Ecotourism is a multifaceted science. It incorporates the vast tourism industry with the environment and is more interested in educating the tourist than in earning the maximum profit. While the word "ecotourism" seems to be rather self-explanatory, it is actually a confusing term with numerous definitions. In attempting to define ecotourism, one must first recognize the difference between tourism and ecotourism.
Ecotourism, as the name suggests is basically tourism or sightseeing involving area of ecological and environmental interest, it characteristically is a guided tour under the supervision of a naturalist and aims towards observing wildlife and learning more about environment. Another definition states ecotourism as:
“Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation".
Ecotourism is a multifaceted concept consisting of seven basic characteristics: traveling to natural destinations, usually national parks or other protected areas; minimizing impact through environmentally and culturally sensitive architecture and regulating the numbers and mode of behavior of tourists; promoting environmental awareness for both tourists and local residents through well-trained and knowledgeable guides; using some of the profits to provide direct financial benefits for environmental protection, research, and education; providing financial benefits and economic empowerment to the local people who live nearest to the ecotourism destination; respecting the local culture; and supporting human rights and democratic movements.
In sum, ecotourism is travel to fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas that strives to be low-impact and (usually) small-scale. It helps educate the traveler; provides funds for conservation; directly benefits the economic development and political empowerment of local communities; and fosters respect for different cultures and human rights.
The concept of ecotourism was born in the 1980s and became was a fully established term by 2002s when the United Nations celebrated the "International Year of Ecotourism".................
