Eco Tourism can be described as travel/tourism businesses who implement and participate in responsible tourism activities such as providing financial benefits for local residents, minimize impact on the local environment, building cultural respect, being sensitive to the host country's traditions and enhancement of conservation. One of the best sites we have found is from National Geographic for Eco Travels. A good article on Eco-Conscious Travel can be found at this NYT link and this ecotourism link. On the Green Guide Blog a short article on how to find an eco friendly or green hotel has some very useful links.
Environmentally Responsible Hotels, Lodges, Motels and Travel Companies
Ecotourism travelers consider a number of facets in their decision to travel. One is the green level of the lodges they will be utilizing. Green lodges use natural resources in environmentally responsible ways, reduce negative impact that hotel use has on the environment (ex. ask patrons to use the same towel or beddings for two days), and assure waste is reused or recycled. Another would be the installation of low flow showers and toliets, collect storm water for reuse, reduce laundry water temp 60 °C, use energy star fluorescent lights, install solar panels to heat water, use PV to heat the hotel or sign up for purchase of renewable energy programs, and replacing individual soaps and lotions with wall dispensers. A listing of green hotels can be found at http://www.greenhotels.com/grntrav.htm.
When it comes to air travel one company (Travelocity) led the way with offering carbon offsets during checkout. In support of their growing number of customers concerned with global warming and to support re-generating forests, wetlands and nature, Travelocity allows customers to purchase carbon offsets during the checkout process. The Go Zero program allows customers to offset carbon dioxide emissions generated by their flight, hotel, or car usage via a donation, which is sent to The Conservation Fund, which then plants trees supporting absorbtion of carbon dioxide. The carbon offsets are offered as an option at the end of their trip package purchase. Go Zero purchases are fully tax deductible. In support of this program Travelocity has purchased carbon offsets for its own corporate travel.
Waterway Eco Tours
Oceanic Society Expeditions is a group based in California for whale watching trips. They also have international programs that offer the public to learn about wildlife with field researchers. The Pacific Whale Foundation is a marine conservation organization dedicated to marine conservation and protecting whales.
General Eco Tourism Organizations
Some of those who travel feel a need to leave the village, city or country in better shape (or at least as good) as when they arrived. The Nature Conservancy has a very nice link with information about a large varied of topics which readers may find helpful at http://www.nature.org/aboutus/travel/ecotourism/resources/.
Also sustainable tourism attempts to make a low impact on the local environment, generating local income and employment, while conserving the local ecosystems. A web site that describes this type of travel can be found at Sustainable Tourism.
Some tours address more active eco tours. This would involve appreciating nature, treating it with respect, while pushing yourself physically and emotionally. The Institute of EcoTourism talks about some of these types of programs at http://www.ioet.org/iet_ecoadventure.html.
Earth Foot is a widely scattered, independent hosts running a small-scale ecotour throughout the globe. EarthFoot, supports the local people and help the public to understand customs and conservation.
International Ecotoursim Society is an ecotourism organization dedicated to generating and/or disseminating info concerning ecotourism. Member countries varies across numerous countries. It is a non-governmental organization providing guidelines, technical assistance, and research to encourage ecotourism development. They offer a great EcoTourism Fact Sheet via their website. A second group is the Business Entprises for Sustainable Travel who also offer data on support of socially sustainability of destinations.
A different extended view is the Global Ecovillage Network. GEN is a group of global communities who share ideas, technologies, cultural insight and other data to restore nature by beyond living sustainable lives by putting more back into the environment than taking out. If you looking for new hotspots, MSN does a top 10 list.
Central American and Caribbean Eco Tourism Organizations
Eco-Index Sustainable Tourism features businesses Latin America and the Caribbean certified via the Rainforest Alliance.
Tropical Nature is working to preserve the Tropics forest including biologists, design and construction experts, and international travel professionals. They work with local communities and conservation organizations to locate, develop, and market outstanding ecotourism projects resulting in conservation.
South American Eco Tourism Organizations
Perú Verde's seeks to conserve Peru's wildlife and wildlands through research, environmental awareness, habitat protection, and eco-friendly economic alternatives for indigenous communities.
InkaNatura Travel is a tour operator in Peru owned by a nonprofit conservation group, Peru Verde. They hope to provide the travel services in Peru for those interested in nature, culture, and archaeology.
EcoEcuador is a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation efforts in Ecuador. Their ecotourism lodge in Amazonian Ecuador called the Napo Wildlife Center helps promote awareness and conservation.
Audubon Nature Institute's purpose of Celebrating the Wonders of Nature
guides by exhibiting the diversity of wildlife, preserve native Louisiana habitats and educate our diverse audience about the natural world.
South Asia Eco Tourism Organizations
Eco Team is a small group in Sri Lanka with a spirit for nature and adventure travel. They operate a number of wilderness, adventure and nature excursions in Sri Lanka. They offer tours like Nature and Adventure trekking, Caving, Mountain biking & Cycling, Hot air Ballooning, Rock climbing, and many more.
New Zealand's Red Feather Expeditions is a tour company that offers walking wild natural landscapes, kayaking, rafting, dolphins, island yachting, flora and fauna adventures, and other adventures.
Asian Eco Tourism Organizations
The Explore Nepal is an eco tour organization which is operates tours, trekking, rafting, bird watching, Safaris, and other activities. Special tours in Tibet, Bhutan, Sikkim & Darjeeling are available.
Eco Explorer Thailand is an eco tour operator in Thailand who work to preserve the environment and Thailand's ecosystem. They hope through education and experience travelers will learn to appreciate nature.
African Eco Tourism Organizations
SA Tours & Safaris (TOURSAA) serves clients by offering a view of preservation of their environment. They try to educate while developing a viable eco tourism business, as they introduce people to rare creatures and environments.
European Eco Tourism Organizations
The EU Eco-Label program helps certify hotels and campsites in the European Union. You can research several countries at www.eco-label-tourism.com.
