What is Eco Travel?
What is Eco Travel?
For those who are familiar with eco-travel, you will agree that the phrase has been interpreted in different ways over the years. And, this has only impacted more confusion amongst travelers who really need to be enlightened on eco-travel. After a long conversation with a buddy of mine that runs Techy Ninjas , an advertising agency out in Texas, and happens to do a lot of traveling, decided he wanted to give me some travel tips that day, and well, I have decided to share those tips with you today. Below is a detailed description of the tips that will help you understand it easily and better.
Definition of Eco-Travel
According to The International Ecotourism Society, eco-travel refers to responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of the locals. Eco-tourism emphasizes on connecting conservation, communities and sustainable travel.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature describes eco-travel as ‘’environmentally responsible travel to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promote conservation, have low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local people.’’
While the above definitions might seem different, it is only in the words. Both are advocating for the same thing; responsible traveling.
Principles of Eco-Travel
There are certain guidelines that travelers should abide by in order to ensure eco-travel. These guidelines are mainly push for activities that promote eco-travel. They include;
- Minimizing impact
- Building environmental and cultural awareness and respect
- Providing positive experiences for travelers and locals
- Providing direct financial benefits for conservation
- Providing financial benefits and empowerment for local people
- Raising sensitivity to the political, environmental and social climate of the host country
Based on the definition and principles of eco-travel above, it is clear that the bigger idea is asking travelers to always try to leave the places that they visit better than they found them. Travelers can contribute to this course in many ways, for instance, buying goods and services that benefit the locals, staying in accommodations that are ecologically sound and supporting local environmental conservation initiatives.
In a nut shell, eco-travel mainly requires that you travel the green way.