Eco facts
What is eco-tourism according to Topas Ecolodge?
Defining eco-tourism...
Eco-Tourism focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on our vulnerable planet.
Responsible eco-tourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water re-use, and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities are an integral part of eco-tourism.
What is eco-tourism…?
Eco-tourism is “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people”.
Eco-tourism is cultural tourism (a cross-culture experience), nature tourism (assisting with conservation programs), a travel-learn experience (discovering how we are coping with modernity), a little bit of soft adventure (just being here is an adventure), and benefiting the well-being of indigenous people.
What is the difference between eco-tourism and nature based travel…?
While nature-based tourism is simply travel to wilderness areas, eco-tourism provides local benefits - environmentally, culturally and economically. A nature-based tourist goes bird watching; an eco-tourist goes bird watching with a local guide, stays in a locally operated ecolodge and contributes to the local economy.
What is sustainable tourism…?
Sustainable tourism in its purest sense is an industry which attempts to have a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate income, employment, and the conservation of local ecosystems. It is responsible tourism which is both ecologically and culturally sensitive.
Where does sustainable tourism fit in…?
Sustainable tourism embraces all segments of the industry within guidelines and criteria that seek to reduce environmental impacts (particularly the use of non-renewable resources) using measurable benchmarks, and to improve tourism’s contribution to sustainable development and environmental conservation.
Sustainable eco-tourism…
- Minimizes environment impacts using benchmarks
- Improves contribution to local sustainable development
- Requires the lowest possible consumption of non-renewable resources
- Sustains the well-being of local people
- Stresses the importance of local ownership
- Supports effort to conserve the environment
It's informative…
Travelers not only learn about the destination, they learn how to help sustain its character while deepening their own travel experiences. Residents learn that the ordinary and familiar may be of interest and value to outsiders.
It supports integrity of place…
Destination-savvy travelers seeks out businesses that emphasize the character of the locale in terms of architecture, cuisine, heritage, aesthetics and ecology. In turn, tourism revenues raise local perceived value of those assets.
It benefits residents…
Travel businesses do their best to employ and train local people, buy local supplies and use local services.
It conserves resources…
Environmentally aware travelers favour businesses that minimize pollution, waste, energy consumption, water usage, landscaping chemicals, and unnecessary night-time lighting.
It respects local culture and tradition…
Foreign visitors learn about and observe local etiquette, including using at least a few courtesy words in the local language. Residents learn how to deal with foreign expectations that might differ from their own.
It does not abuse its product…
Businesses cooperate to sustain natural habitants, heritage sites, scenic appeal, and local culture.
It strives for quality, not quantity…
Communities measure tourism success not by sheer numbers of visitors, but by length of stay, money spent, and quality of experience.
It means great trips…
Satisfied, excited visitors bring new knowledge home and send friends off to experience the same thing, which provides continuing business for the destination.
