Ecotourism

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Ecotourism
By Lauren Woodliff for the CTAE Resource Network
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Also known as

• Ecological Tourism
• Nature Tourism
• Sustainable Tourism

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What is Ecotourism?

• Ecotourism-
• Characterized by travel to natural areas to
  enjoy native environments, natural scenery,
  wildlife and partake in outdoor oriented
  activities

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More on Ecotourism..

• Travel to destinations where plants, animals,
  geological formations and cultural heritage are
  the main attractions.
• Common ecotourism activities
• Wildlife viewing
• Bird watching
• Mountain climbing
• Hiking
• Nature photography,
• Agriculture
• Scuba diving
• Snorkeling, and
• Safaris

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Benefits

• Ecotourism destinations are often located in
  developing countries that have wide range of
  natural features.
• Benefits
• Local economic growth
• Cultural awareness
• Environmental conservation resource protection
• Environmental education
• Takes the place of environmentally harmful
  tourism
• Water Parks
• Excessive development

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Examples of Ecotourism Sites

• International
• Great Barrier Reefs, Australia
• African Safaris
• Machu Picchu, Peru
• Rainforest Canopy Tours, Costa Rica
• Everest Treks, Himalayas
• Glacier Hikes, Antarctica
• U.S. National Parks
• Grand Canyon
• Denali
• Yosemite
• Yellowstone
• Everglades

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Examples of Ecotourism Sites in Georgia

• Cumberland Island
• Okefenokee Swamp
• Stone Mountain
• Can you think of any more?

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The goal is to provide a natural experience while
minimizing disturbance to surrounding wildlife
habitat
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Happy Medium Customers want to be close to
nature Customers want to be comfortable
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Facility design should be low impact and
environmentally responsible
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Ecotourism Business Development

• Focus on sustainability
• Minimize human impact
• Environmentally responsible operations
• Design facilities in harmony with nature
• Examples
• Tree House Lodging
• Tents and Canopies
• Eco Lodging

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Agritourism

• A type of Ecotourism where agricultural
  activities are the primary attraction.
• Includes
• Farm tours
• Wine and vineyard tours
• Hay Rides
• Dude ranch Cattle drives

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Education is a large aspect of Ecotourism

• Visitors want to learn
• Guided tours
• Informational Signs and Placards located on
  trails
• Brochures
• Outdoor classes
• Agriculture

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Four steps forsuccessful and sustainable
tourismdevelopment
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Ecotourism Discussion

• Why are Ecotourism and
• other sustainable travel trends important?
• For the local community?
• For the environment?
• From the examples and destinations presented
• Where would you want to go?
• What would you want to do there?
• Can you think of other examples that havent been
  discussed?
• Have you ever been an Ecotourist?