Economics of ecotourism

Abstract

Development of ecotourism is important for many countries, especially developing countries, for supporting sustainable tourism and sustainable economies for local communities. It is also key to enhancing environmental conservation and people's awareness. Some studies have argued that ccotourism could lead to the protection of natural resources and the environment as well as providing socio-cultural and economic benefits to local communities (Asadi and Kohan, 20 II; Vinodan and Manalel, 20 II; Wood, 2002). Ecotourism is also widely accepted as a tourism policy that offers environmental, socio-economic, and cultural benefits tor society at every level ofadministration, both local and national, in a country. ot all activities of "nature based tourism" could be called "ecotourism". A walk through the rainforest is not ecotourism unless that particular walk somehow benefits the environment and the people who live there. A rafting trip is categorized as ecotourism if it raises awareness and provides funds to help protect the watershed. Accordingly, ecotourism is more than visiting nature destinations and traveling to unspoiled natural areas. It has developed to cater for tourists with an interest in the environment, for appreciation, understanding, and conservation. The focus of ecotourism is on the experience rather than the destination, and it could be said that ecotourism itself is a travel experience which helps travelers or "ecotourists" come to a better understanding of unique natural and cultural