Author(s)

P. Lanier

Abstract

Ecotourism is a topic that has been rapidly gaining interest globally in the last decade. Is ecotourism a viable means to increase economic development while protecting the environment, or is it an unrealistic ideal that leads to overdevelopment, pollution, and the introduction of non-native species to fragile ecosystems? This paper presents four documented case studies which serve as examples of successful protection of tourist areas, and that ecotourism, when sufficiently planned and properly managed, does generate positive impacts. A detailed review of Ecoventura in the Galapagos, Lapa Rios in Costa Rica, Camp Denali in Alaska, and Guludo Lodge in Mozambique illustrate the viability of ecotourism in generating economic development, advancing the interests of the environment, promoting cultural diversity, and encouraging community involvement and education.

Keywords

ecotourism, responsible tourism, environmental conservation, economic development.