Eco tourism is a buzz word ! It is one of the fastest growing tourism ‘niches’….with an annual growth of over 15%.

When we talk of things like:

Sustainable Tourism
Responsible Tourism
Cultural Tourism
Nature Travel
Travel and preserve   etc. etc.

We are definitely talking of Eco Tourism !

BUT…..some people have started talking of this as ECO TERRORISM !

They feel that all the hype about RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE tourism is a façade to get virgin….pristine….fragile eco centers onto the tourism map !

The local benefits and community up-liftment is only on the surface.
At best…locals gain lowly jobs…and seasonal employment !

The most argued aims of any effective eco tourism activity are:

 Eco Tourism involves travel to nature
 It Minimizes Impact on ecology
 Eco Tourism Builds environmental awareness
 Provides direct financial benefits for conservation
 Provides financial benefits and empowerment for local people
 Eco Tourism Respects and conserves local culture
 Eco Tourism Supports human rights and democratic movements

Whether Eco Tourism fulfils this role….We shall leave for you to decide…

….but a parting thought:

Eco tourism is a concept that is great
But as you know….such is fate
All good things bow before economic reasons
…. nature travel may be  a way to find bucks in off seasons !!!