ADITI:

Definition-

Ecotourism is now defined as “responsible travel to natural areas

that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local
people, and involves interpretation and education.”

Characteristics of Ecotourism

The characteristics of ecotourism are as follows:

1. Involves travel to natural destinations

2. Minimize impact.

3. Builds environmental awareness.

4. Provides direct financial benefits for conservation.

5. Provides financial benefits and empowerment for local people.

6. Respect local culture; and

7. Supports human rights and democratic movements.

Scope of Ecotourism in India:

The scope of ecotourism in India is very high because of the wide

geographical area and biological diversity.

The Government of India published the ecotourism guidelines and

policies in 1998 which needs to be followed by the planners, tour
operators, visitors and other agencies. Thenmala Ecotourism
Project was the first planned ecotourism project in India, in the
state of Kerala, launched on July 1, 1998. It is strictly based on the
principles of ecotourism.
SANIKA:

Cultural tourism is concerned with a country or region’s culture,

especially the lifestyle of the people, their art, artitecture, social
interest and other elements that help to shape their way of life.
It also enables local communities to accept their culture as cultural
tourism is a major driver for growth.
Eg - carnival celebrated in Goa.

Educational tourism also called edu-tourism is about learning new

things, acquiring new knowledge about culture or history of other
destinations.
Its main focus is on studying new things, learning about other
cultures, study tours, or to apply the learned skills.
Eg- Educational cruises, school trips, seminar vacations, study
abroad experiences and self enhancement vacations.
Religious tourism refers to travel for religious or spiritual purposes,
such as undertaking a pilgrimage and visiting sacred sites.
India is dotted with spiritual and religious destinations, attracting
tourists in large numbers each year.
Eg- Somnath jyotirlinga, Gujarat , Golden temple,Punjab ,
Varanasi,UP

Agri tourism is the latest concept in the Indian tourism industry,

which normally occurs on farms. It gives an opportunity to the
tourists to experience the real enchanting and authentic contact
with the rural life, taste the local genuine food and get familiar with
the various farming tasks during the visit.
Eg- Farmer's markets, wine tourism, cider houses and corn mazes .
Adventure tourism involves experiencing your destination through
physically participating in activities. This can involve a variety of
actions such as; hiking, snorkeling, skydiving, and much more.
Therefore, adventure tourism appeals to those seeking adrenaline
and thrill.
Eg- Trekking (Jammu and Kashmir), SkyDiving (Gujarat) and
Bungee Jumping (Goa).
AASHNAA
Ecotourism is touted as a successful tool for promoting sustainable
economic practices in developing nations, and for encouraging
environmental conservation worldwide. The guiding principle of
sustainable development is to meet the needs and aspirations of a
region's present generation of people without compromising those
of future generations. Sustainable development policies also seek
to develop economic systems that run with little or no net
consumption of natural resources, and that avoid ecological
damage.

Ecotourism is often perceived as a tool for promoting sustainable

development in developing countries. Many view ecotourism as a
viable way to protect the natural environment and create social and
economic benefits for local communities.

Therefore, ecotourism is accepted as an alternative type of

sustainable development. Ecotourism has attracted increasing
attention in recent years, not only as an alternative to mass tourism,
but also as a means to promote a country’s economic development
and environmental conservation. Its aim is to conserve resources,
especially biological diversity, and maintain sustainable use of
resources, which can bring ecological experience to travelers,
conserve the ecological environment and gain.

A number of international organizations, including the United

Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and Conservation
International, support ecotourism as a component of their
sustainable development and environmental conservation
strategies. In fact, 2002 was designated as the International Year of
Ecotourism.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization promotes and

discusses responsible and sustainable tourism and advocates for
the achievement of ecotourism-related UN Sustainable
Development Goals.
PRACHI

Is EcoTourism beneficial? Undoubtedly, Yes!

● Eco Tourism minimizes the negative impacts on the natural

environment by conventional tourism.
● Eco tourism directs economic and other benefits to the local
people by providing them employment.
● It promotes conservation of natural assets and enhances the
cultural integrity of the local people.
● Eco tourism has become the major source of income for a lot
of developing and underdeveloped countries.
● It promotes the preservation of wildlife and the natural
habitats.
● Ensures that the natural resources are conserved and
managed properly so that they could be saved for the future
generations.

On the other hand if ecotourism is not monitored properly it can be

as damaging as the mass tourism :

● It is the major threat to the rich biodiversity and natural

habitats of the wilds in the jungles.
● Eco tourism tends to conserve the environment at the
expense of the development prospects for the third world
communities.
● Located in the eco systems, eco tourism projects itself are the
biggest obstacle in the way of the development of the
environment.
● Competition for eco tourism income between the various
groups leads to social disharmony.
● Increased use of resources by the human population, even in
the smallest sense, causes problems to the environment.
● Another major threat to the environment are the production
waste and effluent pollution as well as increasing human
activities like logging, and agricultural clearance.
AAKANKSHA
Ecotourism has benefited destinations like Madagascar, Ecuador, Kenya, and
Costa Rica, and has helped provide economic growth in some of the world’s
most impoverished communities.
Tanzania :Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Galapagos Islands
Costa Rica : Tenorio Volcano National Park

New Zealand: Westland Tai Poutini National Park

From the deserts of Rajasthan to the lush green forest of
Cherrapunji, from the mighty Himalayas to the majestic deep blue
beaches of the South, India has been a favourite ecotourism
destination which hosts rich flora and fauna.

Best Ecotourism destinations in India:

Kerala - Munnar, Backwater waterways, Thenmala, Thodupuzha, Eravikulam National
Park, Periyar National Park, Kodaikanal

Karnataka - Coorg, Nagarhole National Park, Bandipur National Park,

Goa -Galgibaga Beach

Andhra Pradesh - Tyda, Maredumilli

Odisha - Chilika

West Bengal - Sunderbans National Park

Sikkim - Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve

Assam - Kaziranga National Park, Majuli

Meghalaya - Mawlynnong (cleanest village in Asia)
Nagaland - Jotsoma Village

Arunachal Pradesh - Namdhapa National Park

Ladakh - Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve

Madhya Pradesh - Kanha National Park