Title: Ecotourism
1Ecotourism
By Lauren Woodliff for the CTAE Resource Network
2Also known as
- Ecological Tourism
- Nature Tourism
- Sustainable Tourism
3What is Ecotourism?
- Ecotourism-
- Characterized by travel to natural areas to
enjoy native environments, natural scenery,
wildlife and partake in outdoor oriented
activities
4More on Ecotourism..
- Travel to destinations where plants, animals,
geological formations and cultural heritage are
the main attractions. - Common ecotourism activities
- Wildlife viewing
- Bird watching
- Mountain climbing
- Hiking
- Nature photography,
- Agriculture
- Scuba diving
- Snorkeling, and
- Safaris
5Benefits
- Ecotourism destinations are often located in
developing countries that have wide range of
natural features. - Benefits
- Local economic growth
- Cultural awareness
- Environmental conservation resource protection
- Environmental education
- Takes the place of environmentally harmful
tourism - Water Parks
- Excessive development
6Examples of Ecotourism Sites
- International
- Great Barrier Reefs, Australia
- African Safaris
- Machu Picchu, Peru
- Rainforest Canopy Tours, Costa Rica
- Everest Treks, Himalayas
- Glacier Hikes, Antarctica
- U.S. National Parks
- Grand Canyon
- Denali
- Yosemite
- Yellowstone
- Everglades
7Examples of Ecotourism Sites in Georgia
- Cumberland Island
- Okefenokee Swamp
- Stone Mountain
- Can you think of any more?
8The goal is to provide a natural experience while
minimizing disturbance to surrounding wildlife
habitat
9Happy Medium Customers want to be close to
nature Customers want to be comfortable
10Facility design should be low impact and
environmentally responsible
11Ecotourism Business Development
- Focus on sustainability
- Minimize human impact
- Environmentally responsible operations
- Design facilities in harmony with nature
- Examples
- Tree House Lodging
- Tents and Canopies
- Eco Lodging
12Agritourism
- A type of Ecotourism where agricultural
activities are the primary attraction. - Includes
- Farm tours
- Wine and vineyard tours
- Hay Rides
- Dude ranch Cattle drives
13Education is a large aspect of Ecotourism
- Visitors want to learn
- Guided tours
- Informational Signs and Placards located on
trails - Brochures
- Outdoor classes
- Agriculture
14Four steps forsuccessful and sustainable
tourismdevelopment
15Ecotourism Discussion
- Why are Ecotourism and
- other sustainable travel trends important?
- For the local community?
- For the environment?
- From the examples and destinations presented
- Where would you want to go?
- What would you want to do there?
- Can you think of other examples that havent been
discussed? - Have you ever been an Ecotourist?