Tourism is also one of the growth sectors of the global economy. World-wide, it is predicted to more than double from 2000 figures by 2020, when the World Tourism Organization calculates there will be 1.6 billion international travelers.


 


Nature-based tourism refers to those tourism experiences that are directly or indirectly dependent on the natural environment and require a land or water base. The sector includes activities undertaken in mid and backcountry tourism zones but does not include front country experiences such as downhill skiing, golf or other destination resort activities


 


Ecotourism means ecological tourism, where ecological has both environmental and social connotations


Generally speaking, ecotourism focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on the planet. It is typically defined as travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water re-use, and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities are an integral part of ecotourism.


 


“Many organizations and operators involved in ecotourism have used different variations and definitions of this term,” said , the executive director for Alaska Wilderness and Recreation Tourism Association, a non-profit trade association that represents wilderness-based tourism businesses. “A challenge within the industry is that there is no one recognized definition.”


Lacking that, pointed to two definitions, one given by the International Ecotourism Society: “Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people.”


The second definition was formed by , author of “Rethinking Tourism and Ecotravel: the Paving of Paradise and How you Can Stop It” () and director of the Rethinking Tourism Project. “Ecotravel involves activities in the great outdoors-nature tourism adventure travel, birding, camping, skiing, whale watching and archaeological digs-that take place in marine, mountain, island and desert ecosystems.”


AWRTA has combined and incorporated both definitions into the association’s ecotourism guidelines that highlight the environment, residents, communities and quality experiences for visitors.


The resulting benefits include visitors who want to learn about and interact with the cultures and destinations and are conscious of leaving few impacts on the environment and communities. That focus can encourage local and community-based planning efforts, Leonard said, as well as lend to a more sustainable industry.


, director of tourism development for the Juneau Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the ecotourism industry has been evolving over the years.


“When people think about ecotourism, the first thing they think is to get out there and enjoy nature, rather than the industrial-type of tourism,” Beiler said. “But it’s still a pretty vague term. It’s basically whatever you want the consumer market to believe. You can have ecotourism in downtown Anchorage if you want. Far be it from me to think that would happen, but you could do it.”


Alaska’s physical landscape offers the perfect opportunity for ecotours.


“From Southeast to the Arctic, from the lava fields of the Seward Peninsula to the black spruce forests of the Interior, permafrost, fjords in Southeast Alaska,” he said. “We have such a diverse ecosystem that we are the ecotourism destination of the world.”


Alaska’s diverse populations also are part of the attraction.


“Cultural tourism is on the upswing in America right now,” Beiler said. “More and more people are interested in the people they go to see.


“So we just keep spinning off in different directions, whatever suits the market at the time, whatever suits the destination,” he said. “What is Alaska? We’re not a theme park. We’re not a beach. We don’t position ourselves as the shipping Mecca of the world. We’re not the great Mall of America. That’s not what Alaska is about. It’s about meeting the people, eating the foods and enjoying Alaska.”


, who is the executive director for the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce and who is on the Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council’s board of directors, said the Kenai Peninsula is host to an increasing number of visitors who want to do more than fish for world-class salmon. As a result, more businesses are providing outdoor experiences, such as hiking and opportunities to view bears, birds and other wildlife.


“Even bed and breakfasts are providing hiking opportunities,” she said. “I applaud the businesses that are doing this. We’re getting our name out there as an area that has more to do than just fish and (are letting people know) that we’re here all year-round.”


, supervisory park ranger at the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, also reported seeing a steady increase in visitors who want to see the natural areas and who want to see wildlife.


“They’re interested in the different types of ecosystems found around the world and they want a personal touch to it, a more intimate interaction,” he said.


Education is an important component for satisfying these kinds of visitors.


Ecotourism companies are providing an interpretive message to their customers as they go through these natural areas,” Kent said. “Whether they’re floating down the Kenai River or spending time at an Alaska Wildland Adventures wilderness lodge on Skilak Lake, they’re providing natural history information to these folks.


“I think people, in general, want to learn about the natural world, whether you classify them as conservationists or otherwise.”


Alaska Wildland Adventures, based in Girdwood, began offering trips 25 years ago.


“It started out as one small trip and I was one of the guides,” said Company President Kirk Hoessle. “(Later), we would take 50 to 60 people on five or six trips over the course of a summer.”


Now AWA hosts several thousand people a year at their wilderness lodges and 1,200 to 1,500 people join their small group tours into areas across the state, including Denali National Park, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and the Inside Passage.


“We link seamlessly together interesting experiences, such as hiking, rafting and overnight accommodations that feature lodges with an Alaska ambiance without sacrificing comfort,” Hoessle said. “The days are dominated by getting out and exploring and interacting with nature. There’s enough comfort at night where (guests) enjoy their vacation, but not enough that we separate them from the natural world.”


 


For , ecotourism involves two concepts, one focusing on economics, and the other focusing on the environment.


“At certain times and certain places, it’s better to grow the economy by protecting certain areas and letting businesses develop around those,” he said. “That’s a way to achieve sustainability to enjoy the many benefits that nature provides year after year and to make a living at the same time.


“But also, it’s a way of operating where you have minimal impact on the environment, appropriately sized groups and sharing of information with the group so they go away with a much deeper appreciation for the environment, wildlife and habitat,” he said. “It’s like a form of education.”


The word “ecotourism” can emphasize the ecological significance of a destination and thus provide guidance to tourists as to appropriate conduct. The word can also impart the impression that a provider of travel services is “ecologically” committed.


 


Indeed, the Ecotourist Association of Australia defines ecotourism as ‘ecologically sustainable tourism that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation’ 1995).


 



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