Ecotourism

Many travel experiences take place in natural settings, from wildlife encounters to outdoor recreation. These activities can support conservation and local livelihoods, or damage ecosystems and burden communities. Ecotourism offers a way to travel responsibly in nature and ensure tourism has a positive impact.

What Is Ecotourism

Ecotourism is responsible travel in natural environments that minimizes negative impacts, directly contributes to conservation, benefits local communities, and fosters respect for nature and culture through education.

What Defines Ecotourism

Ecotourism goes beyond simply traveling in nature. It’s defined by how tourism is designed and managed, and how it affects environments, communities, and local economies. The following core principles must be met for an experience to be considered ecotourism.

Minimizes Environmental Harm

Ecotourism is designed to reduce harm to ecosystems, avoiding activities that disrupt wildlife or habitats.

Respects Communities & Cultures

Ecotourism avoids activities that exploit communities, erode cultural heritage, or undermine residents’ quality of life.

Funds Environmental Conservation

Ecotourism revenue directly supports wildlife conservation, protected areas, and habitat protection.

Creates Local Economic Benefits

Ecotourism generates income and jobs for local communities, linking economic value to healthy ecosystems.

Empowers Local People as Partners

Ecotourism involves Indigenous people and local communities as decision-makers, not just service providers.

Builds Awareness & Understanding

Ecotourism supports learning among visitors and locals, fostering appreciation for nature, places, and people.

Why Ecotourism Matters Today

As more people travel in nature, the impacts of tourism are becoming more visible. When guided by ecotourism principles, travel can support local communities and protect the natural places and experiences people come to see.

$665 Billion

Ecotourism is a fast-growing segment of tourism projected to exceed $665 billion by 2030.

100%

100% of the tourism industry’s direct economic value is dependent on nature.

84%

Up to 84% of funding for national park agencies worldwide comes from ecotourism.

What Ecotourism Looks Like in Practice

Ecotourism includes a wide range of travel experiences, from wildlife viewing and marine tourism to community-based and hands-on conservation activities. These are some of the most common types of ecotourism and some examples of what responsible practice looks like in each.