Ecotourism (College Board AP® Human Geography): Study Guide

What is ecotourism?

• Ecotourism is a type of sustainable tourism that focuses on the enjoyment of natural areas but does not harm the local environment

• Tourism can have negative effects, including:

  • litter accumulation

  • increased pollution

  • environmental degradation of protected or conservation landscapes

• Increased tourism often attracts multinational hotels and restaurants, which increase the effects of globalization and decrease the distinctive and unique characteristics of a location

  • Sustainable tourism attempts to minimize these effects and lead to positive developments for the visited location

• Ecotourism aligns with the principles of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

  • Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production

  • Goal 15: Life on land

• Key characteristics of ecotourism are:

  • environmental protection

    • Ensures minimal negative impact on the natural environment by limiting resource use, pollution, and damage to ecosystems

  • economic benefits for local communities

    • Supports local economies by creating jobs, funding community projects, and encouraging local entrepreneurship through guided tours, handmade crafts, and local accommodation

  • cultural preservation

    • Travelers to the area are encouraged to respect and learn about the cultural heritage of the area

  • education

    • Provides visitors with opportunities to learn about conservation efforts, local ecosystems, and sustainable practices

Ecotourism examples

• Visiting a national park

  • Travelers explore biodiversity-rich areas while following sustainable tourism guidelines (e.g. designated trails):

    • Yellowstone National Park (United States)

    • Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)