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Environmental concerns now affect almost every aspect of our lives and travel
is no different. In recent years the term ‘eco-tourism’ has come to the
fore and is now commonly used when talking about booking holidays right
across the world. Back in 2002 the United Nations announced that
particular year was to be the International Year of Eco-tourism. Simply
put, Eco-tourism is holidaying with a conscience, but the many facets
around it deserve to be looked at in more detail.
Protecting natural environments is one of the main areas where Eco-tourism can make a real difference. Tourism on a mass scale can have a very negative impact on areas with delicately balanced habitats and exploiting these for profit runs the very real risk of them not being around for future generations to enjoy.
As habitats suffer through the building of new properties, environmental damage and the displacement of local people through increased levels of outside visitors, it follows that wildlife and species in the affected area will be hit hard too. Conserving endangered animals and plants is one of the most high profile aspects and played a big part in the development of Eco-tourism in the late 1980’s.
Eco-tourism is also about making a real difference to local people’s lives. This can be done in a variety of ways. Many tour operators will offer you the chance to get a feel for what the area is really like by residing in the homes of the native population. This not only benefits you as a tourist by gaining an eye opening insight into what life is really like for other people but it also enhances the community as well by providing funds which can be used to help preserve their current way of life.
Depending on the type of holiday you choose there could be the opportunity for you to have an input into local projects and work with the locals to help create a better and more sustainable environment for themselves. This can be a very enriching experience and give you a real sense of achievement when you see the difference you’ve been able to make.
Even staying in eco-friendly hotels can make a significant impact on the environment surrounding the area you choose to stay in. There are a number of things they can do such as changing towels and bed clothes less often, reducing the temperature of their laundry water, buying recycled products and ensuring that their own waste is recycled wherever possible.
So whether you want to spend some time volunteering in South America or pamper yourself at a Dubai luxury resort, the choice you make when deciding on your next holiday could leave a lasting legacy in that particular part of the world.
Protecting natural environments is one of the main areas where Eco-tourism can make a real difference. Tourism on a mass scale can have a very negative impact on areas with delicately balanced habitats and exploiting these for profit runs the very real risk of them not being around for future generations to enjoy.
As habitats suffer through the building of new properties, environmental damage and the displacement of local people through increased levels of outside visitors, it follows that wildlife and species in the affected area will be hit hard too. Conserving endangered animals and plants is one of the most high profile aspects and played a big part in the development of Eco-tourism in the late 1980’s.
Eco-tourism is also about making a real difference to local people’s lives. This can be done in a variety of ways. Many tour operators will offer you the chance to get a feel for what the area is really like by residing in the homes of the native population. This not only benefits you as a tourist by gaining an eye opening insight into what life is really like for other people but it also enhances the community as well by providing funds which can be used to help preserve their current way of life.
Depending on the type of holiday you choose there could be the opportunity for you to have an input into local projects and work with the locals to help create a better and more sustainable environment for themselves. This can be a very enriching experience and give you a real sense of achievement when you see the difference you’ve been able to make.
Even staying in eco-friendly hotels can make a significant impact on the environment surrounding the area you choose to stay in. There are a number of things they can do such as changing towels and bed clothes less often, reducing the temperature of their laundry water, buying recycled products and ensuring that their own waste is recycled wherever possible.
So whether you want to spend some time volunteering in South America or pamper yourself at a Dubai luxury resort, the choice you make when deciding on your next holiday could leave a lasting legacy in that particular part of the world.
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