Understanding Real Ecotourism

Many scholars, authors have categorized  tourists visiting to eco spots based on their criteria of visits. As noted by author Weaver David (2013), they are  hard or soft ecotourists. Hard Ecotourists are active with strong environmental commitment who do not rely on facilitating factors like travel agents or services at the destination. They take up long trips  into relatively undisturbed settings where opportunities for physically and mentally challenging experiences are available. Soft ecotourists are associated with a more conventional tourist market that engages in mentally and physically unchallenging/ comfortable ecotourism experiences as a short duration component of a multi-purpose trip. They generally prefer a high level of comfort and facilitation during these experiences. Hard Ecotourists are rare in the tourist market, they are the responsible class who are well aware of the outcomes of careless tourism. Thus ecotourism awareness is required to a l...

Ecotourism This word is like a jargon in travel industry.  During past decade it has emerged as a tag to label destinations displaying concern for the protection of natural panoramic areas, its flora- wildlife habitat,  local population & their well being. As defined in text by professional bodies , it is ' a responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well- being of local people'. The definition provides various principles to be followed while implementing it. Travelers often claim that they are participating in ecotourism activity during their tour, stake holders and community participant boost of practicing it, but are they really doing it? To start with, I would like to enlist few principles which we need to cross check with, which  are. Do's * Follow all rules & guidelines at the spot. *Gather all information about the place. *Remove & carry back your litter from spot.   *Respect t...