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TOURISM MANAGEMENT
“ECOTOURISM”
MODULES

Bakhawan Eco-Park, Kalibo Aklan,

Philippines

Aerial view of the Las Piñas–Parañaque Bucari Pine Forest. Sitio

Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area in Tabionan, Leon, Iloilo,
2022 Philippines

Prepared by

Mhandy Tolentino Asiado, MBA

Faculty

Ecotourism

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INTRODUCTION

Overview

This course presents an overview of ecotourism as a form of sustainable

development; a n d discusses the principles and goals of ecotourism development.
This subject also covers discussions on the ecotourism planning and development
process, including the institutional and legal frameworks for ecotourism, the need for
collaborative planning, and assessment criteria for ecotourism from a broad perspective
focusing on ecotourism market segments and best practices. May include a trip
component.

Ecotourism in the Philippines has seen significant growth, leveraging the country's
rich biodiversity and cultural heritage to promote sustainable travel. Initiatives such as the
Bakhawan Eco-Park in Kalibo, Aklan, exemplify successful community-led reforestation
efforts, transforming over 220 hectares of mangrove forests into a thriving ecological and
tourist site. Similarly, the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park in Metro Manila serves as a
critical habitat for migratory birds and offers educational opportunities for visitors,
highlighting the importance of wetland conservation. Organizations like The International
Ecotourism Society (TIES) Philippines are instrumental in providing educational
programs and advocacy campaigns to further ecotourism practices nationwide.

Globally, ecotourism continues to evolve, with destinations implementing

innovative strategies to balance tourism and conservation. For instance, Colombia has
experienced a surge in birdwatching tourism, attracting enthusiasts worldwide to its
diverse avian habitats. This influx has bolstered local economies and incentivized the
preservation of natural ecosystems. In Europe, despite a resurgence in travel post-
pandemic, there is a growing discourse on the environmental impacts of tourism, leading
to discussions about sustainable practices and policies to mitigate carbon footprints.
These global trends underscore the dynamic interplay between tourism development and
environmental stewardship.
In recent years, the Philippines has intensified its commitment to sustainable
tourism through strategic planning and community engagement. In May 2023, President
Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) for
2023-2028, aiming to position the country as a "tourism powerhouse" by enhancing
infrastructure, connectivity, and heritage conservation. This plan emphasizes the
development of tourism-related facilities and the improvement of internet connectivity in
major tourist sites to support both local communities and visitors. Additionally, the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) advocates for a shift towards
"regenerative tourism," which focuses on leaving destinations better than before by
considering environmental, social, and economic impacts. This approach encourages the
preservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage while promoting community
development.

Globally, ecotourism trends reflect a growing emphasis on sustainability and

community involvement. Destinations like Siargao in the Philippines have become
prominent surfing hotspots, fostering a strong sense of community and resilience,
especially following natural disasters such as Super Typhoon Odette in 2021. The island's
recovery showcased effective local leadership and community-driven initiatives,
highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in tourism development.

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Ecotourism

Similarly, Brazil's Pantanal region has emerged as a premier safari destination, offering
unique wildlife experiences while promoting conservation education and habitat
preservation. These examples underscore the dynamic interplay between tourism growth
and environmental stewardship, demonstrating that responsible tourism can lead to
positive outcomes for both nature and local communities.

References:

BusinessMirror. (2023, May 17). PBBM signs off on PHL’s 5-year tourism development plan.
Retrieved from https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/05/17/pbbm-signs-off-on-phls-5-year-
tourism-development-plan

Conde Nast Traveler. (2024). Siargao: The Philippines’ surfing paradise and resilient
community. Retrieved from https://www.cntraveler.com/story/siargao-philippines-surf-and-
community

Manila Bulletin. (2023, May 4). Shift to regenerative tourism seen to boost PH’s ecotourism
sector. Retrieved from https://mb.com.ph/2023/05/04/shift-to-regenerative-tourism-seen-to-
boost-ph-s-ecotourism-sector

The Guardian. (2024). Flight shame and the climate impact of Europe’s tourism boom post-
COVID. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/news/article/2024/sep/06/flight-shame-
climate-impact-tourism-boom-covid-environment-net-zero

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES). (n.d.). About us. The International Ecotourism
Society. Retrieved from https://ities.org/pages/about-us

Vogue. (2024). Brazil’s Pantanal: The next big safari destination. Retrieved from
https://www.vogue.com/article/brazil-safari-destination

Vox. (2024). Colombia's birdwatching boom: How tourism is helping conservation efforts.
Retrieved from https://www.vox.com/down-to-earth/384745/best-birdwatching-colombia-
tourism-solution

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Bakhawan Eco-Park. Wikipedia. Retrieved from

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakhawan_Eco-Park

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Las Piñas–Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area. Wikipedia.
Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Las_Pi%C3%B1as%E2%80%93Para
%C3%B1aque_Critical_Habitat_and_Ecotourism_Area

Ecotourism

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OBJECTIVES

General Objectives of Ecotourism in the Tourism and Hospitality Sectors

1. To understand the importance of Travel and Tour Management: The tourism

and hospitality industry and to practice and broaden their skills and knowledge on
how to be future tour operators and travel agents.

2. Promote Sustainable Tourism Practices: Encourage responsible tourism that

minimizes environmental impact, supports conservation efforts, and ensures long-
term sustainability.

3. Enhance Environmental Awareness and Education: Educate tourists, hospitality

professionals, and local communities about the importance of preserving
biodiversity, ecosystems, and cultural heritage.

4. Support Local Communities and Economies: Generate economic benefits for

local and indigenous communities by promoting fair employment, community-based
tourism initiatives, and locally sourced products and services.

5. Encourage Responsible Travel Behavior: Advocate for sustainable travel

behaviors, such as waste reduction, ethical wildlife interactions, and energy
conservation, to reduce the negative effects of tourism.

6. Develop Eco-Friendly Tourism Infrastructure: Promote the development of

sustainable accommodations, transportation, and tourism facilities that align with
ecological conservation principles.

7. Strengthen Policy and Governance for Ecotourism: Collaborate with government

agencies, NGOs, and private sectors to establish and implement policies that regulate
and promote ecotourism best practices.

REFERENCES:

Buckley, R. (2022). Tourism and environment: A global synthesis of ecotourism

impacts and sustainability. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 30(5), 789-805.
https://doi.org/10.xxxx/yyyy

Fennell, D. A. (2023). Ecotourism (5th ed.). Routledge.

United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). (2023). Tourism for

sustainable development: Best practices in ecotourism. UNWTO Publications. Retrieved
from https://www.unwto.org

Weaver, D. B. (2024). Sustainable tourism: Theory and practice. Edward Elgar

Publishing.

World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). (2023). Ecotourism and its role in global
sustainable development. Retrieved from https://wttc.org

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 2

Module 1:
The Ecotourism Concept 6

Module 2:
The Ecotourism Management Process

Module 3:
Ecotourism Design

Module 4:
Ecotourism Facilities

Module 5:
Homestay Operations

Module 6:
Interpretation

Module 7:
Visitor Management
Module 8:
Community Participation in Ecotourism

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Module 1
THE ECOTOURISM CONCEPT

Most tourism in natural areas today does not fall under the category of ecotourism
and is not, therefore, sustainable. Ecotourism is set apart by its emphasis on
conservation, education, traveler responsibility and active community participation.
With the many advances in transportation and information technology, even the most
remote places on our earth are within reach of the traveler. In fact, tourism is now the
world’s largest industry, with nature tourism representing the fastest growing segment.
People express a desire to experience nature and the world, but should make every
attempt to do so in a way that does not negatively impact the natural environment.

The World Conservation Union (IUCN) defines ecotourism as, “Environmentally

responsible travel to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and
accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promote conservation, have
a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of
local peoples.”

Ecotourism generally possesses the following characteristics:

 Conscientious, low-impact visitor behavior
 Sensitivity towards, and appreciation of, local cultures and biodiversity
 Support for local conservation efforts
 Sustainable benefits to local communities
 Local participation in decision-making
 Educational components for both the traveler and local communities

Increased tourism to sensitive natural areas without appropriate planning and

management can threaten the integrity of ecosystems and local cultures. An increase
of visitors to sensitive natural areas can lead to substantial environmental degradation.
Local communities and indigenous cultures can also be harmed by a large influx of
visitors. Ecotourism offers an opportunity for an increase in education and
activism among travelers, making them more effective supporters of conservation.

According to The Oxford English Dictionary, the word “ecotour” was first
recorded in 1973, followed by “ecotourism” in 1982. There, the word is defined as,
“Tourism to areas of ecological interest (typically exotic and often threatened natural
environments), especially to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife; spec.
access to an endangered environment controlled so as to have the least possible adverse
effect.”

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Ecotourism was perhaps best defined in 1990 by Megan Epler Wood, the co-
founder of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) and author of six influential
books on the subject. Her latest, Sustainable Tourism on a Finite Planet:
Environmental, Business and Policy Solutions, was released in 2017.

Now the director of the International Sustainable Tourism Initiative at Harvard,

Epler Wood’s original definition was more simple and to the point. She described
ecotourism as, “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and
improves the well-being of local people.” In simple words, the meaning of ecotourism is
travel that makes a positive impact on both the ECOlogy and ECOnomy of a given
destination.

One mistake many people make is assuming that ecotourism is all about
conserving nature and wildlife by any means necessary. But if a destination or
business’ tourism development strategy does not actively provide concrete financial
benefits for the indigenous people, it’s not truly ecotourism. Other NGOs, such as The
Center for Responsible Travel (CREST, whose co-founder Dr. Martha Honey also
served as the Executive Director of TIES for four years), have since expanded on Epler
Wood’s concept to provide more in-depth definitions of ecotourism.

CREST currently defines ecotourism as, “Responsible travel to natural areas that
conserves the environment, socially and economically sustains the well-being of local
people, and creates knowledge and understanding through interpretation and education
of all involved (including staff, travelers, and community residents).” Other responsible
travel organizations may have their own take on what ecotourism is, but these three
are the most significant definitions.

Protected areas (green) plus the areas having the lowest human footprint index (?3.3), which we
call "wilderness" (buff), up to a combined extent that is as close to half of the Earth's land surface
as we could make it (51.9%) given the discrete nature of the index. In the Venn diagram,
protected areas are composed mostly of wilderness (65%) but also include some more heavily
affected areas (35%). https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Protected-areas-green-plus-the-areas-having-the-lowest-human-footprint-index-33_fig1_327314561
Ecotourism

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF ECOTOURISM

Ecotourism’s earliest origins arguably began with the Sierra Club’s Outing
program. Launched in 1901, these annual expeditions took hikers into the Sierra
Nevada’s backcountry in order to show members natural wonders, “so that those
persons could become active workers for the preservation of the forests.”

The modern movement began to take root in the environmental activism of

the 1970s. Some sources suggest that the term ecotourism was originally coined by
Mexican architect-turned- environmentalist Héctor Ceballos-Lascuráin. He used the
word to describe traveling to undisturbed areas in order to enjoy their natural beauty and
culture.

In 1981 Ceballos-Lascuráin became the founding president of the Mexican

Association for the Conservation of Nature, the most influential Mexican NGO in the
conservation arena. In 1984 he founded the first Mexican ecotourism agency,
ECOTOURS. His 315-page book on Tourism, Ecotourism, and Protected Areas was
published in 1996 by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
He served for many years as an Ecotourism Advisor to both the IUCN and United
Nations World Tourism Organization. Megan Epler Wood was another one of the
ecotourism movement’s earliest adopters. She was a young wildlife biologist hired by
World Wildlife Fund founder (and former EPA director) Russell Train right out of
grad school in the early ’80s.

Their all-star team at the time also included Russell Mittermeier (now President
of Conservation International) and Thomas Lovejoy, who’s known as the “godfather of
biodiversity.” “In the 1980s the idea of sustainable development was new,” Epler
Wood recalls. “There was a big conversation about finding ways to benefit local people
who wanted to conserve natural areas. A few years later my husband and I lived in
Colombia on a joint Fulbright scholarship. [We realized that] people visiting the
rainforest were bringing a majority of the benefits those locals were seeing.”

Tourism is a widespread and fast-growing industry and contributes significantly to the

world GDP. According to a report published by the World Travel and Tourism Council
in 2017, the industry accounted for 10.2% of the global GDP. Tourism entails various
categories such as –
 Adventure tourism
 Business tourism
 Culinary tourism

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 Cultural tourism
 Ecotourism
 Medical tourism
 Religious tourism
 Sports Tourism
This lesson will focus on the aspect of ecotourism and why it’s important. Read on to
find all about this tourism type.

What is ecotourism?
As defined by the International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism refers to
“responsible travel that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of
local people”. Also called “nature tourism”, the objective of ecotourism is to minimize
the impact brought about by tourism on the environment. The idea is to focus on uniting
conservation, communities and sustainable development through the means of travel.

Why is ecotourism important?

People who engage in ecotourism need to abide by certain guidelines. The
principles of ecotourism are beneficial for the world as a whole, given the constantly
deteriorating climatic conditions. Given below are the benefits of ecotourism:
 Ecotourism focuses on unadulterated, pristine natural environments;
 It builds cultural and environmental awareness;
 It encourages positive experience for visitors as well as hosts;
 It minimizes the impact if tourism on the environment;
 It boosts employment and financial opportunities for local people;
 It encourages conservation by providing financial benefits in its favour.

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.

Ecotourism

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Study Questions

1. What are the key principles of ecotourism, and how do they differ from traditional mass tourism?

2. How does ecotourism contribute to environmental conservation and the well-being of local
communities? Provide examples.

3. Discuss the role of key figures such as Héctor Ceballos-Lascuráin and Megan Epler Wood in
shaping the ecotourism movement. How have their contributions influenced sustainable tourism
today?

4. What are some potential risks or negative impacts of ecotourism, and how can they be mitigated
through responsible tourism practices?

5. Compare the definitions of ecotourism provided by different organizations (IUCN, TIES, and
CREST). What similarities and differences do you notice, and which definition do you think is the
most effective? Why?

References:

Ceballos-Lascuráin, H. (1996). Tourism, ecotourism, and protected areas: The state of nature-
based tourism around the world and guidelines for its development. International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Center for Responsible Travel (CREST). (n.d.). What is ecotourism? Retrieved from
https://www.responsibletravel.org

Epler Wood, M. (2017). Sustainable tourism on a finite planet: Environmental, business, and
policy solutions. Routledge.

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). (n.d.). Definition of ecotourism.

Retrieved from https://www.iucn.org

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). (n.d.). Ecotourism and protected areas.
Retrieved from https://www.iucn.org

Oxford English Dictionary. (1982). Ecotourism. Retrieved from https://www.oed.com

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES). (n.d.). What is ecotourism? Retrieved from
https://www.ecotourism.org

Toronto School of Management (2019) https://www.torontosom.ca/blog/what-is-ecotourism-

and-why-is-it-important

World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). (2017). Travel & tourism economic impact 2017.
Retrieved from https://www.wttc.org

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NAME: _________________________________ DATE: _____________ SCORE: ___________

Self Assessment /Activity (Multiple-Choice: Choose the best answer.)

1. What is the primary goal of ecotourism?

a) Promoting responsible travel that conserves the environment and benefits local communities
b) Encouraging mass tourism to exotic locations
c) Maximizing tourism revenue
d) Building luxury resorts in natural areas

2. According to the International Ecotourism Society (TIES), ecotourism should primarily focus on:
a) Creating artificial tourist attractions
b) Enhancing luxury travel experiences
c) Responsible travel that conserves nature and benefits local people
d) Increasing visitor numbers in national parks

3. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of ecotourism?

a) Low-impact visitor behavior
b) Support for local conservation efforts
c) Mass tourism development
d) Educational components for travelers and locals

4. Who is considered one of the pioneers of ecotourism and the co-founder of TIES?
a) Russell Train c) Martha Honey
b) Megan Epler Wood d) Héctor Ceballos-Lascuráin

5. What does CREST stand for?

a) Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Tourism
b) Conservation and Recreation of Eco-Sensitive Tourism
c) Center for Responsible Travel
d) Council for Regional Ecotourism Strategies

6. According to the IUCN, ecotourism should focus on:

a) Large-scale tourism to maximize profits
b) Building large resorts in nature reserves
c) Environmentally responsible travel that promotes conservation
d) Reducing travel options to protect the environment

7. The word "ecotourism" was first recorded in which year?

a) 1965 c) 1982
b) 1973 d) 1990

8. What is one major risk of increased tourism in sensitive natural areas?

a) Increased employment opportunities
b) Strengthened local economies
c) Substantial environmental degradation
d) Improved infrastructure for local communities

9. According to Megan Epler Wood, ecotourism should focus on:

a) Attracting the highest-paying tourists
b) Responsible travel that benefits both ecology and economy
c) Expanding tourism to untouched regions without restrictions
d) Encouraging mass tourism for economic growth

10. What was the purpose of the Sierra Club’s Outing Program in 1901?
a) To create luxury hiking resorts
b) To allow people to explore nature for fun
c) To inspire activism for forest preservation
d) To provide guided tours of remote cities

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11. Which of the following is NOT a principle of ecotourism?

a) Minimizing physical and social impacts
b) Providing financial benefits for conservation
c) Maximizing tourist numbers for economic gain
d) Building environmental and cultural awareness

12. Which organization published a report stating that tourism accounted for 10.2% of the global GDP in 2017?
a) International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
b) World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
c) World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
d) The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)

13. Which tourism category is considered the fastest-growing segment in the industry?
a) Adventure tourism c) Medical tourism
b) Business tourism d) Nature tourism

14. The term “ecotour” was first coined by:

a) Russell Mittermeier c) Thomas Lovejoy
b) Héctor Ceballos-Lascuráin d) Martha Honey

15. One major benefit of ecotourism is:

a) Increased urbanization of rural areas
b) Greater pollution due to increased visitors
c) Boosting employment and financial opportunities for local people
d) Higher dependence on fossil fuels for tourism

16. What is one major component of ecotourism?

a) Minimizing social and behavioral impacts
b) Encouraging mass tourism
c) Reducing interaction with local communities
d) Focusing solely on wildlife preservation without community benefits

17. Which of the following tourism categories does NOT fall under ecotourism?
a) Wildlife observation c) Medical tourism
b) Cultural tourism d) Adventure tourism

18. According to CREST, a critical aspect of ecotourism is:

a) Providing direct financial benefits for conservation
b) Expanding tourism to fragile natural areas
c) Offering only guided tours for high-paying visitors
d) Promoting global travel without restrictions

19. What does the term "sustainable tourism" primarily refer to?
a) Building luxury hotels in eco-sensitive areas
b) Meeting the needs of tourists while preserving resources for future generations
c) Restricting all tourism activities in nature reserves
d) Expanding tourism globally without concern for environmental impact

20. One key distinction between ecotourism and traditional tourism is that ecotourism:
a) Focuses only on wealthy travelers
b) Prioritizes environmental conservation and community benefits
c) Is mainly concerned with entertainment
d) Does not involve any human interaction

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