Ecotourism is one of the fastest growing tourism industries worldwide. Ecotourism holiday makers want an experience which involves nature in some way, be it hiking, snorkeling, canoeing, rafting, 4WDing, camping and wilderness adventures or simply staying in eco resorts.
There is a focus on conservation in Ecotourism, with holiday makers wanting to holiday responsibly, minimising their impact on the local environment and community. The locations in which Ecotourism takes place can vary greatly from deserts, rainforests, mountains, rivers, beaches and oceans to rural landscapes.
As Ecotourism experiences are so varied it allows for a great diversity of careers within the industry.
To establish an ecotourism business, or to work in ecotourism requires an understanding of a wide range of issues including legal considerations, safety and accommodation. You also need 'people skills' i.e. you must like being with people (from many walks of life) and be able to communicate in a friendly manner come what may. You will also need great organisational skills and be able to handle a crises should it occur in a cool headed and professional manner.
Ecotourism (a combination of the words 'Ecology' and 'Tourism') has emerged out of a growing interest in outdoor adventure activities - from mountaineering to low impact bush walking and also a curiosity about our natural environment.
The purpose of ecotourism is
to foster an appreciation of nature and culture while also promoting
conservation, supporting sustainable community development, minimizing
tourism’s negative impacts, and providing for the active, beneficial
involvement of local communities. Ecotourism is also committed to
sustainable operations and environmentally sound practices. Ecotourism
enables communities to thrive economically while preserving and
restoring the resources on which the travel and tourism industry and
local communities depend.
The rise of ecotourism reflects, in part, the growing interest among
many parts of society in nature as something to be protected and
studied. It is, in a way, a return to an earlier attitude, but with the
added influence of a more widespread and informed environmentalist
attitude. The modern ecotourist is motivated by delight in nature, but
also by a general attitude towards the environment that has been
influenced and informed by the environmental movement.
For further information on how you can learn about ecotourism and how you might gain a foothold in this exciting industry check out the following ACS courses:
ECOTOURISM COURSES WITH ACS