Ecotourism has evolved in recent decades, and more and more travelers seek authentic and responsible experiences with the environment . In this context, ecotourism has established itself as one of the most relevant trends in the tourism sector .
But what exactly is ecotourism? Why is it important for the future of tourism and how can both travelers and tourist accommodation owners join this sustainable ?
In this article we tell you everything, with practical advice useful resources for you to enjoy and offer experiences of ecological and responsible tourism.
Index
Ecotourism is a tourism modality that promotes the responsible to natural areas, with the aim of conserving the environment, respecting local culture and contributing -being of host communities. Unlike traditional tourism , ecotourism focuses on sustainability , education in the environment and reducing the detrimental effect on ecosystems.
According to the International Ecotourism Society (Ties) , ecotourism entails "consciously moved to natural areas, preserving the environment and enhancing the well -being of local inhabitants." This includes activities such as hiking , fauna and flora observation , visits to natural reserves , rural tourism and authentic cultural experiences .
Ecotourism encourages the protection of natural spaces and biodiversity . When choosing destinations and sustainable activities, travelers contribute to the financing of conservation and the reduction of the ecological footprint . In addition, many protected areas depend on the income generated by ecological tourism for maintenance.
One of the keys to ecotourism is the positive on host communities Travelers who opt for rural accommodations, local guides or handmade products help generate employment and preserve cultural traditions .
Ecological tourism provides the possibility of realizing authentically with the nature and culture of the region. Activities such as bird watching, participation in organic farming workshops or coexistence with indigenous communities allow travelers to learn and grow personally.
ecological tourism programs environmental awareness programs to raise public awareness about the relevance of preserving natural resources . This awareness is essential to promote a change in attitude towards the environment.
Spain is an ideal place for ecological tourism , due to its variety of landscapes , national parks and biological reserves . Some outstanding examples are:
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Opt for hotels , or eco-lodges houses that have environmental and sustainability policies . You can inform yourself about the types of tourist accommodations and find those that implement good ecological practices, such as the use of renewable energy , efficient water and waste management, or support for the local economy .
follow the norms of natural spaces, do not leave garbage , do not alter fauna or flora and respect the customs and traditions of the communities you visit.
Use sustainable means of transport whenever possible, such as the train, the bicycle or the shared car. Minimizes the consumption of plastics and bets on local and seasonal products.
Choose activities that do not harm the environment , such as hiking, fauna observation, kayak or nature photography. Avoid those that imply the exploitation of animals or habitat degradation.
More and more destinations regulate tourism to protect their resources . Find out about tourist rates , permits and specific regulations . For example, in cities such as Barcelona , there is a tourist rate that contributes to the conservation of heritage and the environment .
If you own a tourist accommodation , ecotourism represents an excellent opportunity to differentiate and attract an increasingly aware audience. Some suggestions to adjust your lodging to sustainable tourism include:
Although ecotourism offers multiple advantages, it also runs into significant challenges, such as the agglomeration of certain places, the absence of regulations or Greenwashing (tactics that seem to be sustainable, but they are not really). Therefore, it is essential that both travelers and companies and administrations truly sustainable tourism development and know all the types of tourism that currently exist.
The tendency towards ecological tourism will continue to grow in the coming years, promoted by the demand for authentic and responsible .
Ecotourism promotes respect for the environment , culture and individuals . Whether you are a traveler and owner of a tourist accommodation, you have in your hands the possibility of contributing to a more sustainable and responsible tourism .
