Skip to content

Ecotourism

How is ecotourism different?

by Jason Remnant 23 May 2022
How is ecotourism different?

How and why is this sector of the travel industry different … what does it mean? The prefix ‘eco’ has been bandied around so much in recent years and applied to everything, so how do you find a real ‘eco holiday’?

Firstly, if it’s a large scale package holiday with a major travel agent … it’s highly unlikely to be ecotourism. Whilst large scale tourism does involve the exchange of huge amounts of money, it is estimated that less than 5% of that reaches local small scale economies of that region.

The travel involved should be responsible and consist of as much public or shared transport as possible. Trains, buses, trams, ferries, shared vehicles, walking, or cycling are all encouraged by genuine ecotourism providers. Cruise ships and air travel are obviously discouraged, although for long haul destinations, flights are perhaps unavoidable.

There should be some aspect of education, learning or cultural enrichment involved in the holiday. This could be finding out about the unique ecosystem of the place you visit, meeting local people and learning their stories and histories. Respect is a two way street, and a cultural exchange will also ensure a unique and memorable holiday for the holiday maker.

Involvement of local economies. A true ecotravel agent will be concerned that local people and businesses are involved in some way, and directly benefit from, the tourism. That could take the shape of many resources: accommodation, help with transport, food, heritage, and guides, personnel etc. This not only boost and supports the region’s infrastructure and allows local people more control over their area, but the engagement frames the experience as positive and welcome on both sides.

Small scale ventures. To protect delicate ecosystems from the downsides of mass travel, an environmentally conscious travel company will restrict numbers in certain areas, working in conjunction with the local authorities. A genuine ecotourism holiday will not have an adverse effect on the area, but instead will bring benefits in terms of income and an encouragement to manage the area for a future of sustainable tourism.

Ecotourism

Trending Eco-Friendly Clothing

Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Love My Planet women's eco-friendly relaxed fit hoodieSize Guide Centimeters 8 10 12 14 16 18 Bust 84 88 92 97 103 108 Waist 66 70 75 80 85 91 Hips 91 95 99 104 109 116 Bust: Measure around the fullest part of...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Penguins Hate Push-Ups men's eco-friendly pullover HoodieSize Guide Centimeters XS S M L XL XXL Height 171 175 179 183 189 195 Chest 86 93 99 104 116 129 Waist 71 76 81 89 99 112 Chest: Measure all round your chest just below...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Lightning Bolt kids eco-friendly long sleeve t-shirtSize Guide Centimeters 3-4yrs 5-6yrs 7-8yrs 9-10yrs 11-12yrs Height 98 112 125 136 147 Chest 60 66 70 75 84 Chest: Measure all around your chest just below your armpits. Height: Your natural height If you fall between...
£18.00
£18.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Union Jack eco-friendly colour tote bagProduct Specification Organic Cotton Tote Bag. Twill Weave (170gsm). 37 x 42 cm (7cm gusset.) Made in India / Designed on the Isle of Wight. Wash Cool, Hang Dry.
£16.00
£16.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Prev Post
Next Post

Eco-Friendly Shop

Women's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Women Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable women’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Men's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Men Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable men’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Kids Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothes for Kids Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable kids clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies and jumpers. Our garments...
Shop Now
Someone recently bought a
[time] ago, from [location]

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Earth Times
Sign up for exclusive updates, new arrivals & insider only discounts

Recently Viewed

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items

Before you leave...

Take 20% off your first order

20% off

Enter the code below at checkout to get 20% off your first order

CODESALE20

Continue Shopping