Ecotourism: Ecological Tourism

What Is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism, also known as ecological tourism, is a form of tourism which appeals to the ecologically and socially conscious. Ecotourism focuses on local culture, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth, and learning new ways to live on the planet; typically involving travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Sustainable development needs to have social, economic and environmental needs all together to occur.

A Trip Too Far: Ecotourism, Politics and Exploitation

Tourism is the world's largest industry and environmentally sustainable tourism or "ecotourism" has become a major area of interest for governments, the private sector and international lending institutions. It is regarded as a way of allowing economic development whilst protecting against environmental degradation, especially in those countries with fragile ecosystems. However, this may not be the reality. Rosaleen Duffy presents the first critical analysis of "ecotourism"; does it deliver real environmental benefits or is it just a marketing opportunity - "green greed"? By the extensive use of case study and interview material, she shows how ecotourism can work to support conservation and local economies given the right political context and regulation.

The ideas and proposals that are presented will be important for the development of ecotourism around the globe and will be vital reading for academics in development and environmental studies and for NGOs and the tourism industry.

Environmental Impacts of Ecotourism

Environmental Impacts of Ecotourism (Ecotourism Book Series)

All forms of tourism have impacts on the natural environment. The impacts of ecotourism tend to be concentrated in areas of highest conservation value, hence the need to manage and minimize these. The book considers impacts of particular activities, such as hiking and camping, off-road vehicles, and recreational boats, and impacts specific to certain ecosystems (e.g. marine environments, polar coasts, mountain environments.) It incorporates reviews of better-studied impacts by well-known experts; and case studies of recent research and less well-known issues.

About the Author
Ralf Buckley, Director, International Centre for Ecotourism Research, Griffith University.

Case Studies in Ecotourism

Case Studies in Ecotourism (Tourism)

As a counterpart to the growing volume of more theoretical literature in ecotourism, this volume presents a global compilation and analysis of over 170 real-life case studies in ecotourism, selected after an extensive screening process. It includes ecotours on land and sea, ecolodges and resorts, private reserves and public parks. The case studies range from the world's best models to test cases, small to large, unique to representative. Data are drawn from independent audits by the author and others, and from published reports from universities, multilateral and non-government organizations. The book shows what ecotourism can achieve and what constraints it faces, and provides a convenient and comprehensive reference for ecotourism enterprises, development agencies and university teaching.

About the Author
R. Buckley, International Center for Ecotourism Research, Griffith University.

Ecotourism (Themes in Tourism)

Accessible core text dealing with the relationship of tourism and nature, providing a contemporary analysis of the impacts of tourism upon the environment.Tourism is the fastest growing industry in the world and the fastest growing component of it is ecotourism. The current growth rate of tourism means that there will be approximately 650 million international tourists by 2001. However it is natural area tourism which is the most rapidly growing segment of tourism and the WTO estimates it generates approximately 8% of all international travel expenditure (WTO/UNEP 1992). Reflecting this huge growth in ecotourism, Dowling introduces students to the primary aspects of this global industry. From the relationship between tourism and the environment to nature based tourism and ecotourism's impacts, the book presents students with a comprehensive examination of what ecotourism is, where it lies within tourism, and the issues that have arisen in the development of ecotourism within such a huge global industry.

Critical Issues in Ecotourism: understanding a complex tourism phenomenon

Critical Issues in Ecotourism seeks to shake the current stagnant literature on the subject of ecotourism out of a state of complacency. Drawing upon emerging insights provided by pre-eminent scholars in the field it identifies and comprehensively addresses current critical issues. Accessible to both academic and non-academic audiences, it provides the reader with the following:

* A critical, direct and hard hitting analysis of the real issues that apply to the field of ecotourism
*Contributions from prominent international scholars that address issues of relevance to a diverse and international readership
* Dissemination of the scholarly works of social and natural science addressing this field
* A collection of works by outstanding international scholars, in a comprehensively planned and integrated book

Incorporating rigorous scientific insights in specialised fields of research, for example, identifying and protecting critical habits where tourists engage with endangered species, Critical Issues in Ecotourism is an important and ground breaking contribution set to expose the increasingly mythologized field of ecotourism.

* The first book to identify and comprehensively address, hot issues in ecotourism
* Written by a team of pre-eminent international contributors including the UK, US, Australia and New Zealand
* Incorporates cutting-edge scientific research which exposes the crucial issues

The Business of Ecotourism

Ecotourism is not a fad. It's a trend and one of the fastest growing areas in the tourism industry. Labeling your business venture as 'ecotourism' requires a careful understanding of the term and its underlying principles. In The Business of Ecotourism, author Carol Patterson discusses the key elements of sustainable tourism and provides ideas and examples on how to succeed in the industry without compromising environmental principles. She also covers such topics as building important partnerships, developing cultural tourism strategies, building tour packages, organizing festivals, and understanding business risk.

The Business of Ecotourism provides sound advice on helping keep your business sustainable during both good and bad economic times. Balance both nature and profit while maintaining integrity in the ecotourism industry.

Learn how to...
* Start or upgrade your ecotourism business. Helpful to both the small businessman and greening up a large enterprise.
* Turn obstacles into opportunities. Understand and minimize risk. Learn how to develop innovative marketing techniques and diversify your product to stay competitive.
* Develop a strong business sense. Practical advice on forming partnerships, writing business plans, obtaining financing, managing cash flow, and hiring the right employees.
* Cultivate exceptional customer service. Keep existing clientele happy and learn ways to attract new customers.