In this current state of the tourism industry, the world is still working on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affects not only economics, public services, and lifestyle but also the tourism industry. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the tourism industry has a more prolonged impact compared to other industries.

However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, nature is healing because no human is visiting or exploring nature. Even though tourism dramatically impacts the economic status of certain areas, it has some harmful impacts, such as habitat loss, erosion, pollution, and even the extinction of species in nature.

Since the ‘new era’ of the tourism industry began post-pandemic, humans realized that to enjoy the natural habitat for a long time, they needed to take some actions. Some tourism styles that can save the planet are ecotourism and sustainable tourism.

According to the Cambridge English Dictionary, ecotourism is “the business of planning trips to beautiful natural places in a way that helps the local people and doesn’t hurt the environment."

For a more in-depth understanding, consider the definition provided by TIES (The International Ecotourism Society): “Responsible travel to the natural environment that protects the environment, maintains the lives of locals, and educates travelers about nature.”

Ecotourism has three staples: helping preserve natural areas, providing economic advantages to host communities, and educating tourists. Ecotourism’s primary goals include environmental awareness and conservation, environmental education, and social impact at the destination.

Here are some pros of ecotourism you should know.

On this island, the endangered species are preserved in their natural habitat, and visitors who want to interact can use the platform provided.

At Serengeti Park, people can interact first-hand with the animals in their natural habitat. It also gives the visitors knowledge about the lives of the animals.

The Amazon Rainforest is known as the place where people can learn more about not only animals but also see them in their natural and original habitat.

Also read: 10 Top Ecotourism Destinations in the World

To sum up, sustainable tourism is “to address the demands of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities while also taking into account its current and future economic, social, and environmental implications” (UNWTO).

If there’s one thing you take away from this article, let it be this: sustainable tourism relies on being sustainable. Sustainability is the ability to keep doing something or functioning in the same way indefinitely. This idea can be applied to various natural, economic, and everyday settings.

Sustainable tourism is a form of vacationing that takes care of today’s visitors without compromising the area’s natural, cultural, or historical resources for the benefit of future generations. It has many advantages, such as:

Wavelength Tour is a snorkeling tour that you can find in Australia and apply to sustainable tourism. While snorkeling tours usually permit the tourist to touch and play with nature, Wavelength Tour has its own “no-touch” policy to keep nature as it is. Tourists are also encouraged to use environmentally friendly sunscreen to avoid harming the corals and marine life.

Not only are tourist destinations applying sustainable tourism, but many accommodations also apply the same style. Mdumbi Backpackers Hostel is an example that applies sustainability for tourists in a community. The accommodation uses solar power, has a waste management system, and hires locals as employees.

To make it short, ecotourism is a kind of tourism industry with special treatment and attention to the natural areas and the environment. While for sustainable tourism, it’s not only limited to tourist destinations, but it can also be applied to other environments, such as accommodations, and many more. Its goal is to consider all of the effects of tourism.

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