Understanding Ecotourism

Ecotourism implements to be a responsible traveler in places which conserves the natural environment for the prosperity of the people. Ecotourism should be valued in certain countries. Your attitude as a traveler should be appropriate. Here are guidelines on how to be a responsible traveler:


• You should educate yourself about the chosen destination. Learn about the culture and practices of the local people. Learn some words or phrases about their language to greet the locals.
• Respect the cultural practices of the locals. Awareness about an area’s dress code is important. The locals might be conservative enough disapproving short and fit clothes. You are a foreigner to that country; therefore, you should oblige yourself to their rules and regulations.
• Be humble at all times. Don’t be showy to the locals. Leave your valuables like gadgets and jewelries.
• Expect the unexpected. Accept that there are more learning to acquire during the trip. Don’t be disappointed when some plans are cancelled.
• Leave nothing but memories. Never liter around the area. Make sure that the things you used are kept or thrown away in the garbage can. Don’t touch or remove anything you see in the environment like flowers or animals.
• Choose the right tour guide. Ask the travel agency about their involvement in the local community and economy. Remember that some agencies are just promoting themselves to be eco-friendly to attract many tourists.
• Meet and befriend the locals. Exchange cultural learning by interacting to the local people. Talk to your bus seatmate or anyone you meet in the restaurant.
• Preserve ecotourism in your daily life. Share your knowledge to others. Continue to conserve the environment and bridge cultural gap even at home.

The beauty of nature should be preserved at all times. Wildlife in some countries is endangered because of severe hunting, illegal logging, and fishing by irresponsible people. Ecotourism must be sustained and followed by travelers. Some developing countries are incompetent to preserve nature because they are not fully valued. The pollution produced by resorts and hotels will damage the nearby habitat without the implementation of ecotourism in risky countries. Areas with many tourists can damage the environment. Ecotourism minimizes the damages by recycling resources and proper disposal of waste products. The attitude of tourists should also be controlled to keep the ecosystem safety. The tourists and locals should have a better understanding about the country, culture, and etiquette by providing them guide materials like books or magazines.

Guidebooks are available to inform you about ecotourism. The guidebook Green Travel promotes 100 eco escapes from different countries. The book also features accommodations in the area that supports a greener environment. Another recommended book is Green Places to Stay by Alastair Sawday. The book provides guidelines for tourists regarding places that are responsible in applying ecotourism. The book contains information about 150 areas in a variety of 50 countries.

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