Ecological tourism or ecotourism is a new trend, different kind of alternative tourism to traditional tourism. It is an approach to tourism activities in which the focus is on sustainability, preservation, appreciation of the environment (both natural and cultural) that welcomes and keeps the tourist aware of what is around him. Although there are different interpretations, usually ecotourism tourism is promoted as “ethical”, which is also presumed to be paramount the welfare of local populations, and that presumption is reflected in the structure and operation of companies/groups/cooperatives that engage in providing such service.

Due to its booming ecotourism and became the fastest-growing and most dynamic sector of the global tourism market. This movement appeared in the late 1980s, and has already managed to attract enough international interest to the extent that the UN dedicated 2002 to eco-tourism. See all the beauty that Australia has to offer for less with great deals on Gold Coast accommodation!

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improve the welfare of local people”. Genuine ecotourism should take the following seven principles, both for those who operate services to those involved: minimize negative impacts to the environment and the community, which generate: build respect and environmental awareness and cultural, provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts, provide direct financial benefits for conservation, provide financial benefits and enhance participation in decision-making of the local community, create sensitivity to the political climate, environmental and social host countries and supporting universal human rights and labor laws.

Despite its short existence, ecotourism is seen by several conservation groups, governments and international institutions as a viable alternative for sustainable development . There are countries like Costa Rica , Kenya , Madagascar , Nepal and Ecuador ( Galapagos Islands ) where ecotourism produces a significant portion of foreign exchange earnings from the tourism sector, and in some cases, the country’s economy.