eco-tourism
EE-koh-toor-iz-um
/ˌiːkəʊˈtʊərɪzəm/
Tourism directed toward exotic, often threatened, natural environments, intended to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife.
True eco-tourism must benefit the local community and the environment, not just provide a 'green' experience for the traveler.
The story behind the word. The term began to appear in the early 1980s as travelers became more aware of the damage caused by mass tourism. It combines the 'house' of nature with the 'turn' of a journey.
Word relationships
- responsible travel: A broader term that includes social and cultural responsibility.
- green travel: A more informal term, often used in marketing.
- mass tourism: Tourism on a large scale, often with little regard for environmental impact.
Commonly confused with
- adventure tourism: Adventure tourism focuses on thrills (like bungee jumping); eco-tourism focuses on nature and conservation.
Collocations
- eco-tourism industry
- sustainable eco-tourism
- eco-tourism destination
- promote eco-tourism
Example sentences
- "Eco-tourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." Defining the term. (The International Ecotourism Society (TIES))
- "Costa Rica has become a world leader in eco-tourism, proving that protecting nature can be more profitable than destroying it." Discussing Costa Rica's economy.
Memory hook
Eco (Nature) + Tourism (Travel) = Nature Travel. Eco-tourism = Travel that gives back.
When not to use
Don't use it for any nature trip; if the trip doesn't actively support conservation or local people, it's just 'nature tourism.'
Fun facts
- Eco-tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global travel industry, growing at nearly triple the rate of the industry as a whole.
Explore more words
sightseeing, stewardship, conservation, greenwash, sustainable, greenwashing
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