International Tourism Development: Ecotourism Trends and Challenges

This report delves into the realm of international tourism development, with a specific focus on ecotourism. It begins by defining ecotourism and exploring its growth, trends, and the various challenges it faces, such as striking a balance between environmental protection and economic benefits, practical implementation, and the complex nature of the concept. The report also examines the application of ecotourism in Edinburgh, highlighting achievements and shortcomings. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices, the role of travelers, and the need for education to ensure the preservation of natural habitats and local communities. The report further discusses the advantages, including employment opportunities and revenue generation, alongside potential disadvantages like habitat disruption and mismanagement. The study concludes with a call for addressing challenges and promoting responsible tourism for a sustainable future.

International
tourism
development
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Ecotourism what it is, trends and challenges ..............................................................................3
Ecotourism in Edinburgh.............................................................................................................8
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................12
References......................................................................................................................................13
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INTRODUCTION
In the modern era, tourism industry is one of the leading and most potential industry of
the world. Further it can be stated that along with the high growth rate, it has also faced various
kind of developments (Ghimire, 2013). The number of tourist are growing with a really good
pace which is very beneficial for the tourism industry. Ecotourism has developed as one of the
most important sector in this industry. Its main aims is to make sure that the the activities related
to tourism do not have any kind of negative impact on the environment and on the life of local
communities. The present study explains that development, trends and challenges that are
associated with ecotourism. Along with this, it also highlights the ecotourism in Edinburgh along
with all achievement and faults. There has been made development done in the city in terms of
ecotourism. Various kind of plans and strategies are created to conserve ecosystems and natural
areas. It can be also stated that ecotourism is completely new and effective concept for the entire
tourism sector of the world. Nowadays travellers and visitors are required to understand their
roles and responsibilities at the time of visiting a particular destination.
Ecotourism what it is, trends and challenges
In last few years, the concept of Ecotourism has become very popular in many countries
of the world. Moreover it can be defined as a responsible travel to those areas which protects
environment and enhances life of people which lives in nearby areas. Ecotourism encourages
travelling in areas surrounded by nature and lower down the impact of tourism activities on the
same. Its objective is to develop more sustainable opportunities which are associated with
tourism. It can be stated that most of the time when a particular area is developed as a tourist
destinations, then the life of individuals directly gets affected by the same (Mowforth and Munt,
2015). It can be argued that the behaviour of tourist can have negative impact on the life of
people which lives in nearby areas of a particular destination (Moutinho, 2011). Problems such
as alcohol, drug, crowing and rise in criminal activities have resulted as a big threat to local
communities. Tourism also make its impact on human rights as people may require to displace
their lands for hotels and resorts. When destinations are being developed, deforestation takes
places at very huge level. This affects environment as well as society in negative aspects
(Akinboade and Braimoh, 2010).
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This has resulted in development of ecotourism in order to protect environment and
society. It is supporting in empowerment of local communities and conserving cultures of the
same. It can be argued that there are many benefits associated with ecotourism if its is used by
considering local communities rather than using it to earn higher profits. Further it can be also
stated that ecotourism is one of the best and appropriate way to achieve the goal of sustainability
development (Chen, 2011). It has become very important for development authorities,
government and local people to protect the natural resources and the culture. It aims at
preservation of habitats and wildlife at the time of visiting a place. Nowadays people have also
started to understand the importance of nature. In addition to this, the demand of ecotourism has
also increased to a great extent. The three major areas that are being focused by such kind of
tourism includes personal growth, travellers which are well aware of their social responsibilities
and sustainability of the environment. Further it can be also explained that in order to make
ecotourism successful, visitors needs to understand their roles and responsibly (Skanavis and
Sakellari, 2011). Travellers and visitors are the one which plays very important role in maintain
and conservation of natural places or destinations. One of the main reason why people have
started to give preference to ecotourism is that they want to explore the natural ecosystems and
habitat. Therefore, they needs to travel with complete responsibilities to make sure that the
places are not harmed or exploited. Government can developed strict rules and regulations but
the travellers will be the one which are going to follow them (Eijgelaar, Peeters and Piket, 2008).
Therefore, in order to achieve the aim and objectives associated with ecotourism, more and more
education is required to be provided to tourists. They should be made aware about the need and
significance of natural areas, destinations and wildlife.
Most of the time, cultural heritage, flora and fauna are the primary attraction of places
which offers ecotourism (Vodopivec and Jaffe, 2011). It can be also considered as a popular
form of tourism which is rising with a very good pace. There are some advantages and
disadvantage associated with this kind of tourism. One of the major among those is that it
employs and benefits local people. Another benefit is that the revenue generated from tourist is
directly invested back to development and conservation of the areas. This has resulted in
developing a sense of satisfaction among tourist as well as local people (Liggett and et.al., 2011).
It has also helped in attracting more tourist as their money in invested in good cause. Ecotourism
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also have a deep and very diverse impact on all the visitors. When people visit such places they
are able to understand the culture and values of all the person living in those areas. In ecotourism
the travellers visit exotic landscapes and understand their cultural landscape. Tourism is
considered as one of the most potential industry in the present as well as for the future
generation. It can be stated that there is great need of protecting environment and lowering down
negative impact of tourism. Other than this, it can be argued that the revenues generated from
ecotourism can support in various kind of research efforts to protect biodiversity and ecosystems
(Ruhanen, 2013).
It can be also used for the developing life of people living in local community. They can
overcome from issues such as unemployment and poverty. When a particular destination is
developed with an objective of promoting ecotourism, the local people are provided with ample
amount of employment opportunities. There are many remote areas in the world where
unemployment one of the major issue. Therefore, it can be stated that there are several benefits
associated with ecotourism (Chaperon and Bramwell, 2013). Such type of tourism activities also
play a very important role in supporting international agreements related to labour. On the other
side of this, it also have some disadvantage which are required to be taken care of by government
and other regulatory authorities. Most of the time, underdeveloped lands are being converted into
profitable spaces which is a big threat. It can be also happen that national parks and centuries are
compromised because of high inflow and outflow of visitors. At the time of developing
ecotourism, the management needs to be very effective and appropriate (Greaves and Skinner,
2010). Mismanagement or bad management can results in pollution and overcrowding which is a
big threat to both local communities and to environment. The concept of ecotourism is very new
and has not been developed at its best. This clearly means that majority of visitors or tourist do
not have adequate knowledge or information regarding the same. It has become very essential to
make people aware and educate them about what ecotourism really is. On the other side of this, it
can be explained that ecotourism also created damage to environment. Proper transportation
facilities are required in areas which can developed as ecotourism (Høyer, 2000). This results in
creating population which is a threat to nature and wildlife of that particular areas. It is a fact that
the ecotourism provides with various kind of employments opportunities but the wages and
salaries paid to those local residents are not appropriated. The revenues generated from such
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places can go to the pockets of government or the parties which has developed that particular
destinations. All the tourist and visitors are required to understand the fact that it is their prime
responsibility to take care of the destination which they are visiting. Along with this, they should
stop other people also from harming or damaging those places (Skanavis and Giannoulis, 2010).
Another big and major threat is to the natural habitats and biodiversity of the animals and
other species which lives in those areas as their entire life gets distributed. Human beings have
started to use huge amount of natural resources even in small task or activities. This has resulted
in scarcity of resources which can be termed as one of the biggest issues that will be faced by
future generation. Footpath and soil erosion are the other two disadvantage of ecotourism. In
addition to this, in majority of places it has also failed to the meet the eco standards. It also
results in disturbing the life and living of wildlife animals of those places (Castellani and Sala,
2010). As per the trends in ecotourism, majority of people visits aims the enjoying a healthy and
natural environment. Further their objective is to get more closer to nature and wildlife by
visiting places which offers ecotourism. In order to protect and conserve natural resources and
environment the idea of this type of tourism was developed back in the year 1980's. During
those days people started to demand a kind of tourism which do not have negative impact on
environment and life of locals. As per the recent trends the number of eco-conscious travellers
has increased as compared to average visitors or travellers. It can be stated that more than 25% of
direct benefit was provided to destination and people living in local community. Nowadays
tourist and visitors have become more conscious towards protection of environment (Cortes-
Jimenez and Pulina, 2010).
There are various kind of issues and challenges which is faced in context of ecotourism.
Further it is required by government and other development authorities to address these
challenges in best possible manner. The first and most important challenge among those is
related to practical implementation of ecotourism. There has been many theoretical aspects
developed in this tourism but till now there are no clear guidelines available on how to
implement these practises practically. Recommendation are required at wide level in order to
developed ecotourism areas in effective manner (Scott, 2011). The tourism industry of the world
is growing with a very good pace and at the same time it can be stated that the natural capita all
across the globe is under great threat. Another key issue associated with ecotourism is its
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complex concept. It can be stated that the concept of ecotourism is overburden with lots of
imperatives associated with economic, social and environmental factors. It is a very big and
broad concept and should be handed in best possible manner. Along with this, misuse of this
term has also become an important challenge for the ecotourism (Látková and Vogt, 2012). The
terms ecotourism was the one which was developed to offer a complete environmental friendly
and nature based experience to all travellers but nowadays it has been subjected to various kind
of controversies.
Many experts also assumes that the ecotourism industry is about to grow with rate of
10-15% annually. The government and other regulatory bodies believes that it is a perfect
solution to the problem related to environment and society (Erkuş-Öztürk and Eraydın, 2010).
However it can be argued that it lacks scientific foundations and cannot be considered as the
perfect solution to environment and social issues which tourism is facing. Majority of the time,
when ecotourism projects are being planned and implemented, the views and opinions of local
people are not taken into consideration. This has created high degree of dissatisfaction among
them and has also emerged as a very big threat to the life of local people. Therefore, the local
culture, resources and economies are at a great threat. There are some sort of the economic
benefits of such type of tourism but it has affected the lives of individuals living in the local
communities (Sharpley and Telfer, 2014).
The government and other regulatory bodies needs to take various kind of measures and
step in order to overcome from all the above stated challenges. In order to get the best and most
out of ecotourism is by maximizing economic and environmental advantages and minimizing its
negative impacts. To achieve the above stated goals, sustainability needs to be ensure by all the
person and bodies which are developing a destination into ecotourism. Further it can be achieved
with the help of limiting the total number of tourist allowed to visit the destination at one
particular point of time. This will results in maintaining the vitality and integrity of the place. In
addition to this, the materials and other things which are required during construction also needs
to be procured in sustainable manner (Chon, 2013). The government and development authorities
should ensure that the much focus is provided on water, wind and solar energy to make a place
perfect for ecotourism. Other than this, it can be also stated that transportation facilities are the
one which creates more pollution and harm to environment. Therefore, such kind of facilities
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should be developed outskirts of the park. Another good practise which can be used to develop
and promote effective ecotourism is by including local people and residents in decision making
process. The projects and development plans should be based on needs and demand of local
communities. This will result in developing sense of satisfaction among individuals living in
those areas. Along with this, job and training sessions are be also offered to the above stated
people (Hall, Scott and Gössling, 2013).
They should be also allowed to speak and interact with all the visitors so that they can
explain their cultures and values to them. In order to developed an effective ecotourism, the
government and other bodies needs to focus on the maximizing benefits of local people (Witt,
Brooke and Buckley, 2013). It can be stated that rather than focusing on generating high
revenues, strategies and action plans should be formed for the well being of people living in local
communities. Therefore, it can be stated that measure should be taken at regular intervals to
promote ecotourism. Feedbacks and reviews are also required from visitors as well as from the
people which belong to local community. It can be explained that majority of people are still not
clear with the exact meaning of ecotourism. Therefore, it has become very important to create
awareness among people and provide them with adequate information related to same
(Spenceley, 2012). In order to develop a particular place into ecotourism, efforts of all
government, local people and travellers to put their efforts in developing a particular place. All
the visitors needs to make sure that they do not harm resources and wildlife of those areas where
they are visiting. Strict rules and regulations needs to be formed and followed to persevere those
areas at their best. The concept of ecotourism is highly potential but requires some sort of
improvements so that it can achieve more success and popularity in future.
Ecotourism in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is Soctland's capital city which is located on the southern shore of firth of
forth. Further it is second most popular city in Scotland and in all over United kingdom it is
seventh mots popular city. As per the visitors statistics approximately 45% of travellers in
Scotland comes from Edinburgh. It can be also stated that its tourism sector is among the largest
employer (Visitor Statistics, 2009). This clearly highlights the fact that very high number of
tourist visit this city to explores its destinations and natural places. Most of the places also
experiences overcrowding which has become a great threat to the place as well for the people
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which are living near those areas. In the last 12 years total number of visitors in Edinburgh has
increased to almost 10% every year. The concept of Ecotourism in Edinburgh consists of three
major elements which are developing natural places, educating and sustainable development.
Further government has developed many ecotourism in many places all across the city in order to
attract visitors. Participation of local people, generating income for development of local
community and quality tourism are some of the main objective of Edinburgh's ecotourism. In the
beginning remote areas of the city were developed but later on areas which consist of forest and
natural habitat was also taken into consideration (Edinburgh Tourism Action Group, 2013). It
can be also stated that the government has developed ecotourism strategies such as “Visit
Scotland” whose prime aim is to maximize the benefits of tourism on society as well as on
economy of the same.
Edinburgh is the gateway of Scotland and it is considered one of the most important city
which can contribute in the country's future tourism development. One of the core purpose
behind development of this is to lower down all the negative impact of tourism activities on
natural environment of Edinburgh. Efforts are being made to achieve the same and people in
local community are also encouraged to present their views and opinions (Skanavis and
Sakellari, 2011). The government and other regulatory body of Edinburgh works with both
public and private sectors enterprise to developed destinations as ecotourism. In the year 2006,
around 310000 people which is 9% of the total workforces were employed by the tourism sector
of Edinburgh. In the last few years, the concept of ecotourism has emerged as a niche within
tourism market of Edinburgh. The city is considered as one of the most renowned tourism
destination all across the world. People form different countries visit the city to explore places
such as Royal Botanic gardens, Holyrood park, Camera Obscura etc. Edinburgh also have parks
and beaches which attracts visitors from all across the world. Princes Street Gardens and John
Muir Way are some of the popular places of the city. Along with the high growth in number of
travellers Edinburgh has seen the need of protecting and preserving all its natural places. This
has resulted in development of various places in ecotourism destinations. Further these places
offers all the visitors with an experience of responsible travelling to all natural areas and
improving life of all the people which live in local communities.
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Edinburgh's main target market for ecotourism consists North America, UK and Europe.
Other than this, effective marketing strategies have been also developed by Edinburgh to attract
visitors from countries such as China, India and Brazil. It is also expected that till the year 2020,
the tourism market of the world is expected to grow by 4.1% every year. At the time of
developing places as ecotourism, the government and development authorities focuses on global
mobility, cultural diversity and new destinations (Visitor Statistics, 2009). The city has also
started to focus on environment and it is well aware of the fact that environment protection has
become essential for all travellers as well as for the people which are living in local communities
of Edinburgh. With the help of local people and businesses measures are being taken to lower
down the negative impact of tourism on all destinations. It can be also stated that the nature
tourism contributes majority of the part in rural economy of Edinburgh. Unique qualities of the
city along with its nature and culture has been protected with the help of strategies developed in
ecotourism. Other than this, corrective steps are being taken to support the local communities
and conservation of Edinburgh. Efforts at wide level are carried out to make the visitors, tourist
and travellers aware about their responsibilities towards environmental protection.
Edinburgh government also encourage local partnership in then decision making process
related to ecotourism. Effective planning and management is done for those areas of Edinburgh
which are sensitive natural areas (Moutinho, 2011). Government and other authorities of the city
are well aware of the fact that tourism can become a major threat to local culture and ecosystems
of Edinburgh if their management is not done properly. When people from different countries
visit the city, their travelling experience goes beyond happy memories by providing lasting
benefits to local communities and environment. Tourist in Edinburgh are provided education
regarding the importance and need of conserving natural areas. It is expected that by the end of
year 2020, Edinburgh will become a resources efficient and low carbon city (Reisinger and
Dimanche, 2010).
Ecotourism in the city also aims at delivering the best and good quality of life to all its
citizens by consuming low amount of resources for the development of tourism. It can be also
stated that flora and fauna of the city are conserved by lowering down the negative impact of
tourism activities on the same. Along with this, policies which promotes responsible and
ecotourism has been developed and promoted within Edinburgh. Ecotourism in the city is
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promoted with the objective of the respecting and protecting its nature and culture. In addition to
this, it is also supported for the well being of life of people which are living in local communities
of Edinburgh (Ghimire, 2013). Ecotourism is encouraged in the city to make the travellers
responsible so that they can take care of all those natural areas which they are visiting. When
development plans related to tourism are made in Edinburgh, people in local communities are
involved in the same. A guideline has been developed by the government and development
bodies to make sure that travellers perform best practises related to ecotourism. It can be also
stated that before visiting any natural places or ecosystem of Edinburgh, visitors needs to
prepared and educate themselves regarding the destination (Mowforth and Munt, 2015). This
includes learning related to custom, history and culture of the same. In addition to this, at the
time of visiting the city, tourist are also required to respect local culture and traditions. They
need to conserve all the natural resources in best possible manner and needs to encourage the
same.
All the visitors needs to understand the fact that they are required to protect environment
and ecosystems for future generation. They are also needs to put efforts in implementing
strategies developed with regards to ecotourism (Schubert, Brida and Risso, 2011). This will
results in protection of all natural areas and habitats of the city. At the time of developing plans,
the authorities in Edinburgh needs to ensure that its ecotourism plans are not having any kind of
negative impact on environment. It can be stated when a destination become popular among
people then its overuse become a major threat to the same. Travellers can disturb and harm
wildlife which is a very serious issue. Along with this, popularity of ecotourism destination in
Edinburgh will also attract more and more tourist (Chen, 2011). This can cause increase in
pollution and carbon footprints because of rise in vehicle and air travels. Other than this, cultural
and values of local communities in Edinburgh is also affected by ecotourism in negative aspects.
The concept of ecotourism can become successful in Edinburgh only with integrated efforts of
government, local communities and all the travellers. The government official in city needs to
make sure that the culture and values of people living in nearby areas of destinations are not
affected by tourist and their activities. Along with this, Edinburgh is also needs to make sure that
at the time of developing a destination, all the processes and practices remains environment
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friendly. Rather than using resources which can harm the life of local people and wild animals
living in those areas, natural resources can be used (Chen, 2011).
CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that the ecotourism is a very potential concept
which can help in protecting environment and natural destinations. Further slowly and slowly it
is gaining popularity all across the world. Many cities and destinations such as Edinburgh has
adopted this concept. Ecotourism focuses on two main aspects which are conservation and
development of local communities. It can be also concluded that when plans are developed
related to ecotourism, the government and other bodies are required to encourage participation of
people in local community. Edinburgh in Scotland has been developed as a very attractive
destination which offers ecotourism. Further there are some challenges and issues linked with
such kind of tourism which are required to be addressed in best possible manner.
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