Beyond the Buzzword: What Ecotourism Really Means – and Why It Matters

In recent years, the term ecotourism has gained popularity around the world – but what does it actually mean? And how can we make sure that it’s not just another green label? As we begin shaping our own eco-hospitality project on Palawan, these are questions we ask ourselves regularly. In this article, we explore what ecotourism truly is, where it came from, and why it’s more relevant than ever.

Definition: What Exactly Is Ecotourism?

At its core, ecotourism is a form of responsible travel to natural areas that not only minimizes environmental impact but also actively supports conservation, benefits local communities, and fosters meaningful cultural exchange. According to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), ecotourism is defined as:

“Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of local people, and involves interpretation and education” (TIES, 2015).

What makes ecotourism distinct from other forms of travel is its intention: rather than consuming a destination, it seeks to understand, protect, and contribute to it. It’s about creating positive impacts – not only for the traveler, but for the place and people they encounter. This mindset shifts the focus from passive enjoyment to active participation in the preservation and appreciation of nature and culture.

A Brief History of Ecotourism

While the roots of nature-based travel go back centuries, the modern concept of ecotourism emerged in the 1970s and 1980s in response to the negative effects of mass tourism. The term itself was popularized by Mexican environmentalist Héctor Ceballos-Lascuráin, who defined it in 1983 as “environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas” (Ceballos-Lascuráin, 1996).

Since then, ecotourism has evolved into a widely recognized form of sustainable tourism, supported by NGOs, development agencies, and national policies around the globe. It is now seen as a practical and ethical alternative to conventional tourism, especially in regions where natural and cultural heritage is both fragile and valuable.

Goals and Principles of Ecotourism

Ecotourism is guided by a set of clear and impactful principles. These include:

• Minimising environmental impact

• Building environmental and cultural awareness

• Providing positive experiences for both visitors and hosts

• Generating financial benefits for conservation

• Empowering local communities

• Promoting respect for local culture and human rights

Ultimately, ecotourism aims to create tourism models that give back more than they take – socially, economically, and ecologically (Honey, 2008).

Types of Ecotourism

Ecotourism is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It can take many forms depending on the region, environment, and local community. Some of the most common approaches include:

• Community-Based Ecotourism

Locals are directly involved in creating and running tourism experiences, ensuring that benefits remain within the community.

• Nature Lodges and Low-Impact Stays

Accommodations designed to blend with the environment, often using renewable energy and sustainable materials.

• Educational and Conservation Travel

Trips that involve interpretation, guided learning, or hands-on environmental work.

• Adventure Ecotourism

Activities like kayaking, forest trekking, or canopy walks that are designed with minimal ecological disruption.

Despite these different formats, what unites them is a shared commitment to responsible travel and long-term impact.

Why It Matters – Especially Now

Tourism is one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the world – but its benefits are often unevenly distributed, and its impacts increasingly hard to ignore. In many destinations, mass tourism has led to environmental degradation, water shortages, and the loss of biodiversity (UNEP, 2001). At the same time, local communities are frequently excluded from decision-making and left with little economic benefit.

Ecotourism offers a different path. When done right, it encourages low-impact experiences that protect nature, support local livelihoods, and foster a deeper understanding between guests and hosts. It doesn’t just aim to minimize harm – it seeks to actively contribute to the places we visit. According to the UNWTO, well-managed ecotourism can play a key role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (UNWTO, 2019).

For us, this matters deeply. It’s the foundation of how we want to build, grow, and share our project on Palawan. Sustainability is not an add-on, but the starting point. Where travel is not about consuming places but about connecting with them. And where every guest has the opportunity to become part of a story that gives back – to the environment, to the local community, and to the future. Sustainability, is more than possible. It’s necessary.

References (Harvard Style)

• Ceballos-Lascuráin, H. (1996). Tourism, Ecotourism, and Protected Areas: The State of Nature-Based Tourism around the World and Guidelines for its Development. IUCN.

• Honey, M. (2008). Ecotourism and Sustainable Development: Who Owns Paradise? 2nd ed. Washington, D.C.: Island Press.

• The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) (2015). What is Ecotourism? [online] Available at: https://ecotourism.org/what-is-ecotourism/ [Accessed 15 May 2025].

• UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) (2001). Tourism: Industry as a Partner for Sustainable Development. [online] [Accessed 15 May 2025].

• UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) (2019). Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals – Journey to 2030. [online [Accessed 15 May 2025].