Sustainable Tourism and Ecotourism Something new for tourism!

Environmental Impacts of Tourism hard to imagine tourism without a negative impact on the environment Some Negative Environmental Impacts of Tourism : Airports Building and maintenance or foads Pollution Additional human waste Mass tourism usually has the greatest impact Impact can be permanent

Sustainable Tourism Fastest growing sector in the tourism industry Provides travellers with experiences that have as little impact on the natural environment as possible

Sustainable Tourism Definition by The World Commission on the Environment and Development: “tourism development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations of tourists”

Aims of Sustainable Tourism Worthwhile experience Protect nature Preserve local culture

Four Fundamental Requirements of Sustainable Tourism Protect the existing and future use of an environment Respect the people and culture of the local area. Allow for long-term use of the area. Provide long-term economic benefits to the people living in the area

Sustainable Tourism can come in Large- or Small-Scale Forms Large-Scale Rafting down Ottawa River Fishing in Great Slave Lake Bicycle touring in New England Scuba diving in Key Largo Whale watching on the St. Lawrence River Small-Scale Camping on a local river Hiking the Niagara Escarpment Taking a bird warching trip in Costa Rica

Types of Sustainable Tourism

EcoTourism Definition- tourism that stresses low-impact adventure in a natural setting (also known as green tourism) Tourists: Travel to discover and learn about wild natural environments Believe in preservation of wilderness and wildlife Participate in small numbers Come from all age groups Typical Activities: bird watching, reef diving Growing into a large-scale industry

Wilderness Tourism Tourists: Travel alone or in small groups Are most commonly young males Have a goal of experiencing wildlife Want to keep rugged environments free from crowds Involves travel into areas that have had little human contact Slowly growing industry Typical Activities: hiking, camping, canoeing

Adventure Tourism Tourists: seek to overcome dangers found in hazardous activities and environments Can be team sports Usually young, active, sports enthusiasts not as involved in environmental protection Typical activities: mountain climbing, white water rafting

Check your Understanding: Page 22- Q. 37 Hand in- Page 22, Question 38 Read “Great Getaways: Ecotourism in Costa Rica” on Page 24-25. Answer Questions 39-43