Logo

Children And Ecotourism: Whose Opinion Counts?

by John Bakers

For many who have an eye firmly on the future, children, ecotourism and personal growth go hand in hand. As families choose a travel destination, whether it is in the more traditional field of recreation tourism or in the growing industry of ecotourism, the adults make choices with the welfare of children in mind.

Of course, how much effect a travel choice has on child development is still a matter of opinion, but not too many people would argue that quality travel choices and environmental education do children a lot of good. When parents, medical personnel and child psychologists discuss personal growth, they often have an image of a new style of "pop" psychology. In response, a segment of the population will look on this concept with derision, even sneering at the idea of guiding the personal growth of a child.

Those who react negatively often cite limited research and suspect information as reasons for dismissing the "pop" psychology movement. Many see this trend as just another way to make money through the sale of books, CDs and other products.

There is certainly some benefit to this psychology, however limited. But there will also be a consistent cloud of doubt as to the legitimacy of such "movements" because of the commercialization inherent in a capitalist society. Ecotourism as a positive influence on child development may be a bit different, however. This new concept in world travel is founded on solid principles that focus on the environment and the preservation of natural resources.

The value system that is at the core of this idea can be a positive influence on all age groups, not just the young. But passing these values on to succeeding generations may indeed be the key factor in the success of ecotourism and the preservation of a fragile environment. Dedication to the cause of preservation can have a long-lasting impact on the way our younger generations view social activity and economic success.

Putting "children" and "ecotourism" together as a concept may be uncomfortable for some. To some ears, it may be an odd mix of words. When most people think of ecotourism, the image is one of progressive adults who are more than average in their sensitivity to environmental issues. Ecotourism, to most, is the combination of progressive beliefs and time away from work.

But for others, this description is much too limited. Ecotourism is not all play or all work. It is, indeed, a great opportunity for education and personal growth. This growth should not be limited to adults, according to proponents of ecotourism, who see this concept as a way to invest in the future of our children. Within the growing ecotourism movement, some have been confronted with the term "children ecotourism gambit," voiced by sceptics who see the inclusion of children as a tool to get more attention (and money) for the industry.

Sincere proponents of ecotourism, however, see that this new field can help instil values in our children that will lead to serious involvement in environmental and social issues in the future. Activities that combine children and ecotourism can be fun and educational in the present, while building a foundation for responsible travel and tourism in the future. This is true from rain forests in the Amazon to the (http://www.alicante-spain.com/benidorm-hotels.html) Gran Hotel Bali in benidorm

John Bakers regularly makes news stories on topics similar to star hotels in benidorm. You can find his work on (http://www.alicante-spain.com/benidorm-hotels.html) gran hotel bali benidorm and star hotels in benidorm here.

Gathering Information A Key Component In Early Ecotourism

by Leroy Calstard

Many in the general public, who have always taken a traditional recreation tourism vacation, will not be very familiar with the concept of ecotourism. But this "new" idea has actually been around since the 1980s.

Some would say that the concept is actually older than this, beginning with the first traveler who forsook a pleasure trip for one that involved education and gathering of information. But in the past few years, the idea has gained significant momentum, until the term "ecotourism" became more widely recognized and accepted.

The complete story of ecotourism, from its roots as an idea to its current status as a viable industry, would take a volume. (Maybe someone will write a book about it.) The interesting tale of environmentally and culturally sensitive travel covers several years and a great deal of trial and error along the way.

In the latter part of the '80s, ecotourism was looked on by some as no more than a novelty. Most would not have projected the growth of this concept into a profitable industry. At first, the "movement" involved a few entrepreneurs who saw a chance to make some money by organizing events and trips for those who could pay. But these adventurous businessmen soon realized that travelers wanted something more. The tourists wanted to experience nature in its unspoiled state and they wanted to visit remote destinations that had not been on tour itineraries before.

Some enterprising individuals bought land or leased property, then provided facilities they called eco-lodges, in which the accommodations were quite simple and kept the visitor close to nature. These were the humble beginnings of ecotourism.

In the decade of the 1990s, the idea of profiting from ecotourism moved beyond individual entrepreneurs to community leaders and government officials on the regional and state level. This awareness increased the number of eco-lodges, as ecotourism companies went to work in remote locations around the globe. It is at this point, according to many industry watchers, that the true character of ecotourism began to emerge. Ecotourism became a defined entity in the 1990s. Just before the turn of the century, communities of varying sizes realized that they could be instrumental in helping local people start projects that would attract tourists and improve conditions at the same time. These towns and cities began to work with individuals to create projects and identify places that would be suitable as an ecotourism destination. Some of these first projects were as simple as restoring a section of land or planting trees.

Currently, the concept of ecotourism operates under some global guidelines, though there are numerous variations to the policies followed in local projects. Fortunately, the definition of "ecotourism" has been accepted by most in the field, so that some boundaries are set for future projects and destinations. Some see the task as a race to identify wildlife, indigenous cultures and land areas that must be included in the ecotourism industry. Others feel that the various local and regional governments, with help from private groups, can select sites much better than a global organization. If there is a sense of urgency, it is because there is a small number of committed individuals for such a large job.

Leroy Calstard repeatedly publishes short articles on themes related to cheapest flights to alicante and alicante discount flight. One can find his comments on (http://www.alicante-spain.com/cheap_alicante_flights.html) cheapest flights to alicante and flights to alicante here.

Ecotourism: Is It Good For The Young?

by John Bakers for YTB Outdoors

For many who have an eye firmly on the future, children, ecotourism and personal growth go hand in hand. As families choose a travel destination, whether it is in the more traditional field of recreation tourism or in the growing industry of ecotourism, the adults make choices with the welfare of children in mind.

Of course, how much effect a travel choice has on child development is still a matter of opinion, but not too many people would argue that quality travel choices and environmental education do children a lot of good. When parents, medical personnel and child psychologists discuss personal growth, they often have an image of a new style of "pop" psychology. In response, a segment of the population will look on this concept with derision, even sneering at the idea of guiding the personal growth of a child.

Those who react negatively often cite limited research and suspect information as reasons for dismissing the "pop" psychology movement. Many see this trend as just another way to make money through the sale of books, CDs and other products.

There is certainly some benefit to this psychology, however limited. But there will also be a consistent cloud of doubt as to the legitimacy of such "movements" because of the commercialization inherent in a capitalist society. Ecotourism as a positive influence on child development may be a bit different, however. This new concept in world travel is founded on solid principles that focus on the environment and the preservation of natural resources.

The value system that is at the core of this idea can be a positive influence on all age groups, not just the young. But passing these values on to succeeding generations may indeed be the key factor in the success of ecotourism and the preservation of a fragile environment. Dedication to the cause of preservation can have a long-lasting impact on the way our younger generations view social activity and economic success.

Putting "children" and "ecotourism" together as a concept may be uncomfortable for some. To some ears, it may be an odd mix of words. When most people think of ecotourism, the image is one of progressive adults who are more than average in their sensitivity to environmental issues. Ecotourism, to most, is the combination of progressive beliefs and time away from work.

But for others, this description is much too limited. Ecotourism is not all play or all work. It is, indeed, a great opportunity for education and personal growth. This growth should not be limited to adults, according to proponents of ecotourism, who see this concept as a way to invest in the future of our children. Within the growing ecotourism movement, some have been confronted with the term "children ecotourism gambit," voiced by sceptics who see the inclusion of children as a tool to get more attention (and money) for the industry.

Sincere proponents of ecotourism, however, see that this new field can help instil values in our children that will lead to serious involvement in environmental and social issues in the future. Activities that combine children and ecotourism can be fun and educational in the present, while building a foundation for responsible travel and tourism in the future.

John Bakers continually edits papers on areas associated with benidorm hotels. His writings on (http://www.alicante-spain.com/benidorm-hotels.html) star hotels in benidorm and gran hotel bali benidorm are published on his website .

by Greg Hansward

With any worldwide effort, no matter the field or industry, some formal organizing entity must be in place. Without this, an idea such as ecotourism becomes a dizzying number of activities aimed at the general tourist population. What is needed to give this mass of activity a core is a central source of information and guidance.

For the relatively new field of ecotourism, the International Ecotourism Society seems to be that core entity. Generally, when people encounter the name of a governing organization such as this, they may react negatively. Many feel that such action as environmental advocacy should be left to conscientious individuals and loosely organized local populations.

For many this is an admirable goal that may not function well in reality. So those who are cynical about the International Ecotourism Society or any other governing body should look more closely at the vision of these dedicated individuals.

For this worldwide organization, cynicism may be misplaced. Most who carry a working knowledge of ecotourism see that the group has accomplished a great deal of good since the ecotourism movement was born about 25 years ago. Foremost among these accomplishments was raising the level of awareness among the general public with informative programs. Before the establishment of a governing body such as the International Ecotourism Society, the field of ecotourism was not among topics discussed by the working folks around the globe. Now, however, more and more people who may have taken traditional pleasure trips in the past are setting luxury resorts aside in favor of ecotourism activity. Beyond this, the society has added a whole new sector of fun and relaxation to the list of holiday/vacation choices.

The basic question here might be: Just what is the International Ecotourism Society? The mission of this group is to promote travel to locations around the world in a way that promotes conservation of natural resources and preserves the unique cultures of local populations. Some may feel that this is not such a lofty goal, because they believe that travel for enjoyment does not really harm the environment to a significant degree. But the fact is that irresponsible tours and travel do damage the environment and do negatively impact wildlife. Exploitive hunting in Africa has reduced wildlife populations to alarming levels, often in violation of local laws.

The International Ecotourism Society attempts to provide a balance to these practices by encouraging more responsible travel and vacation activity with less impact on natural resources. In fact, a growing number of informed citizens realize that this group provides a service of immeasurable value, because it has raised awareness of the critical issues surrounding world travel.

Interested citizens are encouraged to contact the International Ecotourism Society through the Web site. http://www.ecotourism.org.

This Web site provides further contact information and includes a great deal of information about the ecotourism movement and what it means to the world's animal and plant life.

Visitors to the International Ecotourism Society Web site are finding a comprehensive site that contains some exciting and even eye-opening facts about the environment and the impact travel can have. A visit to the site may be just what some people need to be persuaded that ecotourism is a great idea whose time has come.

Greg Hansward published most often for http://www.alicante-spain.com , a web publication on the topic of good map of Benidorm hotels and 5 star hotels in benidorm.

by Peter Wilson

For some, there is one question that is uncomfortable when asked. For a few, this question is even disturbing because it threatens the positive impact that ecotourism can have on the tourism industry and on the world environment. But some have asked the question nonetheless: Is ecotourism becoming a problem, or is it almost entirely beneficial?

There is a large segment of the population that knows little or nothing about the concept of ecotourism. The members of this segment of society generally participate in more traditional mass/recreation tourism, basing their travels in a city and giving no thought to the natural resources that are being exploited. There is, however, a portion of the world population that is quite aware of the ecotourism concept and they want to understand the idea more fully so they can decide for themselves if this segment of the tourism industry is a good thing or a bad thing.

It might be wise to begin with a fundamental understanding of ecotourism. Only then can the thought process move on to whether it is a good influence or a negative influence on the resources and cultures of the planet.

Those who take part in ecotourism travel to a selected destination so that they can experience the culture, wildlife and scenery the site has to offer. Most ecotourism participants are committed, socially conscious individuals who want an adventure that involves preserving resources and even restoring some of the areas to their natural state. Ecotourism gives travelers the opportunity to grow personally, through an experience that cannot be duplicated.

Ecotourism has its roots in the idea of individual travelers being socially, culturally and environmentally informed so that they can avoid having a negative impact on their surroundings. In addition, these travelers try to enhance the integrity of destinations and encourage the traditional cultures of local populations.

With this type of individual involved, can ecotourism really be a problem for the globe and its inhabitants? Some would say that this is not the case, because the vision of ecotourism is to help eliminate pollution and to celebrate diversity in nature and culture. Such actions can only be good for tourism as a whole, some would argue. If tourists walk, with backpacks, instead of driving, ecotourists would ask, isn't that a positive impact?

There are some, however, who find that ecotourism is becoming a problem for others who enjoy nature. For example, some lifelong scuba divers are encountering a growing number of beginning divers who take to the sea because they feel they should enjoy and celebrate the magnificent aquatic life in our oceans. These experienced divers sometimes draw criticism from ecotourism proponents who believe that human beings should not scuba dive because it disturbs the natural flow and rhythm of the ocean dwellers.

Most clear-thinking individuals will come to their own conclusions, based on experiences within the ecotourism or mass tourism fields. For most, however, ecotourism is not a problem, because these individuals believe the activity is beneficial. There may be no clear-cut answer in this ongoing debate.

Peter Wilson writes for the most part for http://www.alicante-spain.com , an internet site with topics around flights to alicante and flights from alicante.