Ecotourism - Module 1

Question 1

What is ecotourism?

Answer 1

A form of tourism that fosters learning experiences and appreciation of the natural environment, or some component thereof, within its associated cultural context. it is managed in accordance with industry best practice to attain environmentally and socioculturally sustainable outcomes as well as financial viability

Question 2

4 core criteria of ecotourism?

Answer 2

Form of tourism (descriptive)

• Therefore relevant criteria should dictate who is an ‘ecotourist’

Nature-based (descriptive)

• Ecotourism activities are based primarily on the natural environment or some constituent element, as well as affiliated cultural attributes

Education / learning (normative)

• This is achieved through effective interpretation

Sustainability (normative)

• Ecotourism must be managed in concert with sustainability-related best practice so as to minimise its negative impact and maximise its positive impact

NOTE: Although not strictly a core criteria, ecotourism should also be financially viable