Your average tourist searching for tourism information these days is bombarded with numerous taglines, keywords and lingoes. 

What does it all mean???

Tour operator (X) says that they offer Ecotourism experiences while Tour operator (Y) promotes their sustainable tourism practices.  Is one better than the other?  Below, we have listed your heavy hitters in the industry in the hopes that this brings greater understanding on how we can be better hosts and visitors.

If you like what you have read and the information provided, please allow some time to follow the links provided for an in-depth look.

There are no doubt, similar definitions than what is provided below.  To add yours, please use the comment section provided or contact me directly.

You can also visit the Prairiemango Education portion of the site >>here<<  for more background readings.

Sustainable Tourism (development) -

Sustainable tourism in its purest sense, is an industry which attempts to make a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate income, employment, and the conservation of local ecosystems. It is responsible tourism that is both ecologically and culturally sensitive.

Thus, Sustainable tourism activities have minimal impact on the environment and culture of the host community.

According to the World Tourism Organization, sustainable tourism is tourism that leads to the management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life support systems.

Definition courtesy of: The Sustainable Tourism Gateway

Ecotourism –

Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.

Principles of Ecotourism:

Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. This means that those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities should follow the following ecotourism principles:

• Minimize impact.
• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
• Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people.
• Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate.

Definition courtesy of: The International Ecotourism Society

Responsible Tourism

Responsible tourism is about making travel better.  Plain and simple.
    
It's about creating more meaningful experiences for travellers by connecting them to the local culture and the natural beauty of host communities around the world

It is also about ensuring the communities hosting travellers benefits from tourism – through building skills, creating jobs and opportunities – all while protecting local natural and cultural integrity.

Definition courtesy of: The International Responsible Tourism Centre – Canada

Geotourism –

tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.

Geotourism incorporates the concept of sustainable tourism—that destinations should remain unspoiled for future generations—while allowing for ways to protect a place's character. Geotourism also takes a principle from its ecotourism cousin,—that tourism revenue should promote conservation—and extends it to culture and history as well, that is, all distinctive assets of a place.

Definition courtesy of: National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations

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