Category FAQs Search : Ecosystem
Question: Benefits of ecotourism
Answer: 1. Environmental Impacts
Direct benefits
• Provides incentive to protect environment, both formally (protected areas) and informally)
• provides incentive for restoration and conversion of modified habitats.
• ecotourists actively assisting in habitat enhancement (donations, policing, maintenance, etc.)
Indirect benefits
• exposure to ecotourism fosters broader commitment to environmental well-being.
• space protected because of ecotourism provide various environmental benefits.
2. Economic impacts
Direct benefits
• revenues obtained directly from ecotourists.
• creation of direct employment opportunities.
• strong potential for linkages with other sectors of the local economy.
• stimulation of peripheral rural economies.
Indirect impacts
• indirect revenues from ecotourists (high multiplier effect)
• tendency of ecotourists to patronise cultural and heritage attractions as ‘add-ons’.
• economic benefits from sustainable use of protected areas and inherent existence.
3. Sociocultural impacts
Direct impacts
• ecotourism accessible to a broad spectrum of the population.
• aesthetic/spiritual element of experiences.
• foster environmental awareness among ecotourists and local population.
Indirect impacts
• option and existence benefits.
(Source: Diamantis, Dimitrios. (2010). The Concept of Ecotourism: Evolution and Trends. Current Issues in Tourism. 2. 93-122. 10.1080/13683509908667847. , 29 Mar 2021)