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Sustainable tourism worldwide - statistics & facts

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Ecotourism market size worldwide 2022-2028

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Market size of the ecotourism sector worldwide in 2022, with a forecast for 2028 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Share of travelers that believe sustainable travel is important worldwide in 2023

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Challenges of travelers when trying to travel in a sustainable and socially conscious manner worldwide as of March 2022

Environmental impact

• Basic Statistic Global carbon dioxide emissions from energy 1965-2022, by region
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Tourism-related transport's share of carbon emissions worldwide 2016-2030

Share of carbon dioxide emissions coming from tourism-related transport worldwide in 2016, with a forecast for 2030

Carbon footprint of tourism-related transport worldwide 2005-2030

Carbon dioxide emissions from tourism-related transport worldwide in 2005 and 2016, with a forecast for 2030 (in million metric tons of carbon dioxide)

Carbon footprint of international tourism transport worldwide 2005-2030, by type

Transport-related emissions from international tourist arrivals worldwide in 2005 and 2016, with a forecast for 2030, by mode of transport (in million metric tons of carbon dioxide)

Carbon footprint of domestic tourism transport worldwide 2005-2030, by type

Transport-related emissions from domestic tourist arrivals worldwide in 2005 and 2016, with a forecast for 2030 (in million metric tons of carbon dioxide), by mode of transport

International tourism figures

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Number of international tourist arrivals worldwide from 1950 to 2023 (in millions)

Number of international tourist arrivals worldwide 2005-2023, by region

Number of international tourist arrivals worldwide from 2005 to 2023, by region (in millions)

Countries with the highest number of inbound tourist arrivals worldwide 2019-2023

Countries with the highest number of international tourist arrivals worldwide from 2019 to 2023 (in millions)

Global air traffic - number of flights 2004-2024

Number of flights performed by the global airline industry from 2004 to 2023, with a forecasts for 2024 (in millions)

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Number of scheduled passengers boarded by the global airline industry from 2004 to 2022 (in millions)

Opinions and behavior

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Share of travelers planning to spend more on trips abroad in selected countries worldwide in 2022, by type of expenditure

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Distribution of global travelers intending to stay at least once in an eco-friendly or green accommodation when looking at the year ahead from 2016 to 2022

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Share of travelers who look for accommodation with impressive sustainability innovation worldwide as of July 2023, by country

Reasons global travelers stayed in sustainable lodging at least once last year 2022

Main reasons travelers stayed in sustainable accommodation at least once over the past year worldwide in as of February 2022

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Importance of hotel sustainability for business travel buyers worldwide as of October 2022

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• Published: 31 May 2023

Eco-tourism, climate change, and environmental policies: empirical evidence from developing economies

• Yunfeng Shang 1 ,
• Chunyu Bi 2 ,
• Xinyu Wei 2 ,
• Dayang Jiang 2 ,
• Farhad Taghizadeh-Hesary   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-5446-7093 3 , 4 &
• Ehsan Rasoulinezhad   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-7726-1757 5  

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications volume  10 , Article number:  275 ( 2023 ) Cite this article

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• Environmental studies

Developing ecotourism services is a suitable solution to help developing countries improve the status of sustainable development indicators and protect their environment. The primary purpose of this paper is to find out the effects of green governance variables and carbon dioxide emissions on ecotourism for 40 developing economies from 2010 to 2021. The results confirmed a uni-directional causal relationship between the green governance indicator and the inflation rate of the ecotourism indicator. In addition, with a 1% improvement in the green governance index of developing countries, the ecotourism of these countries will increase by 0.43%. In comparison, with a 1% increase in the globalization index of these countries, ecotourism will increase by 0.32%. Moreover, ecotourism in developing countries is more sensitive to macroeconomic variables changes than in developed economies. Geopolitical risk is an influential factor in the developing process of ecotourism. The practical policies recommended by this research are developing the green financing market, establishing virtual tourism, granting green loans to small and medium enterprises, and government incentives to motivate active businesses.

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The economic commitment of climate change

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Participatory action research

Introduction.

The challenge of climate change has become a primary threat to living on the Earth in the last centuries (Rasoulinzhad and Taghizadeh-Hesary, 2022 ). Many meetings of the countries at the regional and international level are held on the topics of environment and climate change. Regardless of environmental issues, population growth, and the lack of control of greenhouse gas emissions, industrialization has been the most crucial cause of the climate change crisis. Chao and Feng ( 2018 ) address human activity as the leading cause of climate change and express that this challenge is a potential threat to living on Earth. Woodward ( 2019 ) argued that climate change threats include the rise in global temperature, the melting of polar ice caps, and unprecedented disease outbreaks. Therefore, urgent policies and solutions are essential to control and lower the risk of global change. One of the signs of climate change is the increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s surface. Figure 1 shows the temperature data from 1910 to 2021 for the four continents of Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America.

Source: Authors from NOAA ( https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/climate-at-a-glance/global/time-series ).

The data in Fig. 1 shows that the air temperature has increased significantly over the past century, which has been more prominent in Asia and Europe. In 2021, we saw a decrease in temperature changes due to the spread of the Corona disease and a decrease in the rate of greenhouse gas emissions. However, the role of the Asian continent in increasing the global temperature has been more than other continents due to its large population and excessive consumption of fossil fuels.

During the past decades, the world’s countries have tried to formulate and implement various environmental policies collectively in the form of agreements or separately to fight environmental threats. Regarding international agreements, such things as the Paris Agreement of 2015, the Kyoto Protocol of 1997, the Montreal Protocol of 1987, and the Vienna Convention on the Protection of the Ozone Layer in 1985 can be addressed whose primary purpose is to integrate the goals and motivation of the international community to the world’s environmental threats. However, a group of earlier studies, such as Zheng et al. ( 2017 ), Takashima ( 2018 ), and Roelfsema et al. ( 2022 ), emphasized the inefficiency of these global agreements, especially after the left the USA from the Paris Agreement on 1 June 2017. The most important cause of this inefficiency has been the need for more motivation of countries to fulfill their international obligations towards environmental issues. However, many governments consider the threat of climate change only within their geographical boundaries and have tried to formulate and implement green policies to advance their environmental protection goals. These policies include green financial policies (green taxes, green subsidies), monetary policies (such as green loans and green financing), and cultural and social policies in line with sustainable development. The ultimate goal of these green policies is a green economy, an environmentally friendly economy, a zero carbon economy, or a sustainable economy. Lee et al. ( 2022 ) define the green economy as a broad concept comprising green industry, agriculture, and services. Centobelli et al. ( 2022 ) express that environmental sustainability should be more attention in the service sector owing to its penetration into social life and interactions.

Tourism and travel-related services are among countries’ main parts of the service sector. By creating the flow of tourists, tourism services can lead to capital transfer, job creation, cultural exchange (globalization), and increasing welfare in the country hosting the tours. According to the Yearbook of Tourism Statistics published by the World Tourism Organization, international tourism has increased from 522.2 billion US dollars in 1995 to nearly 1.86 trillion US dollars in 2019. This increase shows the importance of tourism services in generating income for countries, especially in the era of Corona and post-corona. Casado-Aranda et al. ( 2021 ) express that tourism services can be a central driver of economic growth recovery in post COVID era. Jeyacheya and Hampton ( 2022 ) argue that tourism can make high incomes for host countries leading to job creation and economic flourishing in destination cities for tourists.

An important issue mentioned in the corona era and relies on the post-corona era is the revitalizing of green economic growth. An important issue mentioned in the corona era and relying on the post-corona era is the revitalizing green economic growth (Bai et al., 2022 ; Werikhe, 2022 ), an opportunity that countries should pay more attention to in order to rebuild their economic activities. In other words, countries should plan their return to economic prosperity with environmental issues in mind. To this end, the issue of tourism finds a branch called Ecotourism or sustainable tourism which has environmental concerns and tries to help countries to improve environmental protection policies. Ecotourism is an approach based on environmental criteria, which is opposed to over-tourism (a type of tourism that disrupts the protection of the environment and destroys natural resources). The International Ecotourism Society defines Ecotourism as an efficient way to conserve the environment and improve local people’s well-being. It can be said that Ecotourism, along with various economic advantages (income generation, job creation, globalization, poverty alleviation), will bring environmental protection to the world’s countries, achieving the goals of green economic growth recovery and sustainable development. Xu et al. ( 2022 ) consider Ecotourism as one of the essential components of achieving sustainable development in the post-corona era.

Ecotourism in developing countries has more priorities compared to developed economies. Firstly, developing countries are often countries with financial problems of the government, and the governments in these countries need more capital to advance sustainable development goals. Therefore, developing ecotourism services can be a suitable solution to help these countries improve the status of sustainable development indicators and protect their environment. Second, due to the spread of the Corona disease, developing countries have experienced numerous bankruptcy in the tourism services sector. Therefore, promoting ecotourism in these countries is of great importance in the post-corona era. Third, developing countries have a high share in the emission of greenhouse gases in the world due to their high dependence on fossil fuels and the lack of advanced green technologies. Fourth, due to bureaucratic processes, high cost, and lack of market transparency, greenwashing may happen in developing economies’ ecotourism industry, meaning that a company serving ecotourism services makes its activities seem more sustainable and ethical than they are. The term “greenwashing” can harshly impact the future development path of the ecotourism industry in developing economies. According to the reasons mentioned above, developing ecotourism in developing countries can be an essential factor in controlling and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in these countries.

This paper tries to contribute to the existing literature from the following aspects:

Calculating the ecotourism index for selected countries based on the criteria for measuring sustainable tourism stated by the World Tourism Organization in the United Nations. Considering that there is no specific index for ecotourism, the calculation of ecotourism in this article will be innovative.

Measuring the green governance index as a proxy for environmental policies for selected countries based on the Environment Social and Governance (ESG) data.

Selecting a sample of 40 developing countries from different geographical regions to calculate the interconnections between ecotourism, green governance, and climate change

Making a further discussion to address the role of uncertainty and the developing level of countries in the relationship between ecotourism and explanatory variables.

The main results confirm the existence of a uni-directional causal relationship running from the green governance indicator and inflation rate to the ecotourism indicator. In addition, with a 1% improvement in the green governance index of developing countries, the ecotourism of these countries will increase by 0.43%. A 1% increase in the globalization index of these countries accelerates ecotourism by 0.32%.

Moreover, ecotourism in developing countries is more sensitive to macroeconomic variables changes than in developed economies. Geopolitical risk is an influential factor in the developing process of ecotourism. The practical policies recommended by this research are developing the green financing market, establishing virtual tourism, granting green loans to small and medium enterprises, and government incentives to motivate active businesses.

The paper in continue is organized as follows: section “Literature review” provides a short literature review to determine the gaps this research seeks to fill. Section “Data and model specification” argues data and model specification. The following section represents empirical results. Section “Discussion” expresses discussion, whereas the last section provides conclusions, policy implications, research limitations, and recommendations to research further.

Literature review

This part of the article analyzes and classifies the previous literature on ecotourism and sustainable development in a rational and structured way. The importance of tourism in economic growth and development has been discussed in previous studies. However, the study of the effect of tourism on climate change has received little attention. Especially the relationship between sustainable tourism, climate change, and environmental policies is a problem that has yet to receive the attention of academic experts.

A group of previous studies has focused on the place of tourism in economic development and growth. Holzner ( 2011 ) focused on the consequences of tourism development on the economic performance of 134 countries from 1970 to 2007. They found out that excessive dependence on tourism income leads to Dutch disease in the economy, and other economic sectors need to develop to the extent of the tourism sector. In another study, Sokhanvar et al. ( 2018 ) investigated the causal link between tourism and economic growth in emerging economies from 1995 to 2014. The main results confirmed that the linkage is country-dependent. Brida et al. ( 2020 ) studied 80 economies from 1995 to 2016 to determine how tourism and economic development are related. The paper’s conclusions highlighted tourism’s-positive role in economic activities.

Another group of previous studies has linked tourism to sustainability targets. Sorensen and Grindsted ( 2021 ) expressed that nature tourism development has a positive and direct impact on achieving sustainable development goals of countries. In a new study, Li et al. ( 2022 ) studied the impacts of tourism development on life quality (as one of the sustainable development goals defined by the UN in 2015) in the case of Japan. They found that tourism development positively impacts the quality of life of age groups in the country. Ahmad et al. ( 2022 ) explored the role of tourism in the sustainability of G7 economies from 2000–2019. The primary findings revealed the positive impact of tourism arrivals on sustainable economic development. Zekan et al. ( 2022 ) investigated the impact of tourism on regional sustainability in Europe. They concluded that tourism development increases transport, leading to increased carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, tourism development causes environmental pollution.

Tourism that can pay attention to environmental issues is called “ecotourism.” Many new studies have studied different dimensions of ecotourism. Lu et al. ( 2021 ) expanded the concept of the ecotourism industry. The significant results expressed that smart tourist cities are essential for efficient ecotourism in countries. Thompson ( 2022 ) expressed the characteristics of ecotourism development through survey methodology. The results confirmed the importance of transparent regulations, government support, and social intention to promote ecotourism. In another study, Heshmati et al. ( 2022 ) employed the SWOT analysis method to explore the critical success factors of ecotourism development in Iran. They found that legal documentation and private participation are major influential factors in promoting ecotourism in Iran. In line with the previous research, Hosseini et al. ( 2021 ) tried to explore the influential factors in promoting ecotourism in Iran by employing a SWOT analysis. They depicted that attracting investors is essential to enhance ecotourism projects in Iran. Hasana et al. ( 2022 ) reviewed research to analyze the earlier studies about ecotourism. The conclusions expressed that ecotourism is necessary for environmental protection. However, it is a challenging plan for the government, and they should carry out various policies toward ecotourism development. Kunjuraman et al. ( 2022 ) studied the role of ecotourism on rural community development in Malaysia. The significant results confirmed that ecotourism could transfer-positive impacts.

Several earlier studies have concentrated on the characteristics of ecotourism in different developed and developing economies. For example, Ruhanen ( 2019 ) investigated the ecotourism status in Australia. The paper concluded that the country could potentially make a larger share of ecotourism to the entire local tourism industry. Jin et al. ( 2022 ) studied the role of local community power on green tourism in Japan. They concluded that the concept of agricultural village activity and regional support positively influences the development of green tourism in Japan as a developed economy. Choi et al. ( 2022 ) sought to find aspects of ecotourism development in South Korea. The preliminary results confirmed the importance of green governance and efficient regulation to promote a sustainable tourism industry. Baloch et al. ( 2022 ) explored the ecotourism specifications in the developing economy of Pakistan. They found that Pakistan’s ecotourism needs government support and the social well-being of the visited cities. Sun et al. ( 2022 ) studied ecotourism in China. They concluded that there is imbalanced development of ecotourism among Chinese provinces due to the need for more capital to invest in all ecotourism projects throughout the Chinese cities. Tajer and Demir ( 2022 ) analyzed the ecotourism strategy in Iran. They concluded that despite various potentials in the country, insufficient capital, lack of social awareness, and political tension are the major obstacles to promoting a sustainable tourism industry in Iran.

Another group of earlier studies has drawn attention to promoting eco-tourism in the post COVID era. They believe that the corona disease has created an excellent opportunity to pay more attention to environmental issues and that countries should move towards sustainable development concepts such as sustainable (eco) tourism in the post-corona era. Soliku et al. ( 2021 ) studied eco-tourism in Ghana during the pandemic. The findings depicted the vague impacts of a pandemic on eco-tourism. Despite the short-term negative consequence of the pandemic on eco-tourism, it provides various opportunities for developing this sector in Ghana. Hosseini et al. ( 2021 ) employed the Fuzzy Dematel technique to find solutions for promoting eco-tourism during COVID-19. They found out that planning to increase the capacity of eco-tourism and incentive policies by governments can help promote the eco-tourism aspect under the pandemic’s consequences. Abedin et al. ( 2022 ) studied the consequence of COVID-19 on coastal eco-tourism development. The primary findings confirmed the negative impacts of a pandemic on the development of eco-tourism.

A review of previous studies shows that tourism can positively impact green growth and sustainable development. Sustainable tourism can be used as a policy to deal with the threat of climate change. This issue needs more attention in the corona and post-corona eras. Because in the post-corona era, many countries have sought to revive green economic growth, and ecotourism can be one of the tools to achieve it. As observed, a detailed study of the relationship between climate change, ecotourism, and environmental policies has yet to be done. Therefore, this research will address and fill this literature gap.

Data and model specification

Data description.

The paper seeks to find the relationship between climate change, ecotourism, and environmental policy for the panel of 40 developing economies from different regions from 2010 to 2021 (480 observations). The sample size could have been more extensive due to the lack of information on some variables. However, there are 480 observations in the data analysis of the data panel; therefore, the number of samples selected is acceptable.

To determine the proxies for main variables, CO2 emissions per capita are selected as the proxy for climate change. Many earlier studies (e.g., Espoir et al., 2022 ) have employed this variable as an appropriate variable representing the status of climate change. Regarding ecotourism, the World Tourism Organization proposed some measurements of sustainable tourism, and also following Yusef et al. ( 2014 ), the entropy weight method is employed to calculate a multi-dimensional ecotourism indicator comprising per capita green park area (square meters), gross domestic tourism revenue (US dollars), the ratio of good air quality (%), green transport, renewable water resources (km3) and deforestation rate (%). It is a novel ecotourism indicator that can show the ecotourism status in countries.

In addition, the green governance index is calculated as a proxy for environmental policy. Principally, the Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) data from World Bank are gathered to calculate this variable. With the improvement of the Green Governance Index, the quality of environmental policies will also increase, and vice versa. With the adverseness of the Green Governance Index, the efficiency of environmental policies will decrease.

Regarding control variables, the inflation rate as an influential factor in tourism flows is selected. The importance of this variable to promoting/declining tourism flows has been drawn to attention by some earlier studies, such as Liu et al. ( 2022 ). The inflation rate can raise the total cost of travel, causing a reduction in tourism flows, while any reduction in the inflation rate can increase the intention of tourists to travel. In addition, the KOF globalization index provided by the KOF Swiss Economic Institute is another control variable. A country with a higher degree of globalization means more readiness to accept tourists from countries with different cultures and religions.

Model specification

According to the variables mentioned above, 40 examined developing countries from 2010 to 2021, the panel co-integration model can be written as Eq. 1 :

ETOR indicates the ecotourism index, while CO2, GGI, INF, and GLOB denote Carbon dioxide emissions per capita, green governance index, inflation rate, and globalization index, respectively. i is 1,2,…,40 and shows examined developing economies, while t is time and contains 2010, 2011,..,2021.

Prior to the estimation of coefficients of Eq. 1 , the panel unit root tests are employed to find out whether the series is stationary. To this end, three tests of LLC (Levin et al., 2002 ), Breitung’s test ( 2000 ), and the PP-Fisher test (Philips and Perron, 1988 ). If all the variables are stationary at the first level of difference (I(1)), a panel co-integration test can be conducted to explore whether the model is spurious. To this end, Kao’s co-integration test ( 1999 ) and Pedroni’s residual co-integration test ( 2004 ) are conducted. If the co-integration relationship exists among variables, the panel causality test can be run to determine the causal linkages among variables. In this paper, the two steps of Engle and Granger (1987)‘s test, which is based on the error correction model (ECM) is used as Eqs. 2 – 6 :

In the above Equations, Δ is the first differences of variables, while θ and ECT represent the fixed country effect and error correction term.

The next step is the long-run panel co-integration estimations. To this end, Fully Modified OLS (FMOLS) and Dynamic OLS (DOLS) as robustness checks are conducted, which are two famous panel co-integration estimators (Rasoulinezhad, 2018 ). The FMOLS estimator has various advantages. It allows serial correlation, endogeneity, and cross-sectional heterogeneity (Erdal and Erdal, 2020 ).

Empirical results

In this section, we will implement the experimental research model. The purpose of implementing an econometric model based on panel data is to find the effects of green governance variables and carbon dioxide emissions on ecotourism. As the first step, the panel unit root tests are conducted. The results are reported in Table 1 as follows:

According to Table 1 , all three-panel unit root tests depict that all series are non-stationary at the level and become stationary after a first difference. Next, the panel co-integration tests are conducted, and their results are represented in Tables 2 and 3 :

The two-panel co-integration tests’ findings confirm the presence of co-integration linkages among variables.

The panel causality test studies the short-term and long-term causal relationship among variables. Table 4 reports the results of the panel causality check as follows:

According to Table 4 , there is a uni-directional causal relationship between the green governance indicator and the inflation rate of the ecotourism indicator. At the same time, there is a bi-directional causal relationship between carbon dioxide emissions and ecotourism indicators, confirming the existence of the feedback effect. In addition, there is only short-term causality from the green governance indicator to carbon dioxide emissions. In contrast, ecotourism and the globalization index have a uni-directional causal linkage. In the short term, improving ecotourism can cause globalization and reduce carbon emissions in developing economies. Regarding the long-term causality, it can be concluded that the ECT of ecotourism, green governance index, and globalization index are statistically significant. These three variables are major adjustment variables when the system departs from equilibrium.

In the last stage, the long-run estimations are done through FMOLS and DOLS estimators. Table 5 lists the results of the estimations by these two-panel co-integration estimators:

Based on FMOLS estimation, it can be concluded that the Green Governance index has a positive and significant coefficient in such a way that with a 1% improvement in the green governance index of developing countries, the ecotourism of these countries will increase by 0.43%. By improving the state of green governance, the quality of formulated and implemented green policies in these countries will increase, improving the conditions of ecotourism development. This finding aligns with Agrawal et al. ( 2022 ) and Debbarma and Choi ( 2022 ), who believe that green governance is essential to sustainable development. In the case of carbon dioxide emissions, the coefficient of this variable is not statistically significant. In other words, the variable of carbon dioxide emissions per capita has no significant effect on ecotourism in developing countries. The inflation rate has a significant negative effect on ecotourism. With a 1% increase in the general prices of goods and services in developing countries, ecotourism will decrease by 0.34%. This finding aligns with Rahman ( 2022 ), who showed a negative relationship between inflation and sustainable development in their research. An increase in inflation means an increase in the total cost of a tourist’s trip to the destination country, inhibiting the growth of tourist services.

Regarding the globalization variable, this variable has a significant positive effect on the ecotourism of developing countries. With a 1% increase in the globalization index of these countries, ecotourism will increase by 0.32%. Globalization means more interaction with the world’s countries, acceptance of different cultures and customs, more language learning in society, more acceptance of tourism, and development of tourist services in the country. This finding is consistent with the results of Akadiri et al. ( 2019 ), who confirmed that globalization is one of the crucial components in tourism development.

The DOLS estimator was also used to ensure the obtained findings’ validity. The results of this method are shown in Table 5 . The signs of the coefficients are consistent with the results obtained by the FMOLS method. Therefore, the validity and reliability of the obtained coefficients are confirmed.

In this section, we will briefly discuss the relationship between ecotourism and climate change and the environmental policy considering the uncertainty and the relationship between variables in developed and developing countries.

Consideration of uncertainty

Uncertainty as a primary reason for risk has become a research issue in recent decades. Uncertainty can make the future unpredictable and uncontrollable, affecting economic decision-making. Regarding tourism, the impacts of uncertainty have been drawn to attention by several earlier studies (e.g., Dutta et al., 2020 ; Das et al., 2020 ; and Balli et al., 2019 ; Balli et al., 2018 ). In general, uncertainty in the tourism industry reflects tourists’ concerns and consumption habits in the way that by increasing uncertainty, it is expected that tourists make sense of risks and postpone their tourism activities, and vice versa; in the sphere of certainties, the various risks are clear, and tourists can make rational decisions for their tourism plans and activities. In order to explore the impacts of uncertainties on eco-tourism of the examined developing economies, the geopolitical risk index (GPR) as a proxy for economic policy uncertainty index is gathered and added as a control variable to Eq. 1 . The estimations results by FMOLS are reported in Table 6 as follows.

According to Table 6 , the uncertainty (geopolitical risk) has a negative coefficient meaning that with a 1% increase in geopolitical risk, the eco-tourism industry in the examined developing countries decreases by approximately 0.69%. The signs of coefficients of other variables align with the earlier findings, represented in Table 5 . In addition, the magnitude of the impact of geopolitical risk is larger than the impacts of other variables highlighting the importance of lower geopolitical risk in these economies to reach sustainable tourism targets.

Difference in developed and developing economies

Considering the different structures and financial power of these two groups of countries, the relationship between the variables mentioned in these two groups is expected to be different. In the previous section, the results for the group of developing countries showed that the Green Governance index has a positive and significant coefficient. In the case of carbon dioxide emissions, the coefficient of this variable is not statistically significant. The inflation rate has a significant negative effect on ecotourism. Regarding the globalization variable, it can be mentioned that this variable has a significant positive effect on the ecotourism of developing countries. In order to analyze the relationship between variables in the developed countries, the top 10 countries with the highest HDI in 2021 are selected (Switzerland (0.962), Norway (0.961), Iceland (0.959), Hong Kong (0.952), Australia (0.951), Denmark (0.948), Sweden (0.947) and Ireland (0.945)). The selected variables, explained in section “Data and model specification”, are collected from 2010 to 2021. The panel unit root tests confirmed that all series are non-stationary at the level and become stationary after a first difference. In addition, the presence of co-integration linkages among variables is revealed by the panel co-integration test. The panel co-integration estimator of FMOLS is employed to study the long-term relationship among variables. The findings are reported in Table 7 as follows:

According to the estimated coefficients, the green governance indicator positively and statistically significantly impacts ecotourism in the examined developed economies. However, the magnitude of the impact of this variable is more considerable for developing countries because these countries have more imbalances in markets and regulations. Therefore, the presence of good green tourism can have a more positive effect on advancing the goal of ecotourism. Contrary to the findings of developing countries, carbon dioxide emission in developed countries has a negative and significant effect, meaning that with an increase of 1% in carbon dioxide in developed countries, the level of ecotourism becomes more unfavorable by 0.034%. Moreover, inflation and globalization variables have significant negative and positive coefficients, respectively. However, the magnitudes of these two variables’ coefficients are also higher in developing countries. Ecotourism in developing countries is more sensitive to changes in macroeconomic variables such as green governance, globalization, and inflation.

Another difference between eco-tourism in developed and developing economies may be interpreted through the term “greenwashing,” introduced by Westerveld in 1986 (Maichum et al., 2016 ). In developing countries, due to the economic structure, limited knowledge, bureaucratic process, lack of legal eco-certification, and imperfect competition, a company involved in the eco-tourism industry makes an unsubstantiated claim to deceive consumers into accepting the company’s services are in line with environmental protection policies. Hence, green governance in developing countries should have another role in regulating the eco-tourism market to lower the threat of greenwashing in eco-tourism services.

Conclusions and policy recommendations

Concluding remarks.

The findings of econometric modeling revealed the relationship between environmental policies, climate change, and ecotourism. Based on the findings of the econometric model, the following conclusions can be presented:

A uni-directional causal relationship runs from the green governance indicator and inflation rate to the ecotourism indicator, which means that any changes in green governance and inflation rate cause changes in ecotourism, which is vital for developing economies where governance and inflation rate are two crucial issues.

There is a bi-directional causal relationship between carbon dioxide emissions and ecotourism indicators, confirming the existence of the feedback hypothesis, expressing that in developing economies, any policies related to ecotourism cause changes in CO2 emissions and vice versa.

There is only short-term causality from the green governance indicator to carbon dioxide emissions, whereas there is a uni-directional causal linkage from ecotourism to the globalization index. In other words, in the short term, improving ecotourism can cause globalization and reduce carbon emissions in developing economies.

By improving green governance in developing economies, the quality of formulated and implemented green policies in these countries will increase, improving the conditions of ecotourism development.

An increase in the inflation rate raises the total cost of a tourist’s trip to developing economies, inhibiting the growth of eco-tourist services.

Globalization means more interaction with the world’s countries, acceptance of different cultures and customs, more language learning in society, more acceptance of tourism, and development of tourist services in developing countries.

Policy implications

In order to achieve the promotion of ecotourism in developing countries, the implementation of integrated and effective strategic and practical policies is of great importance. According to the concluding remarks mentioned, practical policies are presented as follows for enhancing ecotourism in developed countries. The development of ecotourism requires the improvement of various infrastructures and mechanisms, which depends on the implementation of projects related to ecotourism in developing countries. Because most countries do not have enough financial power to invest in such projects, developing the green financing market can be one of the critical practical solutions. The green financing tool can increase the investment risk and return on investment in such projects, and as a result, the participation of the private sector in these projects will increase. With information and communication technology development, virtual tourism can solve many environmental issues related to human physical presence. Virtual tourism is one of the branches of tourism services that provide people with destinations, places of interest, and tourist attractions with full quality but in virtual form. Another practical policy is granting green loans to small and medium enterprises active in ecotourism. Despite the organizational agility, these companies do not have the significant financial power to develop different sectors of ecotourism; therefore, the cooperation of the banking industry of developing countries by providing green loans (with low-interest rates) can motivate small and medium-sized companies in the field of activities related to ecotourism. Government incentives to motivate businesses active in ecotourism and government deterrent policies (green tax) from businesses active in the field of tourism to lead them to increase the share of ecotourism in their activities can be a proper operational strategy. In developing countries, the role of government and green governance is vital in advancing the goals of ecotourism. By improving the level of its green governance, the government can create efficient policies, regulations, and social tools to create motivation and desire to accept ecotourism, an essential and undeniable issue in developing societies. Creating a guarantee fund for ecotourism companies in developing countries is another practical policy to support these companies financially. Guarantee funds can be established with the participation of the people of ecotourism destinations in order to strengthen the financial strength of ecotourism companies in these destinations.

Limitations and recommendations to further research

This research had a practical and innovative contribution to the literature on ecotourism in developing countries. The findings obtained from the econometric model analysis provided appropriate practical and strategic policies to the policymakers of countries interested in the development of ecotourism. However, access to data related to the ecotourism index and sustainable development of developing countries due to the lack of community in a specific database is considered one of the critical limitations of this research. This limitation caused many developing countries to be excluded from the research sample, which may have created a deviation in the research. Adding more countries to the test sample in future research is suggested to obtain complete and accurate results. Also, due to the outbreak of the Corona pandemic at the end of 2019 and the Russia-Ukraine war since the beginning of 2022, it is suggested that these two variables be included in the econometric model as an illusion in order to analyze their effects on the ecotourism of the countries of the world. Using other econometric methods, such as artificial neural networks, is suggested to model ecotourism in different countries. Complex modeling by taking into account trends and trends to predict the relationship between variables in the future will be an essential step in formulating effective programs in ecotourism.

Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Shang, Y., Bi, C., Wei, X. et al. Eco-tourism, climate change, and environmental policies: empirical evidence from developing economies. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 10 , 275 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-023-01777-w

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Ecotourism and Protected areas

According to the UN Tourism's definition, ecotourism refers to forms of tourism which have the following characteristics:

• 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.
• 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 among locals and tourists.

Source: The British Ecotourism Market, UNWTO 2002

UN Tourism has been involved in the field of ecotourism since the early 1990s and developed a set of guidelines focusing on the strong link between protected area and tourism, with the aim of ensuring that tourism contributes to the purposes of protected areas and does not undermine them.

In the framework of the UN-declared International Year of Ecotourism (IYE) 2002, UN Tourism undertook a wide range of activities, including the organization of regional conferences and the World Ecotourism Summit , and published guidelines and methodologies for ecotourism development and market studies, as well as supported regional and national activities.

At the request of the United Nations General Assembly, the UN Tourism prepared a report on the activities undertaken by States and major international organizations in the framework of the International Year of Ecotourism . Also UN Tourism prepared a series of market reports to increase the knowledge of seven important countries considered “Ecotourism generating markets”.

What Is Ecotourism? Definition, Examples, and Pros and Cons

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Ecotourism Definition and Principles

Pros and cons.

• Examples of Ecotourism
• Frequently Asked Questions

Ecotourism is about more than simply visiting natural attractions or natural places; it’s about doing so in a responsible and sustainable manner. The term itself refers to traveling to natural areas with a focus on environmental conservation. The goal is to educate tourists about conservation efforts while offering them the chance to explore nature.

Ecotourism has benefited destinations like Madagascar, Ecuador, Kenya, and Costa Rica, and has helped provide economic growth in some of the world’s most impoverished communities. The global ecotourism market produced $92.2 billion in 2019 and is forecasted to generate $103.8 billion by 2027.

A conservationist by the name of Hector Ceballos-Lascurain is often credited with the first definition of ecotourism in 1987, that is, “tourism that consists in travelling to relatively undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with the specific object of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural manifestations (both past and present) found in these areas.”

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of ecotourism since 1990, defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education [both in its staff and its guests].”

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) looks at ecotourism as a significant tool for conservation, though it shouldn’t be seen as a fix-all when it comes to conservation challenges:

“There may be some areas that are just not appropriate for ecotourism development and some businesses that just won’t work in the larger tourism market. That is why it is so important to understand the basics of developing and running a successful business, to ensure that your business idea is viable and will be profitable, allowing it to most effectively benefit the surrounding environment and communities.”

Marketing an ecosystem, species, or landscape towards ecotourists helps create value, and that value can help raise funds to protect and conserve those natural resources.

Sustainable ecotourism should be guided by three core principles: conservation, communities, and education.

Conservation

Conservation is arguably the most important component of ecotourism because it should offer long-term, sustainable solutions to enhancing and protecting biodiversity and nature. This is typically achieved through economic incentives paid by tourists seeking a nature-based experience, but can also come from the tourism organizations themselves, research, or direct environmental conservation efforts.

Communities

Ecotourism should increase employment opportunities and empower local communities, helping in the fight against global social issues like poverty and achieving sustainable development.

Interpretation

One of the most overlooked aspects of ecotourism is the education component. Yes, we all want to see these beautiful, natural places, but it also pays to learn about them. Increasing awareness about environmental issues and promoting a greater understanding and appreciation for nature is arguably just as important as conservation.

As one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry, there are bound to be some downsides to ecotourism. Whenever humans interact with animals or even with the environment, it risks the chance of human-wildlife conflict or other negative effects; if done so with respect and responsibility in mind, however, ecotourism can reap enormous benefits to protected areas.

As an industry that relies heavily on the presentation of eco-friendly components to attract customers, ecotourism has the inevitable potential as a vessel for greenwashing. Part of planning a trip rooted in ecotourism is doing research to ensure that an organization is truly providing substantial benefits to the environment rather than exploiting it.

Ecotourism Can Provide Sustainable Income for Local Communities

Sustainably managed ecotourism can support poverty alleviation by providing employment for local communities, which can offer them alternative means of livelihood outside of unsustainable ones (such as poaching).

Research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that communities in regions surrounding conservation areas in Costa Rica had poverty rates that were 16% lower than in areas that weren’t near protected parks. These protected areas didn’t just benefit from conservation funds due to ecotourism, but also helped to reduce poverty as well.

It Protects Natural Ecosystems

Ecotourism offers unique travel experiences focusing on nature and education, with an emphasis on sustainability and highlighting threatened or endangered species. It combines conservation with local communities and sustainable travel , highlighting principles (and operations) that minimize negative impacts and expose visitors to unique ecosystems and natural areas. When managed correctly, ecotourism can benefit both the traveler and the environment, since the money that goes into ecotourism often goes directly towards protecting the natural areas they visit.

Each year, researchers release findings on how tourist presence affects wildlife, sometimes with varying results. A study measuring levels of the stress hormone cortisol in wild habituated Malaysian orangutans found that the animals were not chronically stressed by the presence of ecotourists. The orangutans lived in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, where a local community-managed organization operates while maintaining strict guidelines to protect them.

Ecotourism May Also Hurt Those Same Natural Ecosystems

Somewhat ironically, sometimes ecotourism can hurt ecosystems just as much as it can help. Another study in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution found that ecotourism can alter animal behaviors in ways that put them at risk. If the presence of humans changes the way animals behave, those changes may make them more vulnerable by influencing their reaction to predators or poachers.

It's not just the animals who are at risk. As ecotourism activities become too popular, it can lead to the construction of new infrastructure to accommodate more visitors. Similarly, more crowds mean more pressure on local resources, increased pollution, and a higher chance of damaging the soil and plant quality through erosion. On the social side, these activities may displace Indigenous groups or local communities from their native lands, preventing them from benefiting from the economic opportunities of tourism.

Ecotourism Offers the Opportunity to Experience Nature

Renown conservationist Jane Goodall has a famous quote: “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, shall all be saved.” It can be difficult to understand something that we haven’t seen with our own eyes, and ecotourism gives travelers the opportunity to gain new experiences in natural areas while learning about the issues they face. 

Ecotourism also educates children about nature, potentially creating new generations of nature lovers that could someday become conservationists themselves. Even adult visitors may learn new ways to improve their ecological footprints .

EXAMPLES OF ECOTOURISM

The East African country has some competitive advantages over its neighbors thanks to its rich natural resources, paired with the fact that it has allocated over 25% of its total area to wildlife national parks and protected areas. Because of this, an estimated 90% of tourists visit to Tanzania seeking out ecotourism activities. Ecotourism, in turn, supports 400,000 jobs and accounts for 17.2% of the national GDP, earning about $1 billion each year as its leading economic sector.

Some of Tanzania’s biggest highlights include the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro , and Zanzibar, though the country still often goes overlooked by American tourists. Visitors can take a walking safari tour in the famous Ngorongoro Conservation area, for example, with fees going to support the local Maasai community.

The country is also known for its chimpanzees , and there are several ecotourism opportunities in Gombe National Park that go directly towards protecting chimpanzee habitats.

Galapagos Islands

It comes as no surprise that the place first made famous by legendary naturalist Charles Darwin would go on to become one of the most sought-after ecotourism destinations on Earth, the Galapagos Islands .

The Directorate of the Galapagos National Park and the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism require tour providers to conserve water and energy, recycle waste, source locally produced goods, hire local employees with a fair wage, and offer employees additional training. A total of 97% of the land area on the Galapagos is part of the official national park, and all of its 330 islands have been divided into zones that are either completely free of human impact, protected restoration areas, or reduced impact zones adjacent to tourist-friendly areas.

Local authorities still have to be on their toes, however, since UNESCO lists increased tourism as one of the main threats facing the Galapagos today. The bulk of funding for the conservation and management of the archipelago comes from a combination of governmental institutions and entry fees paid by tourists.

Costa Rica is well-known throughout the world for its emphasis on nature-based tourism, from its numerous animal sanctuaries to its plethora of national parks and reserves. Programs like its “Ecological Blue Flag” program help inform tourists of beaches that have maintained a strict set of eco-friendly criteria.

The country’s forest cover went from 26% in 1983 to over 52% in 2021 thanks to the government’s decision to create more protected areas and promote ecotourism in the country . Now, over a quarter of its total land area is zoned as protected territory.

Costa Rica welcomes 1.7 million travelers per year, and most of them come to experience the country’s vibrant wildlife and diverse ecosystems. Its numerous biological reserves and protected parks hold some of the most extraordinary biodiversity on Earth, so the country takes special care to keep environmental conservation high on its list of priorities. 

New Zealand

In 2019, tourism generated $16.2 billion, or 5.8% of the GDP, in New Zealand. That same year, 8.4% of its citizens were employed in the tourism industry, and tourists generated $3.8 billion in tax revenue.

The country offers a vast number of ecotourism experiences, from animal sanctuaries to natural wildlife on land, sea, and even natural caves. New Zealand’s South Pacific environment, full of sights like glaciers and volcanic landscapes, is actually quite fragile, so the government puts a lot of effort into keeping it safe.

Tongariro National Park, for example, is the oldest national park in the country, and has been named by UNESCO as one of only 28 mixed cultural and natural World Heritage Sites. Its diverse volcanic landscapes and the cultural heritage of the indigenous Maori tribes within the create the perfect combination of community, education, and conservation.

How to Be a Responsible Ecotourist

• Ensure that the organizations you hire provide financial contributions to benefit conservation and find out where your money is going.
• Ask about specific steps the organization takes to protect the environment where they operate, such as recycling or promoting sustainable policies.
• Find out if they include the local community in their activities, such as hiring local guides, giving back, or through initiatives to empower the community.
• Make sure there are educational elements to the program. Does the organization take steps to respect the destination’s culture as well as its biodiversity?
• See if your organization is connected to a non-profit or charity like the International Ecotourism Society .
• Understand that wildlife interactions should be non-invasive and avoid negative impacts on the animals.

Ecotourism activities typically involve visiting and enjoying a natural place without disturbing the landscape or its inhabitants. This might involve going for a hike on a forest trail, mountain biking, surfing, bird watching, camping, or forest bathing . 

Traveling in a way that minimizes carbon emissions, like taking a train or bike instead of flying, may also be part of an ecotourism trip. Because these modes of travel tend to be slower, they may be appreciated as enjoyable and relaxing ecotourism activities.

The Wolf Conservation Center ’s programing in New York State is an example of ecotourism. This non-profit organization is dedicated to the preservation of endangered wolf species. It hosts educational sessions that allow visitors to observe wolves from a safe distance. These programs help to fund the nonprofit organization’s conservation and wildlife rehabilitation efforts.

Stonehouse, Bernard. " Ecotourism ." Environmental Geology: Encyclopedia of Earth Science , 1999, doi:10.1007/1-4020-4494-1_101

" What is Ecotourism? " The International Ecotourism Society .

" Tourism ." International Union for Conservation of Nature .

https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1307712111

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0033357

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2015.09.010

https://doi.org/10.5897/JHMT2016.0207

" Galapagos Islands ." UNESCO .

" About Costa Rica ." Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington DC .

https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/tourism-satellite-account-2019

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What Is Ecotourism?

Conservation, offering market-linked long-term solutions, ecotourism provides effective economic incentives for conserving and enhancing bio-cultural diversity and helps protect the natural and cultural heritage of our beautiful planet., communities, by increasing local capacity building and employment opportunities, ecotourism is an effective vehicle for empowering local communities around the world to fight against poverty and to achieve sustainable development., interpretation, with an emphasis on enriching personal experiences and environmental awareness through interpretation, ecotourism promotes greater understanding and appreciation for nature, local society, and culture., the definition., ecotourism is now defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education” (ties, 2015). education is meant to be inclusive of both staff and guests., principles of ecotourism, ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. this means that those who implement, participate in and market ecotourism activities should adopt the following ecotourism principles:.

• Minimize physical, social, behavioral, and psychological impacts.
• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
• Generate financial benefits for both local people and private industry.
• Deliver memorable interpretative experiences to visitors that help raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental, and social climates.
• Design, construct and operate low-impact facilities.
• Recognize the rights and spiritual beliefs of the Indigenous People in your community and work in partnership with them to create empowerment.

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How Much Money Does Ecotourism Bring In?

Published: November 14, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Anthia Angle

Introduction

Ecotourism is a rapidly growing sector in the travel industry, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and nature-based experiences. It refers to responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of local communities, and provides educational and enriching experiences for visitors. Ecotourism not only promotes environmental conservation and cultural preservation but also has the potential to bring in substantial economic benefits to destinations.

The economic impact of ecotourism goes beyond the direct revenue generated from tourist expenditure. It encompasses a wide range of economic activities, including accommodation, transportation, food and beverage, tour guiding, souvenir sales, and more. These activities contribute to local employment, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure development.

Understanding the monetary value of ecotourism is crucial for various stakeholders, including governments, communities, and tourism organizations. It helps in making informed decisions about sustainable development, resource allocation, and marketing strategies. Furthermore, assessing the economic impact of ecotourism facilitates the identification of areas for improvement and informs policies that balance economic growth with environmental and social considerations.

However, quantifying the exact amount of money that ecotourism brings in can be complex and challenging. It requires a comprehensive assessment methodology that takes into account various factors such as visitor spending, duration of stay, type of activities, and leakage of tourism revenue. Additionally, the economic impact of ecotourism varies from one destination to another, depending on factors like natural attractions, infrastructure, marketing efforts, and available resources.

This article examines the concept of ecotourism and delves into the importance of assessing the economic impact it generates. It explores the methodologies used to measure the revenue generated through ecotourism activities and presents case studies highlighting successful examples. It also discusses the factors that can influence the amount of money ecotourism brings in and the challenges and limitations of assessing this revenue. Finally, potential strategies to maximize ecotourism revenue are explored.

Definition and Concepts of Ecotourism

Ecotourism is a specialized form of tourism that focuses on sustainable travel to natural areas while promoting conservation, preserving cultural heritage, and providing benefits to local communities. It emphasizes the importance of responsible travel practices that minimize negative environmental impacts and maximize positive social and economic contributions.

At its core, ecotourism involves experiencing and appreciating natural environments, such as forests, mountains, rivers, and coral reefs, in a way that respects their integrity and safeguards their future. It encourages visitors to connect with nature, learn about local flora and fauna, and engage in activities that promote environmental awareness and conservation.

One of the fundamental principles of ecotourism is the concept of “leave no trace.” Travelers are encouraged to minimize their ecological footprint by adhering to sustainable practices, such as not disturbing wildlife, disposing of waste properly, and respecting the customs and traditions of local communities.

Ecotourism also places a strong emphasis on community involvement and empowerment. It strives to create economic opportunities for local residents and promote their active participation in decision-making processes. By involving communities in tourism development and ensuring that they receive a fair share of the benefits, ecotourism aims to contribute to poverty alleviation and sustainable development.

Another key aspect of ecotourism is education and interpretation. It seeks to provide visitors with educational experiences that foster a deeper understanding of the natural and cultural significance of the destination. This can involve guided nature walks, wildlife spotting, cultural performances, and interactions with local artisans, among other activities.

Furthermore, ecotourism values the preservation of local cultures and traditions. It recognizes the importance of indigenous knowledge and promotes respect for local customs, traditions, and practices. This aspect of ecotourism ensures that tourism does not erode cultural identity but instead supports its preservation and transmission to future generations.

In summary, ecotourism is not just about visiting natural areas; it embodies a set of principles and practices that strive to create a positive impact on the environment, communities, and travelers themselves. It represents a sustainable and responsible approach to travel that aims to protect biodiversity, promote socio-economic development, and enhance visitor experiences.

Importance of Assessing the Economic Impact of Ecotourism

Assessing the economic impact of ecotourism is of paramount importance for several reasons. It provides valuable insights and data that inform decision-making processes, stimulate sustainable development, and maximize the benefits of ecotourism for both destinations and local communities.

First and foremost, understanding the economic impact of ecotourism allows destinations to effectively plan and manage their tourism resources. It helps identify the most profitable segments of the ecotourism market and highlights potential areas for investment and development. By assessing the revenue generated by ecotourism, destinations can allocate resources strategically, invest in infrastructure, and enhance the overall visitor experience.

Assessing the economic impact of ecotourism also allows for the evaluation of the return on investment (ROI) for tourism-related initiatives. It helps measure the effectiveness of marketing and promotional campaigns, assess the success of conservation and community development projects, and determine the efficiency of resource allocation. This information is crucial for demonstrating the effectiveness of ecotourism as a sustainable development tool.

Furthermore, measuring the economic impact of ecotourism allows destinations to understand the contributions of this sector to the local economy. It helps demonstrate the value of natural and cultural assets, encourages their preservation, and fosters local pride and ownership. This knowledge can also be leveraged to mobilize support and secure funding from government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private investors, thereby facilitating further sustainable development initiatives.

Assessing the economic impact of ecotourism is also vital for managing and mitigating potential negative consequences. By understanding the revenue generated by ecotourism, destinations can address issues such as leakages, where tourist spending does not directly benefit local communities or conservation efforts. This knowledge can guide strategies to minimize leakage and maximize the retention of revenue within the destination, leading to more equitable distribution and enhanced sustainability.

Moreover, assessing the economic impact of ecotourism allows for the identification and promotion of best practices. By analyzing successful case studies and benchmarking against industry standards, destinations can learn from each other and implement effective strategies to maximize economic benefits. This exchange of knowledge contributes to the continuous improvement of ecotourism practices globally.

In summary, assessing the economic impact of ecotourism is vital for effective planning, sustainable development, and the maximization of benefits for destinations and local communities. It provides critical data that informs decision-making, enhances resource management, stimulates economic growth, and helps strike a balance between economic prosperity, environmental conservation, and social well-being.

Methodology for Measuring Ecotourism Revenue

Measuring the revenue generated through ecotourism activities requires a comprehensive methodology that takes into account various factors and considerations. While it can be challenging to quantify the exact amount of money ecotourism brings in, several approaches and indicators can help provide a robust estimation. Here are some key elements of a methodology for measuring ecotourism revenue:

Visitor Spending Surveys

Conducting visitor spending surveys is an essential component of assessing the economic impact of ecotourism. These surveys collect data on visitor expenditures, such as accommodation, transportation, food and beverage, tours and activities, and souvenirs. By surveying a representative sample of visitors and analyzing their spending patterns, it is possible to estimate the total revenue generated by ecotourism in a given period.

Multiplier Effect Analysis

The multiplier effect analyzes how money spent by tourists circulates within the local economy, creating additional economic activity. It takes into account the direct, indirect, and induced impacts of visitor spending. Direct impacts refer to the immediate revenue generated by visitor spending, while indirect impacts capture the additional economic activity generated as a result of suppliers and businesses supporting the tourism industry. Induced impacts consider the secondary effects resulting from employees and suppliers spending their income within the local economy. The multiplier effect analysis helps estimate the overall economic impact of ecotourism beyond direct visitor spending.

Revenue Leakage Assessment

Assessing revenue leakage is crucial in understanding how much of the ecotourism revenue stays within the destination. Leakage occurs when a significant portion of tourist expenditures leaves the local economy, either through leakages to foreign suppliers or to non-local businesses. By identifying and quantifying leakage sources, destinations can implement strategies to minimize it and ensure a higher retention of revenue within the local community.

Economic Input-Output (IO) Analysis

Economic IO analysis is a method that examines the interrelationships between different sectors of the economy. It provides a comprehensive view of the economic impact of ecotourism by assessing the direct and indirect effects on various sectors, such as agriculture, transportation, hospitality, and retail. This analysis helps capture the broader economic benefits and interconnections resulting from ecotourism activities.

Social Accounting Matrices (SAM)

Social accounting matrices are comprehensive data frameworks that provide a detailed view of the interrelationships between economic sectors, households, and institutions. They enable the measurement of direct and indirect impacts, such as employment generation and income distribution, resulting from ecotourism activities. SAMs provide a holistic understanding of the social and economic dynamics influenced by ecotourism and its contribution to local development and well-being.

While these methodologies are helpful in estimating the economic impact of ecotourism, it is essential to adapt and tailor them to the specific context of each destination. Factors such as regional economic conditions, local market dynamics, and cultural aspects need to be considered to ensure accurate and meaningful measurements. Collaborative efforts involving various stakeholders, including local governments, tourism organizations, and academia, are key to developing and implementing robust measurement methodologies.

Case Studies on Ecotourism Revenue Generation

The revenue generation potential of ecotourism is evident in several successful case studies around the world. These destinations have effectively harnessed their natural and cultural assets to create sustainable tourism models that generate substantial economic benefits. Here are a few notable examples:

Costa Rica is widely regarded as a global leader in ecotourism. The country has embraced sustainable practices and positioned itself as an ecotourism haven, attracting nature enthusiasts from around the world. Through initiatives such as protected area management, community-based tourism, and sustainable development plans, Costa Rica has been able to generate significant ecotourism revenue. In 2019 alone, the country earned over $4 billion from ecotourism activities, accounting for a substantial portion of its overall tourism revenue.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands, known for their unique biodiversity and fragile ecosystems, have become a prime example of ecotourism revenue generation. By implementing strict conservation measures and limiting visitor numbers, the Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Marine Reserve have managed to generate substantial revenue. In 2019, the park collected almost $19 million in visitor entrance fees, which are reinvested in conservation initiatives and community development projects, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the islands.

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

The Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya showcases the successful integration of ecotourism with community involvement. The Maasai people, who are the traditional inhabitants of the area, have been actively involved in conservation efforts and offering authentic cultural experiences to visitors. Through community-based ecotourism initiatives, such as eco-lodges and guided tours, the Maasai Mara generates significant revenue. This revenue is vital for wildlife conservation, community development, and promoting the Maasai culture, creating a win-win situation for both tourism and the local community.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an iconic destination known for its spectacular marine biodiversity. Despite facing environmental challenges, sustainable tourism practices have helped generate substantial revenue. Through a combination of entrance fees, research partnerships, and tourism-related activities, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park generates around $5 billion annually. This revenue is crucial for conservation efforts, ongoing research, and education programs aimed at preserving this natural wonder for future generations.

These case studies highlight the significant economic benefits that ecotourism can bring to destinations when implemented effectively. By leveraging their natural and cultural heritage and adopting sustainable practices, these destinations have not only generated revenue but also contributed to conservation efforts, community development, and cultural preservation.

Factors Affecting the Amount of Money Ecotourism Brings In

The amount of money that ecotourism brings in can vary significantly depending on various factors. Understanding these factors is crucial for destinations and stakeholders to optimize revenue generation. Here are some key factors that influence the economic impact of ecotourism:

Natural and Cultural Attractions

The presence of unique and diverse natural and cultural attractions is a primary driver of ecotourism revenue. Destinations with exceptional biodiversity, pristine landscapes, and rich cultural heritage are more likely to attract a larger number of visitors. The more appealing and distinctive the attractions are, the greater potential there is for generating revenue from ecotourism activities.

Tourism Infrastructure

The availability and quality of tourism infrastructure play a crucial role in attracting visitors and maximizing their spending. Accessible transportation, well-maintained accommodations, reliable utilities, and supportive amenities such as restaurants, visitor centers, and information services contribute to enhancing the visitor experience and encouraging longer stays, thereby increasing the revenue generated.

Marketing and Promotion

An effective marketing and promotion strategy is essential in creating awareness and attracting target markets to an ecotourism destination. Strategic campaigns, online presence, partnerships with tour operators, and participation in trade shows and exhibitions can significantly impact the number of visitors. A well-designed marketing approach can lead to increased bookings, higher visitor numbers, and greater revenue potential.

Seasonality and Peak periods

The timing of visitors’ arrivals can influence the amount of revenue generated. Seasonality and peak periods, such as holidays and special events, can result in higher demand and increased spending by tourists. Destinations that can effectively manage and capitalize on peak periods can maximize revenue and support sustainable year-round operations.

Visitor Profiles and Market Segmentation

The characteristics and behavior of visitors, such as their spending power, travel preferences, and interests, play a significant role in determining the amount of money ecotourism brings in. Different market segments have varying levels of willingness and ability to spend on activities, accommodations, and other tourism-related services. Understanding the target markets and tailoring offerings to their preferences can help optimize revenue generation.

Local Regulations and Policies

The regulatory environment and policies in place can significantly impact the economic impact of ecotourism. Favorable regulations that support sustainable development, protect natural and cultural assets, and encourage community involvement can foster a conducive environment for revenue generation. Conversely, restrictive or outdated regulations can deter investment and limit revenue potential.

Community Participation and Benefits

The involvement of local communities in ecotourism and the equitable distribution of benefits are crucial factors in revenue generation. When communities are actively engaged in tourism, benefiting from job opportunities, entrepreneurship, and revenue sharing, they are more likely to support and promote sustainable practices. This leads to positive word-of-mouth, repeat visits, and increased spending by visitors.

It is important to note that these factors interact and influence each other. A holistic approach that considers all these factors in tandem is necessary for maximizing the economic benefits of ecotourism and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

Challenges and Limitations in Assessing Ecotourism Revenue

Measuring and assessing the revenue generated through ecotourism can be a complex task accompanied by various challenges and limitations. These challenges arise from the unique characteristics of ecotourism and the complexities involved in accurately quantifying its economic impact. Here are some key challenges and limitations in assessing ecotourism revenue:

Data Collection and Accuracy

Collecting accurate and reliable data on visitor spending and economic impact can be a challenge. Visitors may not always accurately report their expenditures, and data collection methods can vary across destinations. Additionally, estimation methods, such as surveys, are subject to sampling errors and reporting biases, leading to potential inaccuracies in the data collected.

Visitor Leakage and Leakage Factors

Leakage occurs when a significant portion of tourist spending leaves the local economy and is not retained within the destination. Leakage can happen due to various factors, such as foreign-owned businesses, imported goods and services, and leakages to global distribution platforms. Assessing and quantifying leakage is challenging and requires a thorough analysis of supply chains and spending patterns.

Seasonality and Fluctuations

The revenue generated through ecotourism can be closely tied to seasonal patterns and fluctuations in visitor numbers. Seasonal variations in visitor arrivals can result in revenue volatility, making it challenging to establish a consistent and accurate measure of economic impact. Fluctuations in visitor numbers can be influenced by factors such as weather conditions, economic conditions, travel trends, and global events.

Indirect and Induced Economic Impacts

Assessing the indirect and induced economic impacts of ecotourism can be challenging. While direct expenditures by tourists are relatively easier to track, capturing the broader economic effects that arise from related industries and the multiplier effect requires more sophisticated analysis and modeling techniques. Estimating the extent of these impacts and their contribution to the local economy requires careful consideration and data availability.

Inconsistent Methodologies and Data Availability

There is a lack of consistent methodologies and standardized data collection practices when it comes to assessing ecotourism revenue. Different destinations may adopt different approaches, making it challenging to compare results across regions. Moreover, data availability can be a limitation, especially in developing countries or remote areas, where reliable and up-to-date economic data may not be readily accessible.

External Factors and Economic Conditions

Ecotourism revenue can also be influenced by external factors and economic conditions beyond the control of destinations. Global economic fluctuations, political instability, natural disasters, pandemics, and changing travel patterns can impact visitor numbers and spending. These external factors can significantly affect the accuracy and reliability of revenue assessments.

While these challenges and limitations exist in assessing ecotourism revenue, stakeholders can strive to minimize bias, adopt best practices, and work towards developing standardized methodologies. Collaboration and sharing of experiences and data across destinations can also contribute to refining assessment techniques and improving the accuracy of economic impact measurements in the field of ecotourism.

Potential Strategies to Maximize Ecotourism Revenue

Maximizing ecotourism revenue requires implementing strategic approaches that enhance visitor experiences, foster sustainable practices, and optimize economic benefits. Here are some potential strategies that destinations and stakeholders can employ to maximize ecotourism revenue:

Diversify and Enhance Experiences

Offering a diverse range of high-quality experiences can attract a broader range of visitors and encourage longer stays. Developing a variety of ecotourism activities, such as guided nature walks, wildlife viewing, cultural immersion programs, and adventure sports, can cater to different interests and preferences. Ensuring these experiences are well-designed, authentic, and memorable can increase visitor satisfaction and encourage repeat visits.

Invest in Infrastructure and Services

Investing in tourism infrastructure and services is essential for attracting visitors and maximizing their spending. Improving transportation networks, upgrading accommodation options, enhancing visitor facilities, and providing reliable utilities contribute to a positive visitor experience. Additionally, offering a range of services, such as quality dining options, eco-friendly transportation, and well-trained guides, can increase visitor expenditure and satisfaction.

Develop Partnerships and Collaborations

Forming partnerships and collaborations with various stakeholders, including local communities, tourism operators, government entities, and conservation organizations, can help maximize ecotourism revenue. Collaborative efforts can lead to innovative product development, joint marketing initiatives, and community involvement. By working together, destinations can leverage collective resources, expertise, and networks to attract more visitors, secure additional funding, and implement sustainable practices.

Promote Sustainability and Responsible Tourism Practices

A strong commitment to sustainability is essential for maximizing long-term revenue from ecotourism. Destinations should prioritize environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and community well-being. Adopting and promoting responsible tourism practices, such as waste management, energy efficiency, water conservation, and supporting local enterprises, can enhance the destination’s appeal and attract environmentally-conscious travelers who are willing to spend more to support sustainable initiatives.

Utilize Digital Marketing and Online Platforms

Effective digital marketing strategies can significantly contribute to maximizing ecotourism revenue. Establishing a strong online presence, utilizing social media platforms, and partnering with online travel agencies can boost destination visibility and attract a wider audience. Engaging with potential visitors through captivating content, visually appealing imagery, and testimonials can inspire travelers to choose the destination for their ecotourism experiences, leading to increased bookings and revenue.

Engage and Empower Local Communities

Involving local communities in the planning, development, and management of ecotourism initiatives is crucial for maximizing revenue. Empowering local residents through capacity-building programs, training, and entrepreneurship opportunities can create a sense of ownership and pride. Encouraging the development of community-based enterprises, local handicrafts, and authentic cultural experiences can generate revenue for the communities while providing unique and meaningful experiences for visitors.

Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation

Regular monitoring and evaluation of ecotourism initiatives and their economic impact are essential for identifying areas for improvement and measuring success. Analyzing visitor feedback, tracking revenue trends, and assessing the effectiveness of marketing and business strategies can help destinations make data-driven decisions and implement necessary adjustments. Ongoing evaluation ensures that revenue generation strategies remain aligned with evolving visitor demands and market dynamics.

By implementing these strategies, destinations can maximize the revenue potential of ecotourism while achieving sustainable development goals and ensuring the long-term preservation of natural and cultural resources.

Ecotourism offers a unique opportunity for destinations to generate revenue while promoting sustainable practices, conserving natural resources, and benefiting local communities. Assessing the economic impact of ecotourism is crucial for understanding the value it brings and making informed decisions to optimize revenue generation. While challenges and limitations exist in accurately measuring ecotourism revenue, adopting comprehensive methodologies and collaborating with stakeholders can help overcome these obstacles.

Defining ecotourism and understanding its core principles is the foundation for effectively harnessing its economic potential. By offering responsible and educational experiences in natural areas and cultural heritage sites, destinations can attract environmentally-conscious travelers who are willing to spend more and support sustainable initiatives.

In assessing ecotourism revenue, methodologies such as visitor spending surveys, multiplier effect analysis, and economic input-output modeling provide insights into the direct, indirect, and induced impacts of ecotourism. These evaluations help identify leakage factors, measure economic interdependencies, and enable destinations to allocate resources strategically.

Successful case studies demonstrate that destinations can generate substantial revenue through ecotourism when natural and cultural attractions are well-preserved, tourism infrastructure is developed, and marketing efforts are targeted at the right audience. Ensuring community involvement, promoting responsible tourism practices, and embracing digital marketing are vital strategies for maximizing revenue potential.

While assessing the economic impact of ecotourism is essential, it is equally important to recognize the broader social and environmental benefits it brings. Ecotourism creates employment opportunities, supports local entrepreneurship, and fosters cultural preservation. It also contributes to environmental conservation, raises awareness about sustainability, and strengthens the connection between visitors and the natural world.

In conclusion, by carefully measuring and analyzing the economic impact of ecotourism and implementing strategies to maximize revenue, destinations can achieve a balance between economic growth, conservation, and community well-being. When managed sustainably, ecotourism has the potential to create significant financial rewards while ensuring the long-term viability of natural and cultural assets for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

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Ecotourism 101: What is Ecotourism? The Good, The Bad, and Sustainable Ecotourism

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Last updated on April 30th, 2024 at 08:04 pm

A re you curious about what ecotourism is, if it’s really as beneficial as it sounds, and how to ensure you’re engaging in sustainable ecotourism? Ecotourism is when we travel to vulnerable natural places to increase our understanding of the surrounding natural and cultural landscape while delivering equitable socio-economic benefits throughout the surrounding region. When conducted properly and aligned with these values, ecotourism can work toward preserving a region’s environmental conservation and cultural preservation while simultaneously improving the quality of life for those impacted by tourism. However, when models of ecotourism are put in place that don’t carefully consider the impacts of tourism and work to counter them, ecotourism can have adverse effects, such as contributing to the loss of biodiversity in a region and ultimately adding to the stresses that put these vulnerable regions at risk. 

Whether ecotourism can be a force for good or damaging in some of the world’s most sensitive environments is up to us, the travelers! It is up to us to be informed about how our behaviors and choices can impact natural places. That all starts with education surrounding the topic. Let’s dive into the nuances of ecotourism, the benefits and the negatives, what “good” ecotourism looks like in practice, and, most importantly, why sustainable ecotourism matters. By understanding how to identify sustainable ecotourism, you’ll become a more informed traveler doing your part to save travel and the protected natural areas we choose to visit.

This post was carefully curated based on personal experience, an MSc in biodiversity with a thesis covering biodiversity and tourism, and research based on government documents, case studies, and international conservation entities. Get to know me better to learn more about my expertise on this subject matter. 

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What We’re Covering

What is Ecotourism

5 Requirements of Sustainable Ecotourism

Benefits and Negative Impacts

Real-life Examples

Tips to Plan an Ecotour

Discuss, Share, Engage

• Ecotourism happens in vulnerable communities and protected natural areas.
• Sustainable ecotourism engages the 3 pillars of sustainability: environmental , economic, and social benefits.
• Unsustainable ecotourism neglects 1-2 of the pillars resulting in negative implications for nature or locals.
• Nature-based tourism is often confused with ecotourism – learn how to spot the difference.
• Before engaging in ecotourism, ask yourself or the company you book how they benefit ALL three pillars.
• Often the best solution is to work directly with local tour groups or organizations.
• Ecotourism does not always mean ethical tourism.
• There is no perfect model of ecotourism. It is up to you to ensure you have a positive impact on vulnerable natural destinations.

What is Ecotourism?

One of the most common buzzwords in the sustainable travel industry is ‘ecotourism.’ Many travelers rely on this word being synonymous with environmentally friendly, ethical tourism. Others might be asking if ecotourism is as good as it says it is.  When ecotourism is executed sustainably – based on research and understanding of the impacts on the natural environment and with guidance from the local communities, then yes, it can be synonymous with ethical tourism. This type of “good” ecotourism is if you create a powerful positive force for environmental conservation and local community well-being.

On the other hand, unsustainable ecotourism, a model of tourism that happens with the best intentions but fails to involve the community or maintain checks and balances regarding the environmental impact of tourism, can be detrimental to both the natural and local communities.

Ecotourism is often conducted in protected natural areas surrounded by vulnerable communities such as nature reserves, national parks, wilderness areas, heritage sites, or natural monuments. In these incredibly culturally and ecologically sensitive communities, true ecotourism can do a lot of good, while failed models of ecotourism or tourism operating under the guise of ecotourism can have catastrophic impacts.  In these protected areas, ecotourism must contribute to environmental conservation and the alleviation of poverty or risk destroying the places we love as travelers. 

Sustainable Ecotourism

Sustainable ecotourism, or really just ecotourism as it was intended to be, is responsible travel to protected or vulnerable natural areas focusing on environmental conservation/education while sustaining local communities’ economic and social well-being. For ecotourism to be sustainable for generations to come, it must include all three pillars, or the triple bottom line, of sustainability, as seen in the infographic. It isn’t quite enough to have all three of these pillars included; they need to be somewhat balanced, ensuring that tourism develops in a way that doesn’t take too much of an environmental toll while infusing a lot of economic benefits into the economy.

Ideally, the economic development from ecotourism is equitable and able to sustain long-term job development and growth in the region while equally contributing to wildlife conversation and preserving cultural identity. It is normal to have one piece of the Venn Diagram to be slightly larger as true equilibrium is difficult and impossible, but each should grow at a rate that doesn’t create too much imbalance. When things get out of balance, or one circle takes priority over another, no matter the intentions, we begin to have unsustainable ecotourism.

Unsustainable Ecotourism

Unsustainable ecotourism may embody or prioritize only one or two pillars of sustainable ecotourism. This can happen for a variety of reasons.

• Tour operators and travel companies may conduct ecotours as a marketing ploy to get the attention of travelers looking for more environmentally friendly travel options. These operators may conduct businesses without fully understanding their impact on the natural environment or equitably distribute tourism’s benefits within their community. 
• Adventure companies or individual travelers may enjoy nature-based adventures while disregarding local communities.
• Others may seek to capitalize on the economic gain of nature-based tourism while exploiting nature.
• Culturally sensitive communities may alter their customs or traditional crafts to appeal to tourists, thus increasing their economic gain while degrading their culture.
• Perhaps a national park becomes so popular that the number of people visiting begins to have irreversible impacts on natural vegetation or wildlife.
• Other companies may lack adequate support and resources from their governments, communities, or foreign tour companies to meet well-intended goals.

These are all examples of unsustainable ecotourism, ultimately resulting in the problematic exploitation of natural resources or local communities. 

Nature-based tourism vs. ecotourism?

Many people use nature-based and ecotourism interchangeably, but they are not the same. Nature-based tourism is traveling to a natural landscape to enjoy nature. Ecotourism is visiting a place with the goal of contributing to conservation while benefitting the community for a positive impact. I consider the multi-day hikes in the European Alps nature-based, as I am just out for a hike to enjoy nature. If I were to hire a local guide in Peru to take me on a culturally infused hike to learn about nature and culture – then we start to cross into ecotourism.

The penguin tour I did in New Zealand is a great example of a sustainable eco-tour . We learned about the local conservation efforts of a penguin colony on the brink of extinction (environmental), supported a local farm and conservation group (economic), and had a high-quality social engagement learning about New Zealand’s connection to the environment (Social).

Mass Tourism vs Ecotourism? What is better?

When I first started on my journey toward embracing sustainable tourism, I automatically assumed that mass tourism = bad. Ecotourism = good. This is something I see across the board among travelers. However, many tourism academics disagree on this binary and highlight the nuances and importance of well-managed tourism development, whether eco or mass.

Their arguments hinge on the fact that mass tourism ultimately contains people in places that generally already have the infrastructure to support large groups of people. Imagine if we took the thousands of people staying at an all-inclusive Disney resort – a place with adequate infrastructure to handle these numbers and dropped them all at a small Peruvian rainforest eco-lodge. The small ecolodges set up for sustainable ecotourism and minimal crowds would be overwhelmed, and the environmental and cultural damage would be dramatic. There are also examples of how ecotourism can bring tourists into places previously undisturbed by tourists historically, and it is important to first understand and plan for potential impacts.

This isn’t to put mass or ecotourism into their boxes, but it highlights that there are examples of well-managed mass tourism in areas with infrastructure that are worth supporting. Just as there are examples of poorly managed ecotourism disturbing nature for the first time, it all comes down to how tourism is managed.

What do you think about this argument? Share in the comments!

Five Requirements of Sustainable Ecotourism

What else separates sustainable and unsustainable ecotourism? It’s not enough for ecotourism to vaguely target the three pillars of sustainability at free will. Carefully thought-out itineraries should be constructed before engaging in ecotourism. While there is situational and regional flexibility in how sustainable ecotourism plays out in real life, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed five minimum requirements, hitting all three pillars, that tourists and tour operators should address before engaging in ecotourism. We can use these guidelines to create a custom itinerary when visiting vulnerable natural communities or booking a tour operator.

1. Tourism should benefit environmental conservation

Tourism activities, development, and tour operators should safeguard the environment, conserve natural resources, protect ecosystems, and benefit biodiversity. Several key players need to work together to ensure this. Governments and land managers should ensure that proper scientific impact assessments are done prior to tourism development. Rules and regulations should be established so tour companies, guides, and tourists follow. Involving the community in conservation-based tourism is key.

For us travelers, environmental education is a key component of this. As you visit vulnerable areas, you should try to learn about local biodiversity and environmental concerns. Doing some research ahead of time allows you to align your behaviors in a way that doesn’t degrade the environment, and you can also hold tourism companies accountable for their actions if you are more informed.

• Mass crowds, overdevelopment, and overtourism. Overdevelopment of the region surrounding a protected area to accommodate mass tourism may negatively impact nature. Many species are not confined to the protected natural zone, and over-development can damage migration and breeding patterns, increase water and air pollution, and increase erosion. Protected areas often have a limited capacity before ecosystem degradation may occur.
• Large tour buses or cruise ships drop large groups of people off in a protected region for a short amount of time.
• If a protected region is capitalizing on economic profit and bringing in as many guests as possible without sticking to a sustainable plan.
• Clear-cutting and ecosystem fragmentation to build large resorts
• Tour companies that allow you to touch, feed, or interact with wildlife

Actionable Steps

• Look for places with non-invasive infrastructure that keep you a safe distance from animals. Look for well-planned trails, viewing platforms/sky bridges, nature centers for education, etc.
• Find alternatives to nature’s hot spots, seeking out small-scale educational nature-based tourism.
• Visit places that minimize capacity with permits and quotas.
• Be willing to pay fees and fines that support sustainable infrastructure.
• Learn and follow all regional, local, and tribal etiquette before entering a protected area. 
• Support eco-lodges, regenerative hotels, and other low-impact options.
• Book small group tours or go alone and hire personal local guides to take you into nature on a designated trail.

Read a guest post by an ecologist from India about the do’s and don’ts for visiting national parks in India . This post highlights proper behavior to ensure that you, your local guide, the ecosystem, and the animals you see are safeguarded and protected. – A great example of sustainable ecotourism.

2. Safeguard the cultural and natural heritage of the region

Oftentimes, without even knowing it, we, as travelers, support the decline of a region’s cultural heritage. With the presence of tourism, locals may feel the pressure to please us with certain trinkets or displays that don’t align with their culture to put on a show. There are a few cruise shows in Alaska that are not traditional and are upsetting to certain elders as they have permanently altered traditions to appeal to Western tourists.

There are mindful ways we can learn about and support traditions by appreciating authentic experiences; for example, The Alaska Native Heritage Center is operated by Native stakeholders, and the art, song, dance, and cultural shows are true to the tribe’s heritage.

Unsustainable tourism booms at UNESCO sites such as Hoi An are notorious for contributing to tourism tourism-fiction. This means that culture becomes a commodity rather than part of the heritage. Some have described tourism’s impacts on Hoi An as leaving the city a husk of its former self and operating more like Disneyland than a place of important culture.

• Locals selling mass-produced or cheap trinkets, such as sunglasses, outside protected zones. Many of these people may have given up traditional crafts or lifestyles to get short-term benefits from tourism in the area because they have been exploited and excluded for economic benefits.
• International tour companies that host cultural shows in which traditional songs, dances, or clothing have been changed to appeal to foreigners.  
• Commodification of culture
• Invest in quality certified crafts work from master artisans – look for certifications.
• Seek out authentic cultural experiences from homestays or by learning from local guides.
• Visit Indigenous or locally-owned culture centers for an authentic educational song, dance, and cultural experience.  

3. Respect Indigenous Peoples and local communities rights

If there is one thing that can grind my gears, it’s when tourists have more rights than locals. When Glacier Bay National Park first opened to tourism many Indigenous groups were no longer allowed to use the land for subsistence hunting and gathering . Meanwhile, massive cruise ships pulled in and dumped their greywater. Efforts are being made to restore subsistence rights, and Indigenous tribes can now harvest certain things, but as it still stands, most cruise companies have more rights in that Bay than many Alaskans. While the Indigenous peoples of Alaska are left suffering the consequences of cruise impacts on their ancestral land, they are also excluded from tourism’s benefits, with multinational cruise companies making the most money.

But, it is not enough to consider Indigenous peoples and the surrounding communities impacted by tourism; they must be a key partner in tourism. Their consent and well-being regarding tourism in protected areas should come first. They should have a direct say in developing tourism while receiving equitable benefits.

• Areas that give tourists more rights than local or Indigenous Peoples. i.e., when people climbed Uluru on eco-excursions despite the wishes of Australia’s Aboriginal People.
• Tours that bring you into protected natural areas without providing ways to learn about local or Indigenous culture directly from the marginalized people. 

Actionable Steps 

• If Indigenous groups have been displaced from an area, take it upon yourself to enter the protected area as a guest respecting the traditional owners.
• Hire local guides or meet locals to engage in cultural exchange.
• Learn about tribal history, present, culture, and wishes.
• Perform a land acknowledgment.
• If an area is sacred to an Indigenous group and they ask you not to enter, reconsider your plans and find a viable alternative. 

4. Create viable, long-term economic operations in the region

The presence of a booming tourism industry looks great on paper in any region. But, if you dig deep, you’ll start to notice that maybe a lot of that money leaves the local destination and ends up in the pockets of large multinational companies. Or maybe locals don’t have access to year-round jobs that provide them with enough healthcare and healthy food because of boom-bust seasonal cycles. Ensuring local access to stable employment is important to reduce global poverty. Tourism jobs can’t only be seasonal jobs that exploit foreign workers. Locals should be interested in tourism jobs to reach management positions and receive benefits.

Many cite the economic benefits of tourism as the sole reason to develop tourism, but research shows that many locals aren’t interested in tourism jobs because of the lack of sustainable and beneficial long-term employment. When I was a tour guide in Alaska, I worked long hours during the summer months without long-term security, health care, or retirement benefits.

• Tourism leakage . Leakage happens when large international tour corporations or foreign-owned all-inclusive resorts profit off ecotourism while locals are forced deeper into poverty. Locals should be primarily profiting off tourism as they suffer any negative impacts. 
• Lack of local guides. Lack of locals in management or hospitality positions.
• Mass-over-tourism booms happening during a short seasonal window, resulting in an employment depression during the off-season.
• Foreign workers are imported for cheap labor exploitation or to make tourists comfortable.
• Support locally owned tour companies providing residents with stable year-round jobs, training, and income-earning opportunities. 
• Support local businesses and buy local products when traveling through vulnerable communities.
• Visit places during the shoulder or off-season to support a healthy year-round economy.
• Avoid booking with international tour companies and all-inclusive resorts unless they engage in the trip-bottom line. 

5. Create meaningful and high-quality visitor experiences

If you’re stepping out of a tour bus for that Instagram photo opportunity without learning about your destination, you are not having a meaningful or high-quality experience. Slow down and enjoy the lesser-known sights, and learn about the local food, nature, and people. These tourism experiences should be led by locals with a deep affinity for a region, allowing you to connect them to the place on an intimate level. Canada has a rigorous tour guide certification called interpretative guides. The guides aim to foster a deep and meaningful connections between the local people, places, and tourists. Tourists are more likely to care for their destination if they have a connection and understanding regarding why its protection is important.

• Tour busses that drop people off in a protected area to look around and snap a few photos and leave without offering educational information or ways to learn about the landscape.
• Violating local rules to gain access to a protected area for an Instagram photo.
• Engage in ecotourism that hinges on environmental education and cultural connection.
• Stay in a region longer than a bus stop or half a day.
• Book locally-owned accommodation, engaging in regenerative practices that educate you meaningfully.
• Please do it for more than the gram.

The Pros and Cons of Ecotourism

There is no perfect model of truly sustainable ecotourism. Even the most sustainable ecotourism models will have some negative implications, but the ultimate goal is to create a long-term sustainable plan that maximizes benefits and minimizes negative impacts .  As you can see the potential benefits are almost equal to any potential negative impacts. The key is understanding how your presence can have a positive or negative impact, and strive to check as many positives as possible. Ensure you are engaging in ecotourism that ticks positives in environmental, social, AND economic, otherwise, it is likely the negatives outweigh the positives of sustainable ecotourism. 

Does the Good Outweigh the Bad?

I went on an eco-tour to see brown bears in the wild in Alaska . We learned about brown bears from a distance and the Lake Clark National Park ecosystem (environmental) with a local company (economic) on a quality tour (social). However, they could have included more information about the region’s Indigenous culture (social). So, I did some of my own research, doing a land acknowledgment  and discovering the park’s true name is Qizhjeh Vena , meaning a place where people gather in the Dena’ina language. Despite a few shortcomings, I decided this ecotour had more positive than negative impacts especially since Indigenous Alaskans have access to the park. But this shows that not everything will be perfect. You can weigh your options and take personal actions outside of the tour to balance it out, such as independent research, donations, land acknowledgments, and buying high-quality souvenirs.

Ecotourism in Practice

We’ve covered a lot so far, but let’s review a few real examples of sustainable and unsustainable ecotourism in practice so you can better identify them.

Sustainable – Mountain Gorilla Trekking Ecotourism

Mountain gorilla treks in Uganda and DR Congo are great sustainable ecotourism models supported by local government, residents, and conservation groups. Uganda even has a conservation economy that prioritizes conservation as an economic value. Mountain gorillas are endangered in a vulnerable natural habitat surrounded by high-density rural farmers. A sustainable ecotourism model in the region protects both gorillas and includes the livelihood of residents.

Environmental: The presence of tourists deter poachers and encourage local governments to implement protection of the gorillas. Gorilla populations are increasing as a result of sustainable ecotourism. 

Economic: Locals are offered stable employment opportunities as guides, trackers, and anti-poaching guards. Many of them are ex-poachers, which reduces the poaching threat even more.  Over five years, US$428,000 was directly invested in Rwandan communities, helping locals build schools, enact locally-driven environmental projects, and aid food security.

Social : Cultural exchange between local guides and tourists enhances cultural and environmental education. Local guides can showcase years of local expertise and take pride in their culture and nature. Gorilla ecotourism has played a fundamental role in keeping the peace in Rwanda in a post-genocide landscape. 

Interested in learning more about ethical mountain gorilla treks? Kesi from Kesi to Fro created an awesome guest post detailing her first-hand experience seeing mountain gorillas in the wild. You can join her on a group trip to Uganda to work with local tour operators to support conservation, boost the local economy, and engage in cultural exchange. Learn more about sustainable gorilla trekking!

Unsustainable – Machu Picchu Ecotreks

Ecotourism in Machu Picchu has exploded over the last decade. Tourism in the region has grown unchecked, with international and local tour companies capitalizing on the economic benefit of a booming industry. However, tourism grew unsustainable, focusing primarily on the economy rather than the environment or social aspects. This is a prime example of when ecotourism turns into mass overtourism. 

Photo by Alan Hurt Jr. Unsplash

Environment: Mass development in the region surrounding Machu Picchu threatens South America’s last remaining pocket of the Andean cloud forest. Increased waste from humans adds to air and water pollution. Heavy foot traffic damages the fragile Paramo grasslands. Noise pollution contributed to the disappearance of the Andean condors from the region. Migrating and breeding patterns of threatened animals have changed.

Economic: Most workers and guides are left without work or stable year-round income during the off-season. Tourism leakage, where locals do not benefit as much as they should from tourism in the region, is problematic. 

Social: Portions of the city are sliding downhill, causing damage to a cultural and historical icon. Visitors have defaced, broken, and damaged parts of the city. An increase in cheaply made trinkets has caused a decline in local artisanal craftwork. Overall, the region has suffered a loss of cultural authenticity. The visitor experience has suffered greatly, too, with packed trails and long waits.  

*This does not mean that all Machu Picchu treks are bad. You can still visit, but be respectful as you visit, support local tour operators, respect permits, buy quality souvenirs, pay additional fees, and follow all instructions from your guide to minimize your impact. You should also consider other ways to learn about the region’s history or find an alternative hike.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Susanna • Sustainble Travel (@curiositysaves.travel)

Tips for Planning a Sustainable Ecotour

By now you should have a pretty good idea of what constitutes sustainable ecotourism and be able to identify if your next nature-based adventure checks some of these boxes, but here are my top tips to help you get started. 

Read Their About Page

You can tell a lot about a tour operator by looking at their “about” page. I always say the more details, the better. Tour companies, hotels, and excursions near vulnerable nature and communities should freely offer up a lot of detailed information about how they are hitting that triple bottom line. If any of the three pillars of sustainable ecotourism is missing from their mission statement or is not easily accessible online, that is your first major red flag. Browse the website to see how they support the environment, local economic development, and cultural conservation. 

Look for Greenwashing

There is the possibility that companies will engage in greenwashing, presenting information on their website that makes for a convincing sustainable ecotourism model. Some signs companies are greenwashing are when they offer vague information, make general statements about committing to sustainability without examples, or put customer satisfaction and fun at the center of their advertising rather than social impact. 

When in Doubt, Ask

I always recommend sending an email asking how they give back to the community, where your money goes, what local conservation efforts are, how they engage with local culture if they employ locals, etc.  The tour company should be able to respond with detailed statements of how they consider and benefit local communities, economic vitality, and conservation of the natural environment.

Check Their Business Model

Is sustainability part of their core mission, or is it an afterthought? Research shows that companies built around a sustainable business model prioritizing social, economic, and environmental benefits to the local community are more likely to be ethical in the long term. Companies that create a sustainable statement as an afterthought or in response to harmful behavior they are caught for are more likely to engage in damaging behavior. A great example of this is Carnival Cruises. Carnival has literal pages outlining their commitment to the environment, but this was created because a court ordered them and not necessarily because they wanted to do it from the goodness of their heart. Look for companies that were founded to create a positive impact. This information is often included in an origin story or about section.

Find the Owner

Who owns the company? Is it locally owned? Google the name of the owner. For example, many cruise lines and resorts appear to be small boutique companies, but they are owned by large international conglomerates. If in doubt, Google “Who owns X eco-resort.”

Look for certifications, read reviews, and the internet stalk them. Look for environmental warnings report cards, read comments on their social media, and dig up any information you can find.

Self Planning? Carefully Craft Your Itinerary

If you are self-planning carefully, identify each hotel and excursion operator to see how they engage in the triple-bottom line. Research environmental concerns in the area. For example – did you know you should clean your shoes in Hawai’i before entering protected natural areas?  Learn about Indigenous and local culture and history. Be aware of local etiquette for engaging in nature.

• Create a checklist and save it on your computer to help you identify sustainable ecotourism. Having this handy will help you identify sustainable ecotourism excursions that you can feel good supporting.
• What are some of your favorite sustainable eco-tour companies or excursions you’ve supported? Let us know in the comments so we can all learn about great companies around the world working toward helping local communities and protecting our environment.

Make sure you share this post so all your fellow travelers can discover the benefits of sustainable ecotourism and be able to identify the difference between sustainable and unsustainable ecotourism – so we can all do our part to save travel!

About the Author: Susanna Kelly-Shankar

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20 comments.

Eco-tourism may eventually turn into over-tourism. AFAIK Bhutan is the leader in eco-tourism and they have achieved so through active community participation and effective government regulation.

Thanks for writing the post.

Hi Pawan, Yes, ecotourism can quickly turn into over-tourism and it is the responsibility of the traveler to do their research and engage in sustainable ecotourism. That’s lovely you’re engaging the community! I wish you the best and hope I am able to visit Bhutan in the future!

This is so detailed! So much to think about and consider how we can do better during our travels. There’s always room to do better!!

I love how much ecotourism is starting to get attention. I think, especially for travelers, we love the earth and communities around the earth so much that it’s so important to learn how to connect responsibly and take care of it/each other

It really is important to learn about sustainable ecotourism and how to engage to be mindful of the environment. Thanks for reading.

This is alot of great information.

Thank you for such a thought provoking post. I learned a lot. You’ve given me much to think about. Thank you for all that you’ve invested in this post.

Thanks for sharing this insightful post on ecotourism. The way you broke down and explained everything was better than anything else I’ve read on the topic.

I love this! It’s so important to differentiate between nature-based tourism and eco tourism, and I feel like even I have been guilty of confusing thee two in the past. Definitely saving this and sharing!

It’s super confusing – and not always the fault of the traveler with greenwashing or companies that simply don’t know any better or lack resources to be sustainable. So, hopefully, this guide to ecotourism helps differentiate between nature-based tourism, sustainable and unsustainable ecotourism. Thanks for reading.

This is such a smart post. It’s well written and very compelling. It’s the kind of information I would gladly assign my environmental ed. students. Great job!

Oh let me know if you end up sharing it with some of your students. It is a great topic to learn about regarding the intersection of the environment and tourism.

For island destinations, the problem is often even more a concern. Islands belonging to countries with a mainland usually have tourism that’s developed from the mainland, with resorts being technically local but are really effectively like foreign owners since there’s often a distinct cultural difference between the two. After all, if the tourism collapses because the nature is gone, the resort investor just liquidates and goes back to the mainland, where they have their real homes. But the islanders are often tempted by the promises of employment by such resort developments, that sometimes they don’t query too hard which of the resorts are legit committed to them and which are insincere. It’s really bullying and it pisses me off.

That’s a great addition talking about islands with the mainland – that even though they are local there can still be problems. I know this likely happens in the Hawaiian islands. I agree with the bullying tactics. Sometimes the lure of money is so tempting for these places that they are pigeonholed into supporting sustainable tourism. In Alaska, one small Indigenous town simply asked a major cruise line to limit capacity during their drop-offs and within 2 days the cruise line said they would no longer dock there and take all their money. It was an all-or-nothing situation for people simply asking for larger cruise companies to engage in some sustainable behaviors. Thanks for sharing!

That’s a good hard look at an issue we are all struggling with. I’m going to keep all this in mind when booking my next trip.

Thanks for this insightful blog post! Love to read something different and outstanding! We really need to talk more about ecotourism!

this was so informative I didn’t realize there were so many aspects to eco tourism. Thanks for sharing

It is a great article about eco-tourism and sustainable tourism, you have explained everything in detail. It only teaches us how we can travel responsibly. Thanks for this valuable information.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, I really appreciate it. I hope you learned something new about sustainable ecotourism. Make sure you share it to pass along the message.

Very insightful article. Thank you so much.

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The Economics Of Ecotourism: Private Profits And Social Benefits

Each year, the number of visitors who flock to the world’s most beautiful wildlife preserves grows. In 2016 ,  researchers estimated that wildlife preserves hosted over eight billion separate visits . This generated hundreds of billions of dollars in tourism revenue, helping to fund the private businesses, governments, and nonprofits that run the preserves.

As a booming industry,  ecotourism has immense consequences for wildlife and conservation . Sometimes, ecotourism spurs tourists to become conservationists because well-kept nature is often attractive to them. In turn, by helping species avoid extinction and by discouraging deforestation, their conservation efforts can help protect biodiversity and minimize climate change. But other times, tourists bring with them disturbances—construction, noise, litter, pollution, and more—that can disrupt local wildlife and damage their habitats.

But this discussion of the broad, social consequences of ecotourism is often secondary to another, more pressing question: private profits. In poor and developing nations, for example, where economic growth to escape poverty is prioritized over environmental and wildlife conservation, many wonder if preserving nature is more important than industrializing the land.

To better understand ecotourism and its implications, it’s critical to answer two questions: First, is ecotourism profitable? And second, is it socially beneficial?

Methodology

This study examined those two questions in the case of Tambopata, Peru. Located in the Amazon rainforest, Tambopata is home to 37 ecotourism establishments that collectively cover 50,000 hectares (almost 200 square miles) and generate millions of dollars in annual revenue. Tambopata’s other main economic activities include crop and cow farming, mainly for subsistence, and for-profit logging and mining.

The authors first considered the question of private profit, comparing the profits per hectare of twelve ecotourism lodges versus the profits per hectare for the most profitable and likely alternative uses of the land. Then, they expanded their analysis to social benefits, weighing the carbon emissions caused by increased tourism traffic against the deforestation likely to occur if ecotourism is abandoned.

The study found that ecotourism was more profitable in the long term than any other common use of the land. Unsustainable logging was found to be more profitable than ecotourism in the short run—but after five years of this logging, there are simply no more trees left to harvest, and logging becomes impossible. The authors noted that a short period of selective logging—where loggers harvest only the rarest and most valuable trees in an area, leaving the wildlife mostly intact—could be followed by ecotourism, and that this would be the most profitable option.

When examining the social consequences of ecotourism, the authors found it impractical to quantify all possible costs and benefits. Instead, they focused on two main effects: the carbon footprint of tourists visiting wildlife preserves, and the carbon emissions averted by stopping deforestation. They found that avoiding deforestation was far more impactful than the carbon footprint of visitors, meaning that ecotourism significantly reduces carbon emissions when comparing those two metrics.

Interestingly, the study found that ecotourism can make other local industries more profitable. This makes sense: a small nature preserve next to a bustling town or a logging site, for example, is much less appealing than a larger area that’s been preserved.

Although this research was published in 2010 as one of the first studies to examine the profitability of ecotourism, the findings should change our general outlook on the economics of ecotourism. The study reveals that ecotourism is not only valuable in preserving wildlife and combatting climate change, but it can also be more profitable than the best alternatives. Governments and policymakers can view ecotourism as a way to align private interests with the public good. Encouraging ecotourism businesses can therefore boost economic growth while achieving other important goals.

For the general audience, this study underscores the importance of considering all relevant perspectives on an issue. Environmental activists don’t often consider whether conservation is profitable, but it’s clear that it’s incredibly important to actors like businesses and governments.

Kirkby, C.A., Giudice-Granados, R., Day, B., Turner, K., Velarde-Andrade, L.M., Dueñas-Dueñas, A., Lara-Rivas, J.C., & Yu, D.W. (2010). The Market Triumph of Ecotourism: An Economic Investigation of the Private and Social Benefits of Competing Land Uses in the Peruvian Amazon. PLoS ONE 5(9): e13015

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Sustainable tourism

Related sdgs, promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable ....

Description

Publications.

Tourism is one of the world's fastest growing industries and an important source of foreign exchange and employment, while being closely linked to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of many countries, especially developing countries. Maritime or ocean-related tourism, as well as coastal tourism, are for example vital sectors of the economy in small island developing States (SIDS) and coastal least developed countries (LDCs) (see also: The Potential of the Blue Economy report as well as the Community of Ocean Action on sustainable blue economy).

The World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities".

Based on General assembly resolution 70/193, 2017 was declared as the  International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

In the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development SDG target 8.9, aims to “by 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”. The importance of sustainable tourism is also highlighted in SDG target 12.b. which aims to “develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”.

Tourism is also identified as one of the tools to “by 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries” as comprised in SDG target 14.7.

In the Rio+20 outcome document The Future We want, sustainable tourism is defined by paragraph 130 as a significant contributor “to the three dimensions of sustainable development” thanks to its close linkages to other sectors and its ability to create decent jobs and generate trade opportunities. Therefore, Member States recognize “the need to support sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building that promote environmental awareness, conserve and protect the environment, respect wildlife, flora, biodiversity, ecosystems and cultural diversity, and improve the welfare and livelihoods of local communities by supporting their local economies and the human and natural environment as a whole. ” In paragraph 130, Member States also “call for enhanced support for sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building in developing countries in order to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development”.

In paragraph 131, Member States “encourage the promotion of investment in sustainable tourism, including eco-tourism and cultural tourism, which may include creating small- and medium-sized enterprises and facilitating access to finance, including through microcredit initiatives for the poor, indigenous peoples and local communities in areas with high eco-tourism potential”. In this regard, Member States also “underline the importance of establishing, where necessary, appropriate guidelines and regulations in accordance with national priorities and legislation for promoting and supporting sustainable tourism”.

In 2002, the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg called for the promotion of sustainable tourism development, including non-consumptive and eco-tourism, in Chapter IV, paragraph 43 of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.

At the Johannesburg Summit, the launch of the “Sustainable Tourism – Eliminating Poverty (ST-EP) initiative was announced. The initiative was inaugurated by the World Tourism Organization, in collaboration with UNCTAD, in order to develop sustainable tourism as a force for poverty alleviation.

The UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) last reviewed the issue of sustainable tourism in 2001, when it was acting as the Preparatory Committee for the Johannesburg Summit.

The importance of sustainable tourism was also mentioned in Agenda 21.

For more information and documents on this topic,  please visit this link

UNWTO Annual Report 2015

2015 was a landmark year for the global community. In September, the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a universal agenda for planet and people. Among the 17 SDGs and 169 associated targets, tourism is explicitly featured in Goa...

UNWTO Annual Report 2016

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• January 2017 International Year of Tourism In the context of the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the International Year aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behavior towards a more sustainable tourism sector that can contribute to the SDGs.
• January 2015 Targets 8.9, 12 b,14.7 The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development commits Member States, through Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.9 to “devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”. The importance of sustainable tourism, as a driver for jobs creation and the promotion of local culture and products, is also highlighted in Sustainable Development Goal target 12.b. Tourism is also identified as one of the tools to “increase [by 2030] the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries”, through Sustainable Development Goals Target 14.7.
• January 2012 Future We Want (Para 130-131) Sustainable tourism is defined as a significant contributor “to the three dimensions of sustainable development” thanks to its close linkages to other sectors and its ability to create decent jobs and generate trade opportunities. Therefore, Member States recognize “the need to support sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building that promote environmental awareness, conserve and protect the environment, respect wildlife, flora, biodiversity, ecosystems and cultural diversity, and improve the welfare and livelihoods of local communities” as well as to “encourage the promotion of investment in sustainable tourism, including eco-tourism and cultural tourism, which may include creating small and medium sized enterprises and facilitating access to finance, including through microcredit initiatives for the poor, indigenous peoples and local communities in areas with high eco-tourism potential”.
• January 2009 Roadmap for Recovery UNWTO announced in March 2009 the elaboration of a Roadmap for Recovery to be finalized by UNWTO’s General Assembly, based on seven action points. The Roadmap includes a set of 15 recommendations based on three interlocking action areas: resilience, stimulus, green economy aimed at supporting the tourism sector and the global economy.
• January 2008 Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria The Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria represent the minimum requirements any tourism business should observe in order to ensure preservation and respect of the natural and cultural resources and make sure at the same time that tourism potential as tool for poverty alleviation is enforced. The Criteria are 41 and distributed into four different categories: 1) sustainability management, 2) social and economic 3) cultural 4) environmental.
• January 2003 WTO becomes a UN specialized body By Resolution 453 (XV), the Assembly agreed on the transformation of the WTO into a United Nations specialized body. Such transformation was later ratified by the United Nations General Assembly with the adoption of Resolution A/RES/58/232.
• January 2003 1st Int. Conf. on Climate Change and Tourism The conference was organized in order to gather tourism authorities, organizations, businesses and scientists to discuss on the impact that climate change can have on the tourist sector. The event took place from 9 till 11 April 2003 in Djerba, Tunisia.
• January 2002 World Ecotourism Summit Held in May 2002, in Quebec City, Canada, the Summit represented the most important event in the framework of the International Year of Ecosystem. The Summit identified as main themes: ecotourism policy and planning, regulation of ecotourism, product development, marketing and promotion of ecotourism and monitoring costs and benefits of ecotourism.
• January 1985 Tourism Bill of Rights and Tourist Code At the World Tourism Organization Sixth Assembly held in Sofia in 1985, the Tourism Bill of Rights and Tourist Code were adopted, setting out the rights and duties of tourists and host populations and formulating policies and action for implementation by states and the tourist industry.
• January 1982 Acapulco Document Adopted in 1982, the Acapulco Document acknowledges the new dimension and role of tourism as a positive instrument towards the improvement of the quality of life for all peoples, as well as a significant force for peace and international understanding. The Acapulco Document also urges Member States to elaborate their policies, plans and programmes on tourism, in accordance with their national priorities and within the framework of the programme of work of the World Tourism Organization.

How Does Ecotourism Help the Economy?

Traditional types of tourism are starting to give way to a more sustainable version. This new approach will significantly benefit local communities instead of large corporations.

The economic benefits of ecotourism are many, but perhaps its main focus is directed at the well-being of local communities.

Why is ecotourism important?

The world’s sustainability goals are to decrease poverty and promote economic growth, and sustainable tourism plays a big part.

It is through ecotourism that many goals can be achieved. As the world becomes more accustomed to their new way for tourists to travel and enjoy what the world offers, more and more offerings will be made available.

The vision and the benefits of ecotourism are many. But the economic impact is perhaps the one that most people are excited about. Nothing empowers a local community more than having a robust economy for its citizens to prosper in the future.

Economic benefits of ecotourism

What are the advantages of ecotourism ? In addition to knowing that your actions will contribute positively, there are some great benefits of sustainable tourism you should consider.

Ecotourism has a softer ecological Impact

You leave a substantial ecological footprint by the things you eat while on vacation. When on vacation, some people like to eat the foods they are accustomed to from home but think about what this means for your destination.

Eating local food and supporting local businesses are part of sustainable tourism . Economic and environmental costs are associated with the importation of food across national boundaries and oceans. Additionally, a big part of exploring a new place is trying the local food!

When you eat locally, you will not only reduce emissions, but you will also find that the food is usually better. As a result, the ingredients are fresher, the locals know how to prepare them, and you will probably get to try something brand new that will intrigue you.

Ecotourism lets wildlife stay in nature

It is essential to seek information about wildlife attractions before visiting them and staying away from those who do not consider the animals’ best interest when developing them. There comes a time when these places will no longer exist because of a decline in demand. Wild animals can remain wild.

Many volunteer programs work in the field of conservation if you’re interested in getting close to wildlife. By adding a volunteering period to your vacation, you can become a sustainable tourist and contribute to essential projects while having these amazing experiences.

Ecotourism keeps the environment cleaner

Make sure you choose accommodations that engage in sustainable practices to ensure that your stay in your destination does not have a negative impact on the environment. When researching, keep an eye out for red flags like problems with garbage or wastewater, and find out if the hotel is transparent about its efforts. Even better, check if they buy local produce for their restaurant, use eco-friendly materials for their guest rooms, and treat their employees well.

Your choice of sustainable accommodation may also align with spending your vacation in a more beautiful location. The wastewater from your resort won’t pollute the ocean in which you plan to swim.

In addition, you do not have to deal with plastic waste after leaving the gate. Your conscious choice about the places you visit can help keep communities cleaner.

Ecotourism supports local communities

In addition to supporting sustainable accommodations and businesses, you are also directly supporting local economies. As a result, financial benefits typically leave the destination with big operators, particularly in mass tourism.

Choosing a local provider boosts the economy where it is most needed, making a positive impact.

Ecotourism let travelers be more aware of their travel choices

Ecotourism can help you become more aware of your actions. To become a sustainable tourist, you need to educate yourself before you leave on vacation. It’s a great way to learn how companies operate and what your hard-earned money is used for.

You should also consider your mode of transportation and your carbon footprint. If you are limited to three days at your destination, is it really necessary to fly for 15 hours? Would you instead take the train to a place closer by?

The price of traveling abroad could even be less than you would have paid for it, and you may manage to spend more time at your destination. You can also consider purchasing carbon offsets, a method of making your trip more sustainable if you cannot avoid air travel.

Final thoughts

Each of the ecotourist benefits listed above carries with it an economic element. Collectively, they can significantly impact a local economy. And when a local community is thriving, it begins to affect its neighbors – and the growth gradually spreads from there.

While there are many economic benefits of ecotourism, those choices are not always black and white – as with life, there are countless shades of grey in between.

The first step to ensuring that your dream vacation does not negatively impact your destination is educating yourself and choosing ethical and sustainable service providers. Wouldn’t you enjoy it much more by doing this?

In the long run, ecotourism is a preferable alternative to traditional tourism methods. It integrates all of these elements, including direct financial contributions to the local community, which benefit the local community and encourage and motivate it.

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It’s been a record-setting year for global travel – here’s how we make tourism inclusive and sustainable

Inclusive and sustainable travel and tourism includes supporting micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses. Image:  Unsplash/Michael Barón

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• The global travel sector is experiencing a robust recovery, with tourists increasingly spending more on travel.
• Despite the overall positive outlook, some destinations struggle with operational challenges, including workforce issues and resource management amid rising tourist numbers and environmental concerns.
• The travel and tourism sector’s potential for advancing socio-economic prosperity is particularly impactful through the support of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises.

The global travel sector forecast is in and it's sunny skies ahead. Through March 2024, consumer spending on travel remains strong, and passenger traffic has soared. Empowered by a strong labour market worldwide, tourists will be on the roads, air and seas once again, with more of people’s budgets on travel.

The latest report from the Mastercard Economics Institute, Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries , reveals that 2024 has already witnessed multiple record-setting days as consumer spending on leisure travel remains strong. The data shows that post-pandemic travellers continue to seek unique experiences rooted in local cultures while increasingly prioritizing spending on memorable events across sports, music and festivals.

The Mastercard Economics Institute’s analysis reveals that travellers also seek opportunities to extend their stays, prioritizing leisure for longer. For the first 12 months between March 2019 and February 2020, a trip’s average length of stay was about four days. As of March 2024, the average length of a leisure trip has edged closer to five days, which translates into an economic boost for the destinations and communities hosting them.

Have you read?

These are the top 10 countries for travel and tourism, what is travel and tourism’s role in future global prosperity, travel & tourism development index 2024, tackling tourism’s challenges.

Yet, while the overall outlook for travellers looks bright, that’s not the case for all destinations. Some tourism hotspots and lesser-known locales are facing growing challenges around operating conditions. The World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 highlights the ongoing constraints facing the global travel and tourism sector – including the lack of investment in skilled and resilient workforces and issues around resource management – cultural and natural – as destinations grapple with higher tourist visitor numbers and rising environmental concerns.

The report offers travel and tourism decision-makers recommendations around how the sector can take a more active role in tackling social challenges across socio-economic prosperity, peace and cultural exchange. As the industry accounts for approximately one-tenth of global gross domestic product and employment , the public and private sectors must work together to ensure future tourism development is, first and foremost, inclusive and sustainable.

Supporting the backbone of travel and tourism

As the TTDI 2024 notes, one area where the sector’s potential in advancing socio-economic prosperity can be particularly impactful is in the economic empowerment of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, more than 80% of travel and tourism businesses fall under this category.

Policies and investments promoting the adoption of digital solutions and enhancing digital skills development while improving access to credit can provide a major boost to tourism-focused MSMEs.

In Costa Rica, the Instituto Costariccense de Turismo, a member of Mastercard’s Tourism Innovation Hub , is championing such an approach to ensure increased tourist traffic results in better opportunities for MSMEs. Last year, the institute launched Tico Treasures , a platform facilitating tourist connections with Costa Rica’s Crafts with Identity programme, a group of 17 artisan collectives across the country. The platform allows visitors to discover local Costa Rican products, learn about artisan communities and then purchase and ship the goods back to their home country – all through one experience.

The programme is an example of public-private collaboration, including backing from Correos de Costa Rica, Banco de Costa Rica and the Instituto Costariccense de Turismo. Its objectives are multifold: delivering more authentic experiences for tourists, expanding citizens’ access to the digital economy and contributing to MSME resilience.

Protecting future environments

There are also novel approaches to solving destinations’ sustainability challenges underway. A key role of the Travel Foundation , a global non-government organization, is to facilitate innovative public-private collaborations in tourism that accelerate and scale sustainable solutions. One notable example is in Scotland, where the national tourism organization VisitScotland is partnering with the Travel Corporation, a global tour operator, to help decarbonize the destination supply chain. Both organizations are pooling their insights, data and expertise to support local businesses, develop new ideas for reducing carbon footprints and identify barriers to a green transition.

The learnings from this and other projects led by the Travel Foundation will be shared to influence future policy, investment and product development decisions at national and global levels. By combining public sector resources and capabilities with private sector technological expertise, travel and tourism decision-makers can enact policies and programmes that balance tourism growth with environmental protection, providing a nuanced approach that works for unique destinations.

It’s an important time for the sector – to leverage travel and tourism’s robust recovery and advance socio-economic prosperity, fuelling a more inclusive future for our treasured destinations. By accelerating collaboration between governments, destination management organizations and technology companies, we can ensure destinations, the communities that power them and the environments they inhabit are at the heart of all future tourism development.

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Do Country Risks Matter for Tourism efficiency? Evidence from Mediterranean countries

• Published: 24 June 2024

Cite this article

• Manel Frifita   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-2528-9977 1 &
• Zouhair Hadhek 2  

This research fills the gap in the existing literature on tourism by examining the impacts of country stability (economic, financial and political) on tourism efficiency (cost and profit). To consider the potential nonlinear relationships among the variables, we employ a new method of moment quantile regression, analyzing panel data from 17 countries between 2000 and 2020. The findings of the study reveal that higher country stability generally leads to higher tourism efficiency. The results suggest that the influence of country risk ratings on tourism efficiency is mainly nonlinear across different tourism efficiency quantiles. Moreover, the various components of risk rating scores have differing effects on tourism efficiency. These insights emphasize the imperative for policymakers to devise nuanced strategies that harness the synergies between stability factors and tourism efficiency for sustainable economic growth. This implies that policymakers should take into account the cost and profit efficiency of their tourism industry when setting country stability strategies.

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Data Availability

Data are available from the authors upon request.

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Frifita, M., Hadhek, Z. Do Country Risks Matter for Tourism efficiency? Evidence from Mediterranean countries. J Knowl Econ (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-024-02033-5

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At Tasmania's Timbre Kitchen diners can barter home vegies for restaurant meals in regenerative tourism model

• In short: A restaurant in Tasmania's north is the focus of new research into food tourism.
• Timbre Kitchen's head chef and owner Matt Adams employs regenerative tourism practices including bartering for seasonal produce.
• What's next?  The research has been published in The Handbook on Food Tourism, alongside food development case studies from around the world.

Overlooking one of the oldest vineyards in Tasmania's Tamar Valley sits Timbre Kitchen.

Head chef Matt Adams has turned away from food fashions, as well as industrialised production and globally sourced ingredients. 

The daily menu is a product of old-fashioned bartering with locals for their seasonal harvests, and preservation methods such as pickling and fermenting.

Community members and small-scale growers from the greater Launceston area bring armfuls of home-grown produce to the restaurant in exchange for dining vouchers, which allows them to eat their own produce completely re-imagined for the plate.

This regenerative business model has caught the attention of diners from around the world, and has landed Timbre Kitchen at the centre of new research about the rise of regenerative tourism.

The pantry and coolroom are restocked daily with seasonal produce grown in community gardens, backyards and on local farms, and the menu is informed by the ingredients that are delivered.

"We barter. We make no demands. We simply receive and work with it and put it on the menu," Mr Adams said.

"It's ultra seasonal. We're not sourcing things in other seasons when it's not available."

Local supplier Gregory Howitt delivers crates of silverbeet known as 'perpetual spinach', as well as endive — a bitter French variety of lettuce.

Mason jars of zucchini pickle, peach paste, and redcurrant chutney line the walls, extending the shelf-life of produce so nothing goes to waste. 

"The guys in the kitchen were getting into vinegar so all the apples we received this year were being turned into cider vinegar, some into an apple crumble," Mr Adams said.

"I think it's a really good expression of the area … for anyone coming in, they're getting a true expression of the West Tamar."

Becoming the state's food bowl

Tourism is Tasmania's second-largest industry, employing 13 per cent of the state's working population.

This year's 'Off Season' advertising campaign was Tourism Tasmania's biggest winter investment to date. 

Flaunting food and drink as a major drawcard, the campaign invites visitors to take part in uniquely Tasmanian experiences.

In 2021, Launceston was recognised by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy; one of just 49 in the world. 

This accolade is tempting tourists to embark on tasting trails, hopping from restaurant to restaurant across the state's north.

Sourcing locally is a way to support the livelihood of suppliers, growers and workers while sustaining a place's local economy.

What is regenerative tourism?

In Tasmania, regenerative tourism first rose to popularity in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was initially marketed as a hopeful, responsible, conscious, transformative, or slow alternative to other forms of tourism.

Researcher Maree Gerke believes regenerative tourism takes sustainable tourism and eco-tourism practices to the next level.

"[Sustainable and eco-tourism] look at how can we maintain the resources that are there," she said.

"Regenerative tourism is about making it better."

"Making environments better, making communities better — involving them — having other people benefit just as much from food tourism as the business itself."

Mrs Gerke has been studying Timbre Kitchen's practices as part of global research on food tourism.

Her chapter contribution for the Handbook on Food Tourism book is titled 'Regenerative practices and the local turn: food tourism in rural regional context'.

The book provides an overview of the past, present and future of research traditions, perspectives and concerns about the food tourism phenomenon. 

It takes the reader on a tour across the globe. From research on sustainable noodle suppliers in China to insights into local Swedish traditions. 

"In the case of Timbre Kitchen, what [Matt's] really doing is creating a business that really meets the needs of locals and in doing so he's created something very attractive for tourists as well," she said.

Mrs Gerke's research found consumer behaviour was shifting towards prioritising local and sustainable options. 

For some, food is one of the main motivations for travel, and tasting a destination's cuisine is considered essential to experiencing its culture.

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The travellers 'giving back' to the people and places they visit through 'regenerative tourism'.

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• Visit world export development forum (wedf)
• world export development forum (wedf)
• World Export Development Forum 2023
• Visit world trade promotion organizations (wtpo) conference and awards
• world trade promotion organizations (wtpo) conference and awards
• Visit good trade summit / t4sd forum
• good trade summit / t4sd forum
• Visit info for journalists
• info for journalists
• Visit food and agriculture
• food and agriculture
• Visit goods and services
• goods and services
• Visit business environment
• business environment
• Visit business performance
• business performance
• Visit sustainability
• sustainability
• Visit inclusive trade
• inclusive trade
• Visit priority countries
• priority countries
• Visit trade statistics
• trade statistics
• Visit market data
• market data
• Visit sustainability and inclusivity
• sustainability and inclusivity
• Visit structure and management
• structure and management
• Executive Director
• Deputy Executive Director
• Visit history
• 50th anniversary
• Former Executive Directors
• Visit corporate documents
• corporate documents
• Annual report
• Strategic plan
• Operational plan
• Financial report and audited financial statements
• Proposed programme budget
• Visit job opportunities
• job opportunities
• Staff and consultancies
• Internships

Fostering more inclusive trade: Why Indigenous trade matters!

Indigenous-owned businesses encompass a diverse array of goods and services, from handcrafted artifacts and traditional foods to eco-tourism and cultural experiences deeply rooted in traditions and cultural heritage., the international trade centre (itc) prioritizes inclusive trade, and leveraging its success in supporting women, youth, and refugee-owned businesses, it has initiated the indigenous peoples and trade programme., why indigenous trade matters.

Supporting Indigenous trade is crucial for several reasons. First, it provides essential economic opportunities for historically marginalized communities, offering significant income sources that help alleviate poverty and reduce economic disparities.

Second, Indigenous businesses often promote sustainable and ethical consumption patterns, through their businesses which emphasize environmental stewardship.

Third, supporting Indigenous trade helps preserve unique cultural expressions, crafts, and arts that have been passed down through generations.

With assistance from Columbia University, ITC consulted Indigenous leaders and small business owners in Latin America and the Caribbean, who highlighted several core needs: limited training and capacity-building tailored to Indigenous enterprises, inadequate market support activities (such as digital skills for e-commerce platforms and access to finance), and the importance of empowering women, given their vital role in the economic and social fabric of their communities.

Recommendations to support Indigenous small businesses

These broad recommendations, derived from a detailed and community-led needs assessment, are areas where ITC has expertise:

1. Support Product Development

Supporting product development for Indigenous associations and artisans through tailored technical assistance is essential. Establishing "training of trainers" programmes can build local capacity, technical leadership, and community trust. Additionally, advocating for inclusive procurement policies that prioritize Indigenous businesses is recommended.

2. Expand Access to Finance

Enhancing financial inclusion involves increasing tailored financial literacy training and embedding financial management practices that consider collective decision-making structures like cooperatives. Partnering with financial institutions to create flexible financial instruments—with lower collateral requirements, reduced interest rates, and adaptable repayment schedules that account for the seasonal nature of Indigenous businesses—is vital. Promoting impact investment in Indigenous enterprises can further drive sustainable economic development.

3. Expand Market Access and Exports

To support Indigenous business growth, collaboration with business support and trade promotion organizations to tailor start-up services, including business registration, planning, and Intellectual Property registration, is crucial, particularly in regions with prevalent informal operations. Promoting active participation of Indigenous-owned businesses in local, regional, and global forums, enabling them to benefit from B2B meetings and trade fairs, is also necessary. Streamlining access to export-related information and platforms to help Indigenous businesses create clear export market strategies is pivotal.

4. Advance Inclusion in the Digital Economy

Empowering Indigenous enterprises requires promoting digital literacy and e-commerce training and facilitating their connection to digital marketplaces. This involves forming partnerships with global logistics companies and other stakeholders, such as payment solution providers, to enhance access to online sales channels.

5. Enhance Opportunities for Indigenous Women

The ITC’s SheTrades Initiative presents opportunities to expand coverage to Indigenous women entrepreneurs, particularly in enhancing supply chain diversity. Fostering connections between corporations and Indigenous women entrepreneurs can make a significant impact.

6. Drive Sustainability Forward through Green Trade and Sustainable Certifications

Collaborations with Indigenous Peoples and national governments to create specialized certifications recognizing sustainable environmental practices can translate into tangible business benefits, such as tax breaks or easier credit access.

ITC will use this broad approach when designing specific activities, tailored to the unique context of each community, in close collaboration with Indigenous Peoples as key partners.

Partners are invited to join in creating an inclusive trade environment that values and supports the participation of Indigenous small businesses in trade.

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See Why These Florida Cities Have the Highest and Lowest Cost of Living in 2024

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As anyone who has lived or visited there can attest, Florida is a big state. Stretching from a panhandle that nearly touches Mobile, Alabama down to an archipelago that is only 90 miles from Cuba, Florida boasts a wide variety of regions and lifestyles. It is this very same diversity that allows part of the state to be quite inexpensive while other areas are on the pricier end. 

To discover which cities in Florida had the highest and lowest cost of living so far in 2024, GOBankingRates reviewed data from Sperlings BestPlaces and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Two cities ended up being outliers in the study, Key Largo and Alford. Here’s a closer look at how expenses break down in these cities across a variety of metrics .

Key Largo, FL

• Overall cost of living: 148.2
• Grocery index: 114.4
• Transportation index: 91
• Utilities index: 97.2
• Housing index: 256.6
• Miscellaneous costs index: 108.9
• Population: 12,021
• Livability index: 73

Key Largo is without a doubt one of the most beautiful areas in all of Florida, even in all of the country. As the first island in the long archipelago dubbed the Florida Keys, Key Largo is a popular stop for those on their way to the southernmost point in the United States in Key West.

For both tourists and residents, however, Key Largo has plenty to offer. The island obviously boasts a wide range of water-based activities, from scuba diving and snorkeling to eco-tours, beaches, sport fishing, dolphin encounter programs and even an underwater hotel, according to the official website of the Florida Keys.

If you fall in love with Key Largo and intend to live there, however, you should be aware that you’re dropping into the city with the highest cost of living so far in 2024. The small community of just over 12,000 residents has a cost of living nearly 50% above the national average, with the biggest culprit being housing costs. According to Zillow, the average home in Key Largo costs $1,130,852, more than 3x the national average.

Groceries and miscellaneous costs are also above the national average, by 14.4% and 8.9%, respectively, meaning it’s hard to avoid extra expenses while living in Key Largo. However, some costs, including transportation and utilities, do run below the national average, and the city’s healthy 73 livability index confirms that Key Largo can be a great place to live. 

• Overall cost of living: 77.1
• Grocery index: 94.6
• Transportation index: 79.2
• Utilities index: 110.3
• Housing index: 49.6
• Miscellaneous costs index: 74
• Population: 432
• Livability index: 59

On the other end of the spectrum in Florida is tiny Alford, with a population of just 432 residents. The panhandle town lying about one hour west of the state’s capital, Tallahassee, sports a cost of living 23% below the national average, and some of its costs seem almost ridiculously low.

The city’s housing index is 49.6, meaning costs run more than 50% below the national average. This is confirmed by data from Zillow, which reports an average home price in Alford of just $204,516. With the exception of utilities, which run 10% above the national average, residents of Alford pay less than the national average for groceries, transportation, housing and miscellaneous costs — and in some cases, much less. Transportation and miscellaneous costs, for example, run 21% and 26% below national norms. 

Before you run out and start looking for real estate in Alford — which might even be hard to do, given the town’s small population — there are some drawbacks. For starters, Alford only has a livability index of 59, and it gets “F” scores from AreaVibes in a number of areas, from amenities and employment to commutes and schools. Crime and health receive scores of “D+.”

However, if you’re looking to live on the cheap in the Florida panhandle, Alford has a great location and a small-town feel, in addition to having the lowest overall costs in the state as of May 2024.

Methodology: For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed 6,300 cities across the United States to find the cheapest and most expensive in each state. First, GOBankingRates found the cost-of-living indexes as sourced from Sperlings BestPlaces. By using the national average expenditure costs for all residents, as sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, the average expenditure cost was calculated for each city. The total population was sourced from the U.S. Census American Community Survey, and the livability index was sourced from AreaVibes. All data was collected on and is up-to-date as of May 21, 2024.

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