Tourism buzz word: What is ecotourism? And how does it attract Nordic travellers?
When talking about sustainability, ecotourism is an inevitable concept often mentioned. But what is ecotourism exactly?
We’re diving into what seems to be one of the buzz words in tourism these days below.
Ecotourism is about more than just visiting natural attractions and places – it is about doing it in a responsible and sustainable manner. More specifically, the non-profit organization The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), that has dedicated itself to the development of ecotourism, defines it as:
“Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.”
Thus, ecotourism can be guided by the three principles of conservation, communities and education.
Conservation
Conservation is considered the most important component of ecotourism as it aims to provide sustainable solutions to enhancing and protecting biodiversity and nature long-term. This is often accomplished through economic incentives provided by tourists seeking the nature-based experiences. However, it can also be funding from organizations, research initiatives, or direct environmental conservation efforts.
Communities
Another important principle is to create employment opportunities and empower local communities, contributing to the fight against global social issues such as poverty and sustainable development.
Education
The most overlooked part of ecotourism is the element of education, where people do not just watch or visit a natural place but actually learn about it. By increasing people’s awareness about environmental issues and giving them understanding and insight into the nature, it might also end up in even more conservation.
Ecotourism and the Nordic travellers
With 57.3% of Nordic travellers being motivated by nature and outdoor experiences when they are booking their holiday – and 17% of Nordic travellers wanting to take part in local community experiences – there is proof that ecotourism is attracting Nordic travellers. In fact, nature experiences are the second biggest travel motivator for Nordic travellers, only surpassed by food experiences. And looking solely at Danes, nature and outdoor experiences are the biggest travel motivator with 64.1% Danish travellers being interested in them.
There is therefore great potential in ecotourism for destinations, hotels and other industry players, who are looking to attract Nordic travellers.
Ecotourism is about more than just visiting natural attractions and places – it is about doing it in a responsible and sustainable manner. More specifically, the non-profit organization The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), that has dedicated itself to the development of ecotourism, defines it as:
“Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.”
Thus, ecotourism can be guided by the three principles of conservation, communities and education.
Conservation
Conservation is considered the most important component of ecotourism as it aims to provide sustainable solutions to enhancing and protecting biodiversity and nature long-term. This is often accomplished through economic incentives provided by tourists seeking the nature-based experiences. However, it can also be funding from organizations, research initiatives, or direct environmental conservation efforts.
Communities
Another important principle is to create employment opportunities and empower local communities, contributing to the fight against global social issues such as poverty and sustainable development.
Education
The most overlooked part of ecotourism is the element of education, where people do not just watch or visit a natural place but actually learn about it. By increasing people’s awareness about environmental issues and giving them understanding and insight into the nature, it might also end up in even more conservation.
Ecotourism and the Nordic travellers
With 57.3% of Nordic travellers being motivated by nature and outdoor experiences when they are booking their holiday – and 17% of Nordic travellers wanting to take part in local community experiences – there is proof that ecotourism is attracting Nordic travellers. In fact, nature experiences are the second biggest travel motivator for Nordic travellers, only surpassed by food experiences. And looking solely at Danes, nature and outdoor experiences are the biggest travel motivator with 64.1% Danish travellers being interested in them.
There is therefore great potential in ecotourism for destinations, hotels and other industry players, who are looking to attract Nordic travellers.
