Ecotourism

Term Paper # 104200

Environmental Studies
Tourism

Ecotourism

An analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of ecotourism.

1,658 words () | 7 sources | MLA | 2003 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how one of the fastest growing divisions of the tourism industry is a type of tourism that is nature-oriented and how the term "ecotourism" refers to tourism that involves travel to areas of natural interest for the purpose of observing wildlife and learning about the natural environment. The paper also discusses how environmental organizations as well as park agencies have supported the travel industry in endorsing nature travel as the trendiest environmental activity available that does not alter or harm the natural resources. The paper then argues, however, that ecotourism is far from being environmentally sound, and in fact does irreparable damage to the ecosystem.

From the Paper:

"Along with the increasing number of tourists that the system ecotourism draws to destinations, comes a high level of noise pollution. The tourists must get to the vacation area by either air travel or car transportation, both of which contribute greatly to noise pollution, especially in formerly desolate areas (Evans 229). Tourist areas also have an increased crime rate, as well as a high rate of drug use and prostitution (Evans 229). Local communities have the most to gain and the most to lose. Ecotourism can provide opportunities for communities to materially profit from their accommodations, food and guide services that they provide for the tourists, but the natives must protect their local environment. "

Sample of Sources Used:

Alamilla, Lisel. "Costal Treasures Of Belize." Online. Netscape. World Wide Web. 2 May 2002. Available: http://www.belizenet.com/coastal.html.
"Central Caribbean Marine Institute." Online. Netscape. World Wide Web. 4 May 2002. Available: http://reefresearch.org/html/educational_programs.html.
Evans, Sterling. The Green Republic. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1999.
Fennell, David. A. Ecotourism. London: Routledge, 1999.
"Southernbelize.com" Naturalight Production. Online. Netscape. World Wide Web. 3 May 2002. Available: http://www.belizenet.com/coastal.html.