Different Types of Ecotourism

Ecotourism can take many different forms, but there are four main types, as detailed
below:
1. Travel for mutual benefit of community development
Many examples of ecotourism can be described as being based on the concept of
community development. This often means that a traveller goes to a developing country or
poorer community and experiences life there while doing activities or project work designed
to benefit local residents.
Traveling to these communities helps the local economy, while project work benefits
the people who live there. The traveller benefits from an authentic experience of local culture,
traditions and ways of life.
2. Eco accommodation and eco-friendly accommodation
Eco accommodation refers to accommodation that has been designed and developed
to have as little impact on the surrounding natural environment as possible. Accommodation
of this type can take many forms, such as huts, tents and houses, and its location is chosen to
minimize disruption to local wildlife and people.
Generally, accommodations that fall into this category are built with ethically sourced
materials and care is taken to ensure limited use of local water and energy resources.
3. Eco-trekking and activity-based ecotourism
Eco-trekking and other similar types of eco-tourism can be viewed as active
educational journeys that combine physical activity with a broader purpose. Travelers engage
in hiking, rock climbing, nature walks, water sports activities, etc., conducting these activities
with minimal impact on the local environment.
The activity is combined with educational experiences and travellers are taught about
the region and its culture. Companies offering eco-treks can donate a percentage of their
profits to support local causes.
4. Agrotourism and focus on rural communities
Finally, agritourism is a form of tourism that focuses on agricultural activities and
rural communities. It usually consists of travellers visiting rural areas and actively
participating in local life and culture to experience what life is really like in different parts of
the world.
The term agritourism or rural tourism describes a tourist branch with holiday and
leisure activities in a village-rural environment. Traditionally common is the involvement of
vacationers in agricultural operations and contact with animals, which particularly appeals to
families with children. Newer offerings include activities such as guided horseback riding
and simplified golfing, but also alternative smallholder lifestyles.
As part of the trip, travellers can help out with local farming chores or otherwise
contribute to the local economy. This then supports the development and financial health of
the rural community.
Perhaps the greatest benefit of ecotourism is the fact that it encourages both travelers
and businesses operating in the region to be more mindful of nature and more committed to
adopting sustainable and helpful behaviors that outweigh those caused by tourism activities
limit damage caused.
It can create jobs and boost investment in the economy without consuming valuable
resources, which in turn can lead to improved living standards. Additionally, ecotourism
activities can help incentivize governments, businesses, charities, and others to take
conservation efforts seriously.
 The educational aspect of ecotourism can also lead travelers to adopt positive
behaviors in their everyday lives, such as being more conscious about conservation and
sustainability. Meanwhile, the presence of tourists in areas that have not historically been
tourist hotspots can help locals learn new skills.
For travel companies, ecotourism products are also easier to sell to environmentally
conscious travelers. 1
While the motives driving ecotourism are positive, there can also be disadvantages
associated with the practice. For example, while ecotourism helps provide jobs to people in
selected tourist areas, many of these jobs can be volatile or seasonal, meaning there can be
times of the year when there is no work.
Even if steps are taken to minimize the damage caused by tourism, there is still likely
to be an increase in CO2 emissions in the region as tourists bring vehicles. The benefits
created by ecotourism may not be shared equally or equitably, which can increase inequality
while overtourism is still possible.
Despite efforts to avoid negative impacts on nature, ecotourism also has the potential
to make certain travel destinations much more popular with visitors and this will likely lead
to some of tourism's traditional problems, including the displacement of wildlife or
indigenous peoples.

Travel for Eco

mutual benefit accommodation
of community and eco-friendly
development accommodation

Eco-trekking and Agrotourism and

activity-based focus on rural
ecotourism communities

Figure 1.2. – Ecotourism types

Source: https://www.eco-romania.ro/ecoturism/despre-ecoturism

1 www.ecotourism.org