EcotourismEcotourismThe New Travel StyleThe New Travel Style

Stacy PolkowskeStacy Polkowske

BA506BA506

Tourism TypologyTourism Typology

Ecotourism DefinedEcotourism Defined

• ““Responsible travel to natural areas that Responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and improve conserve the environment and improve the welfare of local people” (TIES 1990)the welfare of local people” (TIES 1990)

Aspects of EcotourismAspects of Ecotourism1.1. Local EconomicsLocal Economics• More $ to the peopleMore $ to the people

2.2. Natural World Natural World ConnectionConnection

• Conservation & Protection

• Outdoor Recreation

3.3. Cultural Emergence Cultural Emergence • ““Off the beaten track”Off the beaten track”

3.3. EducationalEducational• Language, Food, Language, Food,

Festivals, Sports, Festivals, Sports, HistoryHistory

Ecotourist ProfileEcotourist Profile• Experienced travelersExperienced travelers• Higher educationHigher education• Higher Income BracketHigher Income Bracket• Age: middle to elderlyAge: middle to elderly• Opinion leadersOpinion leaders

• Ask & tell friends about tripAsk & tell friends about trip• Important source of travel informationImportant source of travel information

Consumer Demand & Consumer Demand & Operator Support Operator Support

• 62% - Cultural learning is important62% - Cultural learning is important• 59% - Support protecting the environment59% - Support protecting the environment• 38% - Willing to “pay more” to use eco-38% - Willing to “pay more” to use eco-

travel companiestravel companies• 49% of British tour operators have a 49% of British tour operators have a

responsible tourism policyresponsible tourism policy

Let’s Go to Let’s Go to JamaicaJamaica!!

• Mass Tourism OptionsMass Tourism Options

““matured market”matured market”

““projected flat growth”projected flat growth”

• Ecotourism OptionsEcotourism Options

““growing 20-35% a growing 20-35% a year” year”

Ecotourism On-line ResourcesEcotourism On-line Resources

• www.www.ecotourismecotourism.org.org• www.ecotourism.ccwww.ecotourism.cc• www.responsibletravel.comwww.responsibletravel.com

Ending Thoughts & Numbers…Ending Thoughts & Numbers…

• In 2004, tourism generated $5.49 trillion In 2004, tourism generated $5.49 trillion for global economy.for global economy.

• Tourism is a top money maker for 83% Tourism is a top money maker for 83% of developing countries. of developing countries.

• Ecotourism growing 3 times tourism Ecotourism growing 3 times tourism industry as a whole. industry as a whole.

• Ecotourism options puts up to 95% of Ecotourism options puts up to 95% of money into local economy. money into local economy.