Frequently Asked Questions

About Ecotourism

How is ecotourism different from nature tourism, sustainable tourism, responsible tourism?
How has ecotourism evolved over the years?
Why is ecotourism important?
Who are eco-tourists?
Why should I become involved in ecotourism?
Where can I find more information on ecotourism?

About TIES

What does TIES do?
What are donations and membership fees used for?
How can I get involved in TIES' activities and projects?
Who are TIES' members?
Who are TIES' partners?

Don't see your questions here? Send them to: info[at]ecotourism.org.

Q: How is ecotourism different from nature tourism, sustainable tourism, responsible tourism?

A: Ecotourism is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." While "nature-based tourism" is simply describes travel to natural places, ecotourism is a type of nature-based tourism that benefits local communities and destinations environmentally, culturally and economically. Ecotourism represents a set of principles that have been successfully implemented in various global communities, and are supported by extensive industry and academic research. Ecotourism, when properly executed based on these principles, exemplifies the benefits of socially and environmentally sound tourism development. Like ecotourism, such terms as sustainable tourism and responsible tourism are rooted in the concept of sustainable development, or development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs" (Bruntland Commission, 1987). With this concept in mind, sustainable tourism was defined in the 1992 Agenda 21 for the Travel and Tourism Industry as tourism that "meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future." For more information on responsible tourism and other ecotourism-related terminology, see: Ecotourism Resources.

Q: How has ecotourism evolved over the years?

Ecotourism first grew out of the global environmental movement in the late 1970s. While the development and growth of ecotourism took various paths in different parts of the world, by the early 1990s, ecotourism, along with nature-based, cultural, heritage and adventure tourism, had become among the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry worldwide. More recently, ecotourism has helped to spawn a variety of new terms, such as sustainable tourism, pro-poor tourism, and responsible tourism, all of which encompass the concept that tourism can and should benefit conservation and host communities. An important trend within the development of sustainable tourism is initiatives to mainstream sustainability within travel and tourism, by taking the principles and good practices of ecotourism and applying them to wider swath of the market, e.g. hotel chains, urban tourist attractions, ski resorts, golf courses, and beach resorts.

Q: Why is ecotourism important?

A: Ecotourism is a growing segment of the global tourism industry that is making significant positive contributions to the environmental, social, cultural and economic well-being of destinations and local communities around the world. Offering market-linked long-term solutions, ecotourism provides effective economic incentives for conserving and enhancing bio-cultural diversity and helps protect the natural and cultural heritage of our beautiful planet. By increasing capacity building opportunities, ecotourism is also an effective vehicle for empowering local communities around the world to fight against poverty and to achieve sustainable development. Furthermore, ecotourism has provided an impetus to assist in greening the tourism industry on many fronts.

Q: Who are eco-tourists?

A: Ecotourism appeals to a wide range of travelers, of all ages and interests. Travelers who choose ecotourism are responsible consumers interested in social, economic and environmental sustainability. Seeking authentic local experiences and opportunities to give back to the communities they visit, many eco-tourists participate in voluntourism activities. Increasingly, eco-tourists are also seeking to minimize the carbon footprint of their travel, traveling with climate in mind by planning wisely and choosing consciously. Find out where TIES Traveler members are, and connect with fellow conscious travelers around the world at Ecotourism Explorer.

Q: Why should I become involved in ecotourism?

A: Ecotourism is a tool that provides opportunities - a financially viable tool that provides sustainable solutions to economic challenges and conservation needs of local people; an alternative means of supporting rural economies to help revitalize and sustain local heritage; and a market-linked force connecting and empowering stakeholders. Equally importantly, ecotourism also provides you, the traveler with unique opportunities to gain authentic experiences, discover new places, make new friends, and have a fun, memorable time. Eco-traveling can be much more than just taking only pictures and leaving only footprints; it’s an opportunity for you to make a difference and to make a lasting impact on communities and destinations you visit.

Q: Where can I find more information about ecotourism?

A: TIES website offers information and resources for travelers, professionals and media. Visit our eLibabry to view and download our publications and relevant resources on various topics - sustainable tourism certification, volunteer vacations, parks and protected areas, community-based ecotourism, among others. If you are interested in e-learning opportunities, check out our Multimedia Room to access interactive web resources. Ecotourism Explorer is a great tool for travelers seeking information and tips on particular destinations, as well as for professionals and organizations seeking partnership opportunities.

Q: What does TIES do?

A: TIES is dedicated to the mission of promoting ecotourism by:

Creating an international network of individuals, institutions and the tourism industry:
Educating tourists and tourism professionals; and
Influencing the tourism industry, public institutions and donors to integrate the principles of ecotourism into their operations and policies.

Using TIES' definition and principles of ecotourism as guidelines, we continue to serve as an unbiased source of information and resources on ecotourism and responsible travel, and seek to promote a well-researched message about what ecotourism stands for.

Q: What are donations and membership fees used for?

A: The contributions that we receive from our members and supporters are used to strengthen TIES work of uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel. All of TIES programs and projects are dedicated to our mission. Through TIES Ecotourism Fund, we support and promote ecotourism initiatives worldwide that focus on solutions, implementation, and action, and we seek innovative ways to strengthen responsible business and empower communities. Learn more about how your contribution supports ecotourism.

Q: How can I get involved in TIES' activities and projects?

A: There are many ways to become part of TIES initiatives. Joining TIES global ecotourism network as a member is a great way to support TIES and ecotourism, to receive various benefits that will help enhance your knowledge and skills, and to gain many exciting opportunities. You can also help TIES vital work of promoting ecotourism and supporting communities worldwide by spreading our messages. We also encourage you to get involved in ecoDestinations by actively participating in the auction and online discussions each month, and to become part of our events and conferences. If you are interested in internship opportunities at TIES, please review the current internship descriptions.

Q: Who are TIES members?

A: TIES membership is a "network of networks," representing 50+ local, national and regional ecotourism associations around the world. TIES Business members are both businesses involved in ecotourism and sustainable travel (e.g. tour operators, lodge owners/managers) and businesses involved in affiliated industries (e.g. PR/marketing agencies). TIES Professional members are academics, consultants, conservation professionals and other experts involved in the field of ecotourism. Our membership also caters to educators (College & University members) and students (Student members), NGOs and non-profit organizations (NGO members), CVBs, destination marketing organizations, and tourism offices (Institution members), and ecotourism supporters (Traveler members) from all over the world. Search for and connect with TIES members at Ecotourism Explorer, and if you are not yet a member, join us today!

Q: Who are TIES' partners?

A: TIES partners with environmental NGO's, travel associations, conservation groups and other organizations that share our commitment to responsible travel and sustainable development worldwide in various ways. We offer complimentary Association-level membership to non-profit, non-governmental and multi-stakeholder associations with primary focus on ecotourism and sustainable travel. Providing the vital links between governments, NGOs, businesses and citizens, these local, national and regional ecotourism associations, are a crucial part of our efforts to further TIES mission. Learn more about TIES' partners: Our Partners & Supporters.

Frequently Asked Questions

ecoDestinations

Online Courses

ESTC 2010 Conference