Nature will be the major beneficiary as ecotourism grows as an industry, because those who take an ecotourism holiday will be helping to preserve the environment as they enjoy themselves. In fact, proponents of this relatively new field know that ecotourism education focuses on how travelers can conserve rather than exploit during their vacation trips.

The idea of environmentally friendly travel has been around for years, but the industry itself is quite new. Over the past 20 or 30 years, ecotourism’s role in elevating social and ecological issues has increased. To put it simply, ecotourism is catching on, with printed information more widely available and organizations forming around the globe.

As more and more people come to understand the importance of conserving nature rather than exploiting it, the damages to the environment are being avoided and repaired. A large percentage of the general population is now aware of the global warming issue as well as the animal and plant extinction problems worldwide.

In addition, the public is exposed to an increasing amount of information as ecotourism is marketed as an industry. Advertisements and travel seminars spread the word about remote regions of the world that are becoming ecotourism destinations. While these locations will not offer luxury accommodations, golf courses or amusement rides for the children, they will provide relaxation and education, along with the chance to make a difference with this important social issue.

Such environmentally and socially friendly holidays will take travelers to an area of the world where the natural world is quite different from any other place. But the emphasis will be on living and moving in this world, leaving it undisturbed, rather than taking pieces of it home or changing it. As many socially conscious travelers know, it is best to take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints.

One of the key factors in making ecotourism work is the reduction in number of man-made structures found in these remote and beautiful locations. Fewer buildings and more undisturbed plant and animal life are two goals of ecotourism. Proponents of this philosophy firmly believe that these goals can be reached while providing the local population sufficient revenue for their needs.

As more people learn about the possibilities of ecotourism, these wonderful parts of the world will become more popular as holiday destinations. If pursued sincerely, as a new type of vacation travel, ecotourism can be beneficial to all involved. The local population can thrive while traditions and customs survive. Travelers can relax and enjoy, while learning about, rather than exploiting, the local resources.

Eco-tourism has greatly benefited many nations and people globally. It is estimated that over 600million people travel internationally each year. Hundreds of millions more journey within their home country, doing so for both work and pleasure. The tourism industry which includes hotels, resorts, airlines, travel agencies, parks and forest reserve services, and other business that cater for the needs of travelers, has become a major employer of labour.

Today, tourism is important to the economy of over 125 countries. Globally, tourism generates about four trillion dollars every year. A big one you would agree with me. It is therefore a strong factor in global financial issues.

Since it involves movement of people, eco-tourism is also a strong social and cultural integration. It fosters better understanding between people of different tribes and ethnic groups. This makes eco-tourism a potential tool for world peace if well harnessed. It can raise environmental cultural and social awareness.

In many countries, eco-tourism has developed over the years into the largest foreign exchange earner. Countries such as Kenya and Tanzania make great fortunes from eco-tourism. In Kenya, a lion is worth about $7,000 per year in income from tourist and a herd of elephant is valued at over $610,000. Hawaii’s coral reefs generate about $300million each year from nature-based tourism.

Eco-tourism has greatly increased environmental awareness and therefore has contributed to nature conservation. In order to sustain the financial and other benefits of eco-tourism, governments implement conservation programs and policies to protect the plants and animals. This has greatly reduced human threats to the continuous existence of many flora and fauna species.