Why the Interest in Ecotourism?

A key reason for the growing focus on ecotourism is that it represents the ‘greening’ of tourism, the cutting edge of ideas, actions and technologies which will hopefully lead the way for a more sustainable future for the wider tourism industry. Equally, ecotourism is a response to the demands of an increasingly environmentally aware global community. A community that not only wants to be environmentally responsible at home but also when they are on holidays.

Of course this growing interest in ecotourism is not only about ecological, cultural and social sustainability, there is also an economic imperative. Although there is a general lack of definitive research and data about the importance and economic contribution of ecotourism, it has been estimated that ecotourism could account for between 40% to 60% of the world wide international tourism market and as much as a 25% of a nation’s domestic tourism (Filion et al., 1992). In Australia, where there is a strong and thriving ecotourism industry, it has been estimated that ecotourism generates a turnover of AUD$250 million per annum and provides 4 500 full-time jobs (Cotterill 1995). Bird-watching is an important segment of ecotourism and the following statistics quoted by Ceballos- Lascurain (1998) reveal something of its significance:

• during 1994/95 54 million people in the USA took part in bird-watching compared with 21 million in 1982/83
• between 1990 and 1997 the American Birding Association membership grew from 6,000 to 20,000 with 65% of members taking more than 10 birding trips per annum and spending on average US$3,000 on their trips
• the 8 week Sandhill Crane migration has been estimated to be worth US$60 million per annum to the state of Nebraska.

Also in the USA, the USDA Forest Service estimates that in 1996, 830 million people visited US National Forests, and by the year 2000 the 78 million hectares of National Forests will generate US$3.5 billion from timber sales and a staggering US$100 billion from recreation (Mitchell, 1997). In Australia anecdotal evidence suggests the ecotourists spend up to 50% more than the average tourist and stay up to twice as long. The significance of ecotourism is further highlighted by the world-wide acceptance of the term by industry and governments of all levels.

Ecotourism associations have been established throughout the world, with influential groups including The Ecotourism Society established in the USA in 1990 followed closely by the Ecotourism Association of Australia in 1991. There are many other active groups in countries such as Brazil, Kenya, Japan, Estonia and Indonesia. In Australia the Federal Government adopted a National Ecotourism Strategy in 1994 and since that time most state governments have adopted state strategies to reflect the intent of the national plan. In Queensland the State Government released the Queensland Ecotourism Plan in 1997 and created the first dedicated Environmental Tourism Department within an Australian State Government tourism agency (Tourism Queensland) to oversee the implementation of the plan.

Ecotourism is undoubtedly a burgeoning niche market within the world tourism industry. Unfortunately, ecotourism is also a much abused concept, with many tourism organisations and operators cashing in on the marketing advantages of ecotourism, with little recognition of its key ideals and principles. So what has to be done to ensure that ecotourism is not just another marketing angle and realises its true potential?

Eco-Tourism Or Eco-Terrorism?

The trend towards eco-tourism holidays, presented as sustainable, nature-based and environmentally friendly, is now subject to considerable controversy. It is the tourism industry's fastest growing subsector, with an estimated world-wide annual growth of 10-15%. Governments as well as the tourism industry promote eco-tourism, with its claims of economic and social sensitivity. But there are well-founded concerns that it lacks adequate scientific foundations, and is not viable as a solution to the world's social and environmental problems.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14