Ecotourism is growing along with the ecological awareness of populations. It brings together, according to the OMT, “all forms of tourism that are environmentally friendly and in which the main motivation of the tourist is to observe nature as well as traditional ways of life”.
Respecting local ecosystems and cultures, ecotourism favors the sustainable economic growth of the communities involved. In some regions of the world – for example in Canada, New Zealand or Brazil – there is even talk of community tourism, when these differentiated tourism products and services are offered with the active participation of communities as actors in their own tourism.
Ecotourism is growing along with the ecological awareness of populations. It brings together, according to the OMT, “all forms of tourism that are environmentally friendly and in which the main motivation of the tourist is to observe nature as well as traditional ways of life”. Respecting local ecosystems and cultures, ecotourism favors the sustainable economic growth of the communities involved. In some regions of the world – for example in Canada, New Zealand or Brazil – there is even talk of community tourism, when these differentiated tourism products and services are offered with the active participation of communities as actors in their own tourism
The ecotourist has been a traveler looking for the environment and activities since he first appeared thirty years ago, but his way of traveling has been evolving a lot in recent years. In addition to singles or couples, families with children, groups of friends and multigenerational groups travel. The traditional “back-packers” were also joined by the “flash-packers”, new adventurous fans of freedom, emotions and encounters, but with sufficient resources to demand services, comfort and safety. Due to its involvement in defending ecology and the type of activities it practices, the Observatory for Responsible Consumption at the University of Montreal has defined a typology of ecotourists that can help both professionals and travelers themselves.
According to these surveys, the first ecotourist profile is the conventional one . First of all, he wants to relax and discover different places and new landscapes. He is not an environmental activist, he wants to enjoy nature but does not want to sacrifice comfort and safety. He likes package tours including some activities, in groups or with friends. The occasional is also not very motivated by ecological or community considerations. Rather than meeting nature or local people, ecotourism is an excuse for him to practice his favorite activities – hiking, tree climbing, climbing, diving, kayaking, surfing or hang gliding.
The third profile of the ecotourist is the conscious but non-practitioner . He is perfectly aware of the ecological requirements and the impact of tourism on the environment. He is adventurous, wants to practice his activities, wants cultural experiences and encounters with residents, but he does not accept to sacrifice comfort and well-being in the name of protecting the environment. The most convinced of the ecotourists is the green activist. Not only is he aware of the impact of tourism on nature and society, but he wants his entire trip to be in perfect harmony with his ecological convictions. All your activities must be in full respect of ecosystems, with preferences for walking, observing animals, and above all for encounters with communities.
With an increasingly strong control of the tourism sector, whether by the authorities (Embratur in Brazil), by international operators (French Voyageurs du Monde being a great pioneer), by national associations (Ecotourisme Quebec in Canada, ABETA in Brazil) or by the actors, ecotourism is gaining credibility and consumer confidence around the world. These are opportunities for countries like Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand or Brazil that have protected spaces, wild nature, conscientious professionals and mobilized communities of residents. And if ecotourists are still a market niche today, the growing concern of travelers with the future of the planet offers immense perspectives.