Eco- Tourism and SUSTAINABLE TOURISM are the most “SEXIEST” words in Malaysian Tourism Industry . Almost everybody are using this “SEXY” words to attract tourist … but what the heck are these words mean ???
Let me just share my 2 cents knowledge on these two powerful words….
Eco-tourism and sustainable tourism are both forms of tourism that focus on preserving the natural environment and cultural heritage of a destination. However, there are some key differences between the two terms.
Eco-tourism is a type of tourism that is specifically focused on the natural environment and often involves activities such as wildlife viewing, hiking, and nature photography. Eco-tourism is typically centered around the concept of conservation, with the goal of minimizing the impact of tourism on the natural environment and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.
Sustainable tourism, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses a range of practices and strategies designed to minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment, culture, and economy of a destination. Sustainable tourism involves a range of activities, such as promoting the use of local products and services, minimizing waste and pollution, and conserving natural resources. It is often focused on the long-term sustainability of a destination, rather than just the short-term economic benefits of tourism.
In summary, eco-tourism is a specific type of tourism that is focused on nature conservation, while sustainable tourism is a broader term that encompasses a range of practices and strategies designed to minimize the negative impacts of tourism on the environment, culture, and economy of a destination.
Where are the most famous sustainable tourism destinations ?
- Costa Rica: Costa Rica is known for its efforts to promote sustainable tourism, with a number of initiatives in place to protect the country’s natural environment and cultural heritage. For example, the country has implemented a system of national parks and protected areas, and has established a number of sustainable tourism initiatives, including the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program.
- Sweden: Sweden is a leader in sustainable tourism, with a number of initiatives in place to minimize the environmental impact of tourism and promote the use of local products and services. The country has a number of eco-friendly hotels and has implemented a number of sustainable tourism initiatives, including the Sweden Green Travel Plan.
- Bhutan: Bhutan is known for its commitment to sustainable tourism, with a number of initiatives in place to protect the country’s natural environment and cultural heritage. The government of Bhutan has implemented a number of sustainable tourism initiatives, including the Bhutan for Life program, which aims to promote sustainable tourism and protect the country’s natural resources.
- New Zealand: New Zealand is a popular destination for sustainable tourism, with a number of initiatives in place to minimize the impact of tourism on the country’s natural environment and cultural heritage. The country has a number of eco-friendly accommodation options and has implemented a number of sustainable tourism initiatives, including the Qualmark Environmental Sustainability program.
- Iceland: Iceland is a popular destination for sustainable tourism, with a number of initiatives in place to minimize the impact of tourism on the country’s natural environment and cultural heritage. The country has a number of eco-friendly accommodation options and has implemented a number of sustainable tourism initiatives, including the Icelandic Tourist Board’s Green Globe program.
Where are the famous eco tourism destinations ???
- Galapagos Islands: The Galapagos Islands are a famous eco-tourism destination located off the coast of Ecuador. The islands are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including many species found nowhere else in the world. Eco-tourism is the main source of income for the islands, and a number of initiatives have been put in place to minimize the impact of tourism on the natural environment.
- Sarawak & Sabah Borneo: Borneo is a large island located in Southeast Asia, and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including orangutans, elephants, and rhinoceroses. Eco-tourism is an important industry in Borneo, and a number of initiatives have been put in place to minimize the impact of tourism on the natural environment, including the establishment of national parks and protected areas.
- Costa Rica: Costa Rica is another famous eco-tourism destination, with a number of initiatives in place to protect the country’s natural environment and cultural heritage. The country is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including monkeys, toucans, and sloths, and a number of eco-tourism activities are available, including wildlife viewing, hiking, and birdwatching.
- Tanzania: Tanzania is a popular eco-tourism destination, with a number of initiatives in place to protect the country’s natural environment and cultural heritage. The country is home to a number of national parks and wildlife reserves, and eco-tourism activities include wildlife viewing, hiking, and cultural tours.
- Belize: Belize is a small Central American country that is home to a diverse range of natural environments, including rainforests, coral reefs, and Mayan ruins. Eco-tourism is an important industry in Belize, and a number of initiatives have been put in place to minimize the impact of tourism on the natural environment, including the establishment of national parks and protected areas.
In summary , Malaysian tour operators and product operators need to learn how we can leverage these segments to attract quality tourist..
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