5 Dazzling Eco-Tourism Destinations
Who doesn’t like vacations? There’s something special about exploring a new place, trying new foods and unplugging from our daily routines. Travel is a booming industry, but can have destructive environmental effects. Around 2002, ecotourism emerged as a more responsible approach to the vacation industry.
In 1990, the International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defined ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people."
According to the group, travel and tourism is responsible for more than 230 million jobs and more than 10 percent the gross domestic product worldwide. What’s more, tourism is the second most important source of foreign exchange for the globe’s 40 poorest countries.
If you want to explore some of the most beautiful places in the world while minimizing your impact, check out the following list of five hot eco-tourism destinations. Thanks to eco-tourism, you not only benefit from your vacation – the community you visit does, too.
Typically hotels that cater to eco-tourists buy local goods from the surrounding communities and employ local residents. They may use solar panels and utilize systems to keep water consumption down.
Costa Rica
In recent times, Costa Rica has become synonymous with eco-tourism. The gorgeous Central American country boasts 20 natural parks made up of untouched rainforests. The diverse ecosystem supports diurnal frogs, marine turtles, monkeys, jaguars and hundreds of species of birds. In addition to the rainforests, you can enjoy exploring Costa Rica’s beautiful mountain ranges. The highest mountain, Chirripo Hill, stretches 12,530 feet into the heavens. There are also numerous active volcanoes. If you enjoy water sports, you will find lots to do on Costa Rica’s coastlines. This modern-day Garden of Eden is a must-see for eco-tourists.
India
India’s majestic landscape features 89 national parks and at least 430 wildlife sanctuaries. Eco-tourists enjoy hiking, biking, rock climbing, river rafting and more. The breathtaking Himalayas extend across seven states in the northeast region of India. Kerlala, a southern state on the opposite end of the country, attracts millions with its famous tropical beaches. Whether you want to take a camel safari to explore the Thar deserts in Rajasthan, enjoy an elephant safari through Ranthambore or ride the rapids in the Bhagirathi River, India can quench your thirst for adventure.
South Korea
South Korea features numerous historical and cultural sites rooted deep in Confucian heritage. Consider the Jongmyo, the ancient Confucian royal shrines dating back to 1395, and the Changdeokgung palace built in the 15th century, as examples. The oldest observatory in the world can be found in the city of Gyeongju. In addition to these historic treasures, visitors also enjoy the country’s many organic farm and hiking and biking destinations such as Jeju Island.
Ireland
The Emerald Isle provides many green diversions for eco-tourists. Cyclists will enjoy the country’s many biking trails such as the famous Kingfisher Trail. If you’re into water sports and fishing, look no further than the Clare, Tory, Rathlin or Aran Islands. Wine aficionados will delight in Ireland’s organic wineries, and foodies will relish the delicious produce offered by Ireland’s organic farms and orchards. Hikers and mountain climbers will enjoy the pristine features of the Sperrins mountain range.
Brazil
Brazil is teeming with astonishing natural wonders including the exotic Amazon Forest featuring spectacular flora and fauna and a spectrum of wildlife. Visitors flock to the caverns and waterfalls of Bonito reserve, the sugar-sand beaches of Itacaré, the caves of the Chapada Diamantina National Park and the gardens of Rio de Janeiro. Culture-lovers can learn to dance samba to African-Brazilian melodies in Salvador. From fishing in Jericoacoara to surfing in Fernando de Noronha to exploring the old gold mines of Ouro Preto, Brazil has something for everyone.
These are only a few hot spots for eco-tourists. Other countries making eco-tourism headlines include Kenya, Australia, Mexico, Madagascar and Argentina. Want to start planning your next eco-vacation? Check out the sites listed below.
Resources
What Others Have Said...
Ashley Cisneros says:
Tue, 01/19/2010 - 09:33
Hi, Lily,
Tierra De Milagros sounds AMAZING! Thanks so much for sharing this inside tip.
Ashley
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Lily (not verified) says:
I've been to Costa Rica and I MUST give a suggestion to all you eco-tourists contemplating this travel destination. If you want a truly unique experience, stay at Tierra De Milagros. This is resort/ camp that is right on the shore line, uses minimal water and electricity for operation, and provides organic meals to all who stay there. Not to mention the super sweet yoga classes that take place beneath canopies of monkeys and exotic birds!