Ecotourism

The glossary of statistical terms, published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), defines ecotourism as: ‘…travel undertaken to witness the unique natural or ecological quality of particular sites or regions, including the provision of services to facilitate such travel.’

Whilst the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) refers to eco-tourism in relation to protected areas and states a number of characteristics that ecotourism should follow, which are:

• All nature-based forms of tourism in which the main motivation of the tourists is the observation and appreciation of nature as well as the traditional cultures prevailing in natural areas.
• It contains educational and interpretation features.
• It is generally, but not exclusively organised by specialised tour operators for small groups. Service provider partners at the destinations tend to be small, locally owned businesses.
• It minimises negative impacts upon the natural and socio-cultural environment.
• It supports the maintenance of natural areas which are used as ecotourism attractions by:
• Generating economic benefits for host communities, organisations and authorities managing natural areas with conservation purposes;
• Providing alternative employment and income opportunities for local communities;
• Increasing awareness towards the conservation of natural and cultural assets, both amoung locals and tourists.

Source: The British Ecotourism Market, UNWTO 2002

Whilst a variety of well know environmental labels for buildings, such as LEED, BREEAM, PassivHaus, Green Star, Well etc do not exclude holiday resorts or hotels per se there are also a growing number of green labels that specifically cater for eco-resorts and eco-tourism.

https://www.unwto.org/sustainable-development/ecotourism-and-protected-areas

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• 4 Eco-Cities of the Future.
• BREEAM.
• Eco design directive.
• Eco houses for environment-friendly architecture.
• Eco town.
• Eco-Design for Energy-Related Products Regulations.
• Eco-Management and Audit Scheme EMAS.
• Eco-resort.
• Implementing Eco-Friendly Building Design.
• Passivhaus.
• Planning Policy Statement: eco-towns, A supplement to Planning Policy Statement 1.
• Sustainable building.
• Transitioning to eco-cities: Reducing carbon emissions while improving urban welfare.