Ecotourism is a frequently debated term. Sometimes it is used simply to
identify a form of tourism where the motivation of visitors, and the sales pitch
to them, centres on the observation of nature. Increasingly, this general sector
of the market is called ‘nature tourism’. True ‘ecotourism’, however, requires a
proactive approach that seeks to mitigate the negative and enhance the positive
impacts of nature tourism. The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism
as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment
and sustains the well-being of local people.
This definition not only implies that there should be a recognition of, and
positive support for, the conservation of natural resources, both by suppliers and
consumers, but also that there is a necessary social dimension to ecotourism.
The term ‘community-based ecotourism’ takes this social dimension a stage
further. This is a form of ecotourism where the local community has substantial
control over, and involvement in, its development and management, and a major
proportion of the benefits remain within the community.