Ferlyn C.

Mendoza

ECOTOURISM MANAGEMENT

BSTM3A

Assessment No.4

Meeting 4

EMERGENCE OF ECOTOURISM

For what I gathered in this lesson, Emergence of Ecotourism After the 1980s, the term "ecotourism"
emerged. The world has recognized it as a result of the growing understanding of ecologically
sustainable practices.

There are three types of tourism: ecotourism, sustainable tourism, and nature tourism.

Ecotourism Is a responsible travel to natural areas conserves the environment, supports the social and
economic well-being of the local people, and fosters knowledge and understanding through
interpretation and education of all parties involved.

While the majority of sustainable tourism is focused on reducing the impact of tourism, creating jobs for
locals, and preserving cultures.

And nature tourism is concerned with nature and its activities, as well as promoting nature tourism, and
it frequently includes recreational activities. Trekking in nature parks and preserve areas, bird watching,
and stargazing are a few examples of nature tourism.

Ceballos Lascurain is widely credited with developing the first formal definition of ecotourism in 1987.

Mexican architect, environmentalist, and international ecotourism consultant Hector Ceballos-Lascurain.

Hector has conducted research and provided consultations on all aspects of ecotourism planning and
development, including the architectural design and construction of ecolodges and other
environmentally friendly facilities, in over 70 countries around the world. In July 1983, he coined the
term "ecotourism" and its preliminary definition. He has co-authored over 130 books, reports, and
articles.

This is the background of Lifetime Achievement Award for Colibri Ecotourism.

He said that, "Is going strong around the world, and is providing important tangible benefits to local
communities and to nature conservation in many places of our globe."

He also said, "One problem that I see happening in several countries (again including my own, Mexico) is
that ecotourism is too often being confused with adventure tourism, i.e, the practice of physically
exertive sporting activities in a natural setting (frequently with limited benefits to poor rural
communities and little concern for the conservation of the natural environment). "

In this case, ecotourism is failing to meet two of the primary goals I established in 1983: benefiting local
communities and Nature. Another disadvantage in Mexico is that many 'ecotour' operators are primarily
addressing the domestic market and rarely attempting to attract international ecotourists, thus missing
out on the opportunity to attract large amounts of foreign currency, which is desperately needed in our
country.

We must constantly remind ourselves that ecotourism is preferred by 'nature lovers,' who fall into a
wide range of categories, including wildlife observers (including bird watchers as the single largest
category worldwide), botany buffs, geology enthusiasts (including volcano devotees), trekkers,
mountaineers, scuba divers, snorkelers, and wilderness fans. These nature lovers are traveling the world
in search of authentic and meaningful experiences in nature, so let us provide them with the specific,
high-quality ecotourism services they require. One of the most difficult challenges in Mexico is to
provide true ecotourism services (with high-level professional guides who are knowledgeable about the
natural and cultural habitat), rather than just high-running-adrenaline adventure tourism escapades.

Of course, this means prioritizing our country's natural and cultural heritage over tourist attractions and
gadgets (such as Tyrolese cable contraptions, canopy funiculars, cliff-climbing gear, etc.).

The high quality of the natural environment and naturalist guides is what draws ecotourists to a
location. As previously stated, another significant challenge for Mexican operators is to attract more
foreign ecotourists (and more foreign exchange, badly needed in our country). He advises these ecotour
operators to learn more about our natural and cultural heritage, as well as to take intensive English
classes.

"Geotourism incorporates the concept of sustainable tourism—that destinations should remain

unspoiled for future generations—while allowing for enhancement that protects the character of the
locale," according to National Geographic. Geotourism also adopts a principle from its cousin,
ecotourism, that tourism revenue can promote conservation, and extends that principle beyond nature
travel to include culture and history as well: all distinctive assets of a place."
The fact that his friend Ross Dowling uses the same term 'geotourism' adds to the confusion. For him,
'geo' refers to geology, geomorphology, and landforms, or the 'geological' attractions of a particular
location or region.

Because geological features are simply a part of the natural environment, the term "geotourism" would
simply imply a subset of ecotourism. However, in his opinion, this way of thinking only
compartmentalizes things, which detracts from ecotourism's more holistic and comprehensive approach
(which he believe is more edifying and enlightening, since it teaches us more about the whole
environment and interactions therein).

Hector Ceballos-Lascurain: Because this new moniker adds nothing significantly new, it has no meaning
for him. If we continue down this path, we will soon have "entotourism" (tourism for insect lovers),
"barotourism" (tourism for people interested in Baroque architecture), and "tradotourism" (tourism for
people interested in traditional cultures).... This could go on forever!

Hector Ceballos-Lascurain said that No , we do not . Indeed the term " ecotourism " isn't well known in
numerous parts of the Joined together States (and a few parts of Canada ) . The lion's share of
'ecotourism ' exercises in these ranges are generally a private division activity , fundamentally
adventure-tourism arranged , and with small or no interest from less rich country communities .
Ecotourism , on the other hand , has ended up a family term in Mexico . Within the final three or four a
long time ecotourism has been emphatically advanced by diverse government specialists (federal , state
and metropolitan ) , Curious about progressing the quality of life and financial level of ruined country
communities (particularly innate bunches ) .

However, as Hector previously stated, many of these experiences have sadly failed due to excessive
paternalism on the part of public authorities and, in many cases, a lack of interest and proper training on
the part of local groups. There is also a notable lack of continuity in many public programs and projects,
with a large number of them left unfinished, which adds to rural residents' frustration. There is also a
notable lack of coordination among various government offices.

According to Hector Ceballos-Lascurain, ecotourism still accounts for a small percentage of total air
travel. As a result, if ecotourists avoided long-distance travel, the impact would be practically negligible.
However, the ethical component implies that all ecotourists should try to reduce their air travel as much
as possible. For example, if I'm visiting a large country for the first time, it would be better for the
environment if I avoided flying across the country and focused on a specific region, preferring land or
water travel. Combining long-distance business trips with ecotourism is another viable option.
Hector Ceballos-Lascurain stated that he is unaware of any examples of business trip promotion that is
coordinated with ecotour promotion. I believe it would be a fantastic idea for both parties involved.