Ecotourism is a special type of tourism which is now defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education”. This type of tourism involves a tour to the places with untouched nature and the traditional progress and comfort are put in the second place.
Rural tourism may be defined as the movement of people from their normal place of residence to rural areas for a minimum period of twenty-four hours to the maximum of six months for the sole purpose of leisure and pleasure.
The Goal of Ecotourism
Ecotourism is the practice of bringing together sustainable travel practices that promote the conservation of protected natural areas while also benefiting local economies. Ecotourism as a concept began in the 1970s as a part of the larger environmental movement. Ecological tourism has now grown into a significant sector of the tourism industry. People planning an eco-vacation can anticipate not only visiting beautiful landscapes enjoying the natural beauty but also being educated on the role of protecting biologically diverse areas and supporting local cultures and economies.
The main goal of ecotourism is to increase the awareness tourists have about the social conditions surrounding a travel destination. Such conditions as poverty are often hidden from tourists, as in all countries the tours are organized in the touristic places, as for the growth of tourism the visitors are offered the see all the human-made beauties where the tourists can get in comfort and luxury. Ecotourism aims to expose tourists to the realities of social and economic climates in an area.
The Features of Ecotourism, Agrotourism
Ecotourism involves travel and education. Participants in ecological tourism travel to natural environments and experience local culture.
The features of ecotourism are following as:
Involves travel to the natural destination.
Minimize impact.
Builds environmental awareness.
Provides direct financial benefits for conservation.
Provides financial benefits and empowerment for local people.
Respects local culture.
Agrotourism, as it is defined most broadly, involves any agriculturally based operation or activity that brings visitors to a farm or ranch.
There are three main features that differentiate agritourism from other types of tourism. The first feature is the possibility to satisfy human need with practical participation in the process of food production, in the life of a rural family and in a rural community. The second characteristic quality of agritourism is the possibility to satisfy the human cognitive need within farming production or ethnography. The third feature of agritourism is the possibility to satisfy emotional needs, which is the willingness to have direct contact with domestic animals, plant and animal products and the products of processing, and the need to experience the idyllic countryside associated with the atmosphere of rusticity, silence, sounds or even smells of the country and farm.
Besides the ecotourism and agrotourism there is a rural tourism, which is an important form of tourism sector which plays an important role and gives many benefits to rural areas community. The organization of the tours to rural areas, helps to support the local economy. Rural tourism helps in the development and progress of rural areas and living standards of host communities.
Countries of Ecotourism
Ecotourism destinations not only allow travelers to see some of the most extreme and beautiful natural wonders around the world, they also ensure that travelers do so responsibly.
We turn your attention to the 8 incredible eco-friendly destinations in the world:
Costa Rica
Norway
Kenya
Palau
Galapagos Islands
Antarctica
Iceland
Amazon Rainforest
Cons and Pros of Ecotourism
In 2023 the ecotourism is widely spread around the world, all the while offering a good source of income for locals living in the communities in and around them. However, there is a lot of debates on whether the organization of such tours have more advantages or disadvantages.
To come to the conclusion, we provide you with the lists of the pros and cons of ecotourism.
List of Pros of Ecotourism
It provides sustainable income for local communities.
It allows for new experiences with the environment.
It helps with research and development.
List of Cons of Ecotourism
It risks spoiling a region’s ecosystem.
It can ruin natural habitats.
It can lead to conflicts within the tourism sector.
Ecotourism in Armenia
Ecological tourism is a relatively new concept in Armenia, but in spite of that it is more than developed. The main places for ecological tourism in Armenia are the city-resorts such as Jermuk, Tsaghkadzor, Dilijan.
Armenia is a magical country with an amazing nature and fresh air. Both the tourists and Armenians themselves give the preference exactly to Jermuk, Tsaghkadzor and Dilijan for ecotourism.
Organization of ecotourism is preferable in the mentioned cities thanks to the astonishing nature in these cities of Armenia.
The villages, with their own history, traditions and customs, are more suitable for ecotourism in Armenia, than cities. They are especially suitable for agritourism in Armenia.
Armenia is famous for its nature, forests, mountains, healing water, fresh air, stunning landscapes and amazing places not spoiled by civilization.
Company Concierge Travel Armenia is glad to organize your best eco-tour of 2023 in our breathtaking country!
