Exploring Ecotourism

An option you may see becoming available more and more often when planning your vacations and getaways is ecotourism. In simplest terms, ecotourism is the act of traveling in an environmentally responsible and educated way by supporting areas of natural preservation and the local economy. It’s related to sustainable living and protecting the destinations we love for future generations. Various international and domestic travel-related businesses proudly take an ecotourism approach to their business dealings, whether they are tour operators, lodging or dining options. Ecotourism often has a strong emphasis on assisting locally owned operations, growing the local economy and creating a tourist environment that benefits the life experiences of those living in popular areas.

The International Ecotourism Society has a great selection of information regarding ecotourism, news, relevant events — like their Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference, which was in Quito, Ecuador, this year — and ways to get involved. They also have a directory of businesses that are society members, so travelers can easily find organizations and professionals in their destinations that they can trust to abide by their ecotourism standards. They even offer free memberships for avid travelers to get extra information and opportunities.

While ecotourism may sound different than what many of us are used to, it’s really not far off from most travel experiences. It’s simply a matter of making informed decisions about where you go and what you do while traveling, in an effort to make a difference rather than exploit both the planet and the people living in your chosen destination.