Definitions: Ecotourism vs. Sustainable Tourism

Eco-tourism is often defined as a form of tourism with a purpose.  Whilst in general terms it means 'environmentally-friendly' tourism, there is not a universal definition for eco-tourism, and the specific definition as to what this actually means in practice can vary greatly from one country to another.
 
Although it lacks one clear definition, it has been classified by the International Ecotourism Society (1991) as: "… responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people".

In addition, the World Conservation Union defined it (1996) as "…visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas …has low negative visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations". 
 
Although the concept of eco-tourism is difficult to define, it does, however, have some consistent features:

• The destination itself is usually an unpolluted natural area.
• Its attractions are the flora and fauna, and its entire bio-diversity.
• Eco-tourism should support the local economy and its indigenous atmosphere.
• It should contribute to the preservation of the environment, and promote the importance of conserving nature.
• 'Eco-trips' often include a learning experience.

Eco-tourism is often confused with sustainable tourism.  Whilst eco-tourism is a form of tourism (like sports, health, beach, cultural or adventure tourism), the concept of sustainable development should be applied to all these forms of tourism.  If the principles of sustainability are applied, then the type of tourism can be called sustainable tourism - therefore it can apply to all tourism activities.

Both ecotourism and the concept of sustainability are taken seriously in Europe, and there are a number of important agencies with whom ETC maintains close contact:

• Destinet is a comprehensive technical web-based communications platform and a working partnership between the European Environment Agency (EEA), the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and ECOTRANS. It is made for tourist destinations and their stakeholders and contains selected, quality assessed information on the ways in which tourism is being made more sustainable. For more information on Tourism and Travel in the Green Economy, click here.
• ECOTRANS is a European network of experts and organisations in tourism, environment and regional development who are seeking to promote good practice in the field of sustainable tourism. Established in 1988, the members of ECOTRANS represent NGOs and consultancies from 10 European countries.
• ECO-TIP Under the motto 'Out of practice - back to practice', ECO-TIP provides an invaluable source of information on sustainable tourism in action, with details of environmental management systems, a listing of over 50 European eco-labels and award schemes in the tourism sector whose aim is to reduce the consumption of: water, energy, waste, noise and degradation of nature, in order to achieve more quality, diversity, jobs income and satisfaction.
• PANParks  "Promotes Europe's best wilderness areas from the Arctic to the Mediterranean. It is founded by the world Wildlife Fund, as a non-profit making foundation whose objective is to raise awarenes of and help protect some of Europe's most important natural areas". 
• SUSTRANS  A charity which promotes sustainable transport and encourages people to walk, cycle and use public transport in order to reduce motor traffic and its adverse effects.
• Oceans Blue Foundation  A non-profit making organisation dedicated to the protection of blue and green environments, Oceans Blue promotes environmentally responsible or 'blue' tourism.
• International Ecotourism Society  Founded in the USA in 1990, this society aims to foster a true sense of synergy between outdoor travel entrepreneurs, researchers and conservationshs "working to make ecotourism a genuine tool for conservation and sustainable development"
• European Soft-Mobility Network (NETS)  A network of partners from tourism, transport & environmental organisations who are seeking to integrate & co-operate in working out strategies and measures for sustainable and environmentally-sound traffic solutions - both in tourism destinations and on the journey to the destination.
• Tourism Concern is the UK's leading resource for ethical and sustainable tourism informs government, industry and educational establishments.
• ECoNETT is a dedicated, structured site giving comprehensive coverage of sustainable tourism initiatives, as well as providing contacts and links to other sources.
• ECF (European Cyclists' Federation) aims to promote and encourage cycling in the countries of Europe as an economic, efficient, healthy and environmentally-friendly means of transport and recreation.
• Green Globe which came into being in 1994, is an independent certification scheme (based on ISO & Agenda 21) for travel companies and tourism destinations.
• UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)  Ecotourism is of special interest to UNEP for its relationship with conservation, sustainability and biological diversity.
• International Ecotourism Club  The International Ecotourism Club is a global Ecotourism network with Members in over 50 countries.
• Global Nature Fund (GNF) / Living Lakes Network is the coordinator of the international Living Lakes Network for the protection of lakes and wetlands and sustainable development of their catchment areas. In addition to being important freshwater reservoirs and hotspots of biodiversity, lakes are attractive destinations for tourism and recreational activities. In collaboration with more than 70 Living Lakes’ partner organisations worldwide, GNF is conducting a wide range of tangible sustainability projects.