimize its impact, work to increase environmental and cultural awareness and respectful practices, give visitors and hosts a positive experience, provide funding for conservation efforts and for the empowerment of local people, and raise awareness of political, environmental and social issues in the host country.
The term "ecotourism" has often been misused, since it can be difficult to define what constitutes ecotourism. Many companies have taken advantage of this ambiguity. As it grows, however, groups such as the International Ecotourism Society are working to create and impose standards on companies that call themselves ecotourism ventures.
Geotourism and voluntourism take ecotourism to the next level. Geotourism maintains the same goals as ecotourism but also strives to respect and teach tourists about local culture and language. In this way, it aims to support local cultures in continuing their traditions. Voluntourism engages tourists in volunteering opportunities, helping them connect in a more intimate way with the land, animals and people of a region. Many voluntourists have an unforgettable experience and recommend it to others.
