Have you visited a beloved destination a second time only to experience a bit of disappointment with all the ‘progress’ that has been made since your last visit?

Have you looked at a friend’s vacation pictures of places you visited years earlier only to realize your favorite beach or village is unrecognizable because of the hotels that have been built where locals’ houses once stood?

“Progress” Can Create Loss

‘Progress’ often comes at a hefty price—particularly if you love authentic experiences of local culture, biodiversity, and natural resources.

I’ve experienced disappointment multiple times as destinations have become popular and over-developed to embrace (and profit) from tourism. As an example, my disappointment was palpable when I visited Florence and Venice with my family a few years ago. I was so excited to show them specific sites and neighborhoods I had loved twenty years prior, only to discover the signs of over-tourism. Even off-season, there were massive crowds, an abundance of cheap souvenir shops where small family-run businesses once stood, and tourists ignoring signage and acting rudely as they grabbed that all-important selfie or quick pic for Instagram. (I guess a sign ‘Do not stand beyond this point’ is meant for everyone but them.) A gondolier in Venice told us many locals had been forced to move out of the city due to the lack of affordable housing.

I’ve had the same experience with several Caribbean islands, having visited before they were popular destinations for the masses. Pristine beaches years later were densely populated with big chain hotels and the coastal development and pollutants had adversely affected the coral reefs.

That may be why I’m now drawn to countries that are embracing ecotourism. Ecotourism doesn’t block over-tourism. Iceland has an ecotourism strategy but the country has some issues with over-tourism in and around Reykjavik. Tourists have degraded hiking trails and damaged natural sights. Why do so many think that posted rules and local regulations are meant for everyone else and not them?

What is Ecotourism All About?

In my opinion, ecotourism is a breath of fresh air (now that’s a play on words!) It’s focused on conservation, sustainability, community engagement, responsible travel practices, and ethical wildlife viewing.

Conservation

Ecotourism aims to minimize the negative impacts of tourism on natural environments, including wildlife habitats, ecosystems, and biodiversity. It often involves visiting protected areas, national parks, and nature reserves where conservation efforts are prioritized. These areas will have clear walkways/trails, guides available, and more to make your visit interesting without causing harm to the area and its residents (wildlife or human).

Sustainability

Ecotourism strives to be environmentally sustainable by minimizing resource consumption, reducing pollution, and supporting renewable energy practices. It seeks to operate in harmony with nature, preserving the ecological integrity of destinations for future generations.

For example, Costa Rica is known for its progressive conservation policies, reforestation efforts, use of clean energy, and more. We saw evidence of all of this on a recent trip there.

Community Engagement

Ecotourism places importance on engaging and benefiting local communities. This can include providing economic opportunities through employment, supporting local businesses, and empowering communities to participate in decision-making processes related to tourism development.

Education and Interpretation

Ecotourism seeks to educate visitors about the natural and cultural heritage of the places they visit. Interpretive programs, guided tours, and informational materials are often provided to enhance visitors' understanding of local ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation efforts.

In Costa Rica, all of our tour guides were locals and all were consistent with their messages about conservation, and the need to respect nature and the planet. Their knowledge about ecology, biodiversity, and related topics was extensive and their pride in their country’s efforts was contagious. We enjoyed educational tours in several of Costa Rica's national parks and at a coffee farm. Cacao farm tours were also available.

Responsible Travel Practices

Ecotourism encourages responsible behavior among travelers, such as respecting wildlife and ecosystems, minimizing waste, and supporting local conservation initiatives. Travelers are encouraged to leave a positive impact on the places they visit and to contribute to the well-being of local communities.

Ethical Wildlife Viewing

Ecotourism emphasizes ethical wildlife viewing practices, such as observing animals from a safe distance, avoiding activities that disturb or harm wildlife, and supporting conservation initiatives that protect endangered species and their habitats.

If you are visiting a national park or conservation area, it’s always best to hire a local guide. Not only will they promote safe and ethical viewing practices but you’ll also be made aware of animals that you would not see on your own. Many blend into the flora and fauna. On one trip through Costa Rica’s Térraba-Sierpe mangrove swamp, our guide not only was an expert on the swamp itself but also pointed out an anteater in a tree and a snake (also in a tree) that we would not have seen otherwise. He also brought us to a community of squirrel monkeys along a section of the river that entertained us for a half-hour.

How Long Has Ecotourism Been Around?

The concept of ecotourism originated in the 1980s and gained momentum in the 1990s as we began to recognize post-industrial revolution ramifications on the planet such as deforestation, global warming, air pollution, extinction of species, and more.

What Countries Lead in Ecotourism?

Some countries often cited as having successful ecotourism initiatives are:

• Costa Rica (always topping the list)

• Iceland

• Ecuador (Galapagos Islands)

• New Zealand

• Norway

• Kenya

• Madagascar

Is Ecotourism Just for Hippies and Backpackers?

Nope! Although these groups love what ecotourism offers.

Ecotourism is for singles, couples, and families. You can be wealthy or budget-minded. You can stay in hostels or 5-star lodging. Hike every day or be pampered at a spa. There’s a real variety of experiences offered. All of these experiences are created in a way that supports the ecotourism strategy. From the supplies they use daily, to how the building is constructed and maintained. Ecotourism caters to all types of travelers but keeps the focus on the long-term effects on the environment, natural resources, culture, and locals.

For part of our Costa Rica trip, we stayed at a 5-star eco-lodge with multiple pools, a fabulous restaurant, an intimate spa, and rooms set in the middle of the rainforest with private balconies. Very cushy. We rented a car and visited several national parks and we hired local guides for several day tours. By comparison, my niece stayed in a few hostels during her visit and tripped through the country with only a backpack.

Although our travel styles were very different and there was very little overlap between the places we each visited, both of us traveled the full length of the country and made multiple stops. The one thing we had in common was our enjoyment of the places we saw, the locals we met, the local foods we ate, and all we learned about conservation, sustainability, and how we all need to respect and treat the environment and our planet.

Creating Meaningful and Transformative Travel Experiences

If you enjoy nature, want to learn and experience local culture, and are concerned about conservation, sustainability, and the planet, think about exploring ecotourism. For my family, both Costa Rica and Iceland were transformative travel experiences. We would happily return to both places and I’m looking forward to visiting Norway next year.