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Eco Tourism
Ecotourism is the fastest growing market in the tourism sector. According to the World Tourism Organization, ecotourism has an annual global growth rate of 5% and currently represents 10% of the global gross domestic product. Accounting for more than 11% of overall consumer spending, ecotourism is a significant market and is forecast to expand in the future.
Effective promotion of sustainable tourism practices and conservation of local ecosystems involves well-developed, managed, financed and marketed strategies capable of meeting progressive expectations. The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as traveling to a place and visiting the outdoors in a way that both protects the local environment and cares for the wellbeing of people living there. Joining conservation initiatives, local people and conscious travel, ecotourism adheres to stringent environmental and cultural principles.
One of the biggest and most successful ecotour companies in the industry is Natural Habitat Adventures – with operations in Africa, America, the far North, the Galapagos Islands, Latin America, the Antarctic and a department devoted to ecotourism in Asia called Asia360. Natural Habitat Adventures is the winner of numerous commendations, including the National Geographic Best Adventure Travel Company 2009 and Top Tour Operator on Conde Nast’s Green List 2006.
The founder and Director of Natural Habitat Adventures, Ben Bressler began his career as a teacher before deciding to launch his own adventure travel business after a school ski trip. A fortuitous early partnership with the International Fund for Animal Welfare paved the way towards his fledgling company becoming a leader in the ecotourism industry.
Expedition leaders in the ecotourism field are often well-educated, many with graduate degrees in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Zoology, Marine Organisms and Animal Behavior, Sustainable Development, Geography or Forest Ecology.
Mark Baker, founder of legendary Ecotour Expeditions also started his career with other goals in mind. The owner of a timber company in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Baker was involved in importing wood from the Amazon, but his business interests conflicted with his personal ideals about sustainable ecosystems and he eventually traded his timber business to establish the first ecotourism outfit in the United States, taking groups into the rainforests of Brazil.
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) reports that the global travel and tourism industry is expected to equal 1.56 billion international arrivals by the year 2020. Currently the ecotourism industry represents more than 230 million jobs – supported in part by education initiatives launched by TIES. The Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Management, is jointly awarded by TIES and the George Washington University School of Business in Washington D.C.
EDUCATION SIDEBAR: Careers in the ecotourism industry can follow a wide variety of educational paths including:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Applied Science – Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership. Prepares graduates for the practical tasks involved in leading expeditions with a focus on community development and environmental sensitivity. Also specializes in nature-based recreation skills training.
- Associate’s Degree in Ecotourism. Graduates of two-year programs will learn the necessary skills to lead nature travel trips with awareness of sustainability and local community groups. Appropriate for students who want to work as ecotour guides
- Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science Degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management. Studying the ecology and habitat of animals prepares graduates for a host of careers ranging from Natural Resource Consultant and Conservationist to Regional Specialist for ecotour purposes. Some Wildlife Ecology graduate programs offer specialized Master’s Degrees with a focus on Ecotourism
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Sustainable or Community Development. Prepare students for careers in ecotourism specializing in local community impact and development. Regional and site-specific analysis contributes towards developing ecotour initiatives that benefit local groups.
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