Ecotourism In the early days many definitions have been proposed, devised, dissected, deconstructed and again reconstructed...

..many books have been published…

Important Meetings/Papers.. (international recognition) 1992 Earth Summit at Rio 1995 Lanzarote Charter for Sustainable Tourism 1999 CSD, 7th session 1999 WTO „Global Code of Ethics for Tourism“ 2002 Quebec Declaration on Ecotourism 2002 World Summit on SD, Johannesburg 2003 Guidelines on Biodiversity and Tourism Develop. 2007 Oslo Declaration on Ecotourism

Definition of Ecotourism UNEP and WTO came up 2002 with a mostly aggreed definition... Definition of Ecotourism The absolute actual definition sounds: … "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people and involves interpretation and education with the specification that education is to staff and guests” https://www.ecotourism.org/news/ties-announces-ecotourism-principles-revision

The most relevant organization is: http://www.ecotourism.org The most relevant organization is: Previously TES (The Ecotourism Society), now: The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) is a “nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting ecotourism. Founded in 1990, TIES has been on the forefront of the development of ecotourism, providing guidelines and standards, training, technical assistance, and educational resources. TIES' global network of ecotourism professionals and travelers is leading the efforts to make tourism a viable tool for conservation, protection of bio-cultural diversity, and sustainable community development.” http://www.ecotourism.org/ties-overview

This is the “old version”; now it is even more ambitious; added haven been: operate low-impact-facilities recognize .. indigenous people and create empowerment see in more detail: https://www.ecotourism.org/news/ ties-announces-ecotourism-principles-revision source: http://www.peaktopeaktravel.com/images/principles-of-ecotourism/principles-of-ecotourism.jpg

the term “ecotourism” is often used only for marketing purposes ! Conclusion Ecotourism does matter because it it is a significant social phenomenon; is used as a development policy instrument; can fund conservation in developing countries; can reduce tourism impacts in protected areas; might improve environmental management in mainstream tourism. Ecotourism comes closest the “ideal tourism”, but it depends on the practical execution ! ..be aware of: the term “ecotourism” is often used only for marketing purposes !

Marketing of ecotourism products New ecotourism businesses are mostly very small companies (often “single person c.) focus on a single activity in a single geographical area.

Ecotourism marketing basics To identify markets for an ecotourism business, the entrepreneur needs to know: Who would want to buy the product ? (do the offered activity?) How many potential customers are there ? How much would customers pay for the product ? How can you contact the potential customers, deliver them the marketing information and convince them to sign up ? Can you offer the product by your own or do you need support by another company? target group ? market size ? pricing marketing channel ?

Typical ecotourists: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EpwqAX6nrB8/TvAaC_cSgHI/AAAAAAAAAXw/R31VANgENPE/s1600/ecotourism.jpg

Typical ecotourists  target group: The typical eco-tourist for overnight stay Nature interested 35-60 years old Nearly no families High education and income „high quality experience“ in small groups Extensive travel within one destination The typical eco-tourist for daytrips Families and older couples Mostly stay in home countries Visit nature attractions Hiking and bicycling übernommen von Ramthun (2013)

Marketing channels Traditional distribution systems involve a chain of packagers and agents; it usually very cost-intensive. So ecosystem businesses should focus on more cost-effective information channels, such as Web sites Client lists, direct mailouts and WOM (word-of-mouth) referrals.

Success factors for ecotourism Attractive nature sites Potential demand High quality products Fitting communication and marketing strategies Planning process Cooperation between all stakeholders Professionalization of the management Capacity building of local citizens Political support and constant funding übernommen von Ramthun (2013)

depends on “how it is managed ..” !!! ???? what can be offered to tourists (resp. which activities are ok for tourists) - in consideration of these ecotourism principles ???? visiting nature sites Wildlife- / Bird-Watching Botany-Watching (such as orchids) Cultural aspects Trekking / hiking Excursions ( education) Sports like canoeing, climbing (?) Sports like fishing, hunting (???) depends on “how it is managed ..” !!!