Ecotourism comes from the words ecological tourism. The idea behind this concept is that visitors should seek out culture, customs and habits but place as little strain on them as possible. Local ecotourism also seeks to make sure that any benefits that derive from this industry are returned to the community. Ecotourism practitioners try to hire local people as guides rather than tour guides. They encourage people to stay in homes rather than hotels and purchase souvenirs from local artists rather than chain shops.
The ecotourism movement started during the 1980s. During that time frame tour groups began to emphasize to travelers the importance of observing and preserving native cultures and habitats. Tour groups were started with the intent of promoting ideas that had formerly been the preserve of academics. In the early 1990s groups such as The International Ecotourism Society were formed. Such groups hold seminars around the world and work to inform the travel industry about how to implement ecotourism ideals.
Ecotourists are instructed to follow certain principles when getting to their destination. Visitors are urged to reduce their reliance on flying since air travel can greatly pollute the environment. Visitors are also urged to travel by bus rather than car to reduce their ecological footprint. Using local buses helps sustain local public transportation efforts. Travelers should also walk whenever possible as well as use bikes. Certain areas have bikes for rent so that a traveler need not bring his own with him.
Ecotourism advocates offer several suggestions when eating meals abroad. They strongly suggest patronizing local restaurants, bars and cafes. Eating locally allows visitors to directly experience local cuisine. It also allows travelers to support local jobs. Visitors are also urged to avoid chain restaurants and fast food whenever possible. Money spent there may be funneled to a multinational corporation rather than local businesses. Eating at local eateries also help support the product of local produce, an effect that may help sustain local varieties of fruit and vegetables as well as indigenous poultry.
Ecotourism advocates strongly advise visitors to visit destinations when energy consumption is likely to be lower. This means traveling during spring or fall when air conditioning and heating usage are minimized. Travelers are also urged to visit when local cultural festivals take place. Attendance during this time period can help support the continuation of local customs and culture.
