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

2. ..many books have been published…

3. 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

4. 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”

5. The most relevant organization is:
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.”

6. 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:
ties-announces-ecotourism-principles-revision
source:

7. 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 !

8. 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.

9. 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 ?

10. Typical ecotourists:

11. 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)

12. 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.

13. 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)

14. 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 ..” !!!