December 24, 2013, by Helen Whitehead

Advent calendar #24: Are you an eco-tourist?

At least according to the adverts on TV, Christmas must be the time when people start planning their next holiday. So are you an eco-tourist or plan an eco-holiday this year?

Eco-tourism involves being visiting areas of the planet that are more undisturbed, while trying to be low-impact and socially responsible.  These holidays often have some educational, awareness raising or environmental fund-raising angle.  According to the International Ecotourism Society, eco-tourism is “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people”. Ideally, “ecotourism provides effective economic incentives for conserving and enhancing bio-cultural diversity and helps protect the natural and cultural heritage of our beautiful planet”.

My son is planning a working visit to Madagascar next summer, possibly one of the world’s best destinations for the eco-tourist.  The question is – shall I join him for a little while?  If you’ve taken or are planning an eco-trip, do share it with us in the comments here.

You can sign up now for the MOOC Sustainability, Society and You course on the FutureLearn website.

Image © David Gonzalvo on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/33259087@N05/10226466086/ CC BY NC SA

Posted in Advent calendarEnvironmentSustainabilitysustainable lifestyle