Ecotourism Is a major contributor to local economies, such as in Costa Rica
Tourism is big business, according to the World Tourism Organization, which estimated international tourism receipts totaled more than $944 billion in 2008. The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." Ecotourists are encouraged to minimize their environmental impact.
Local Benefits
Economic benefits from tourist receipts help local populations see value in conserving and protecting natural resources.
Traveler Benefits
Travel to natural destinations increases the environmental awareness of the traveler, creating a bond that may result in financial and legislative support of preservation and conservation efforts.
Environmental Risk
While striving to minimize impact, ecotourism often takes visitors to pristine areas, sometimes fragile environments, that have evolved with little human activity, which increases their environmental risks.
Greenwashing
A negative impact of ecotourism is the practice of greenwashing, where some businesses take advantage of its economic value and label their practices eco-friendly when in fact they are anything but.
Air Travel
The Global Development Research Center estimates that tourism accounts for 60 percent of air travel, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
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