Definition

• Ecotourism, as defined by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) is, "Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." It is a new concept, created recently in response to the growing concern about the impact of humans on the planet. Tour groups visit sites where there is an established relationship with the locals, and participate in activities that are considered sustainable.
  
  

Financial Benefits

• For the hosting community the benefits are threefold. According to TIES, the world's 40 poorest countries count on tourism dollars as their number two export, just behind oil. Tourism of any kind brings much needed revenue to an area. What is unique about ecotourism dollars is that they often serve to help not only the local people, but the conservation efforts in an area as well.
  
  

Socio-Economic Benefits

• Ecotours are designed to promote interaction between local populations and visitors. This provides an opportunity for the locals to sell goods and services directly to the tourists, allowing them to continue to promote their culture and to share it with outsiders. Ecotours also provide an opportunity to educate and raise awareness. Informed people are often more inclined to give money, and volunteer to help a population with the conservation efforts they are working toward.
  
  

Environmental Benefits

• Sustainable travel, minimal impact and conservation yield a healthy environment for local populations. By working with responsible tour groups, local populations have an opportunity to share their world without it being ruined in the process. The money generated from ecotourism specifically for conservation efforts will keep fragile environments beautiful for years to come; not to mention maintaining the quality of life for the local populations.
  
  

Benefits for the Tourist

• Tourists learn about the environment and the local people who live there.tourists in the cave image by Maksym Gorpenyuk from Fotolia.com
  
  For the conscientious traveler, an ecotour is a positive way to experience new places, without over-impacting the planet. Ecotourism provides a way to have a closer and more personal experience with the natural environment of a given location, and with the local community as well. And, of course, for the planet responsible tourism means a healthier world for us all.